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Khylin Verplank

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Alpine Skiing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Skateboarding
  • Scuba Diving
  • Travel And Tourism
  • Aerial Silks
  • Child Development
  • Environmental Science and Sustainability
  • Astronomy
  • Hammocking
  • Camping
  • Music

Reading

  • Mystery
  • Science Fiction
  • Realistic Fiction
  • History
  • Science‎
  • Adventure
  • Christianity
  • Self-Help

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

My long-term goal is to uphold a position of leadership in the field of Physics and Astronomy after earning my degree at UH Manoa, where I am currently a sophomore. My fascination with space and exploration has shaped my academic and personal journey. I am passionate about learning more about the world around me while building meaningful connections. I thrive in both leadership and team environments, balancing collaboration with independence. Through high school, I volunteered at Space Foundation Discovery Center which helped foster my love of the field. I particularly enjoy this opportunity because it allowed me to help inspire kids in my community to engage in STEM and discover their interests. Now, in Hawaii, I volunteer with outreach for my school's physics and astronomy program, which allows me to engage with my community in a similar way. Beyond academics, I have a deep love for adventure and the outdoors. Spending time outside helps me recharge, and I am always eager to try something new. Since starting university, I have earned my scuba certification, hiked nearly every week, and even gone skydiving and free diving with sharks. I seek out once-in-a-lifetime experiences, always looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow. Most recently, I’ve been learning to surf, something completely new to me as someone from Colorado. I will continue asking questions and aim to inspire those around me to do the same. I believe it is important to embrace every opportunity to explore, learn, and inspire.

Education

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Bachelor's degree program

2023 – 2027

Majors:
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics

Air Academy High School

High School

2019 – 2023

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Botany/Plant Biology

Career

  • Learning Assistant

    Education · University of Hawaii of Manoa

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

  • Intern

    Defense & Space · Omitron Inc.

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Female Cabin Leader

    Education · YMCA Camp Shady Brook

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

  • Hostess

    Restaurants · Pint & Jigger

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • Actress

    Arts · Fine Arts Center of Colorado Springs

    Jan 2012 – Jan 2013

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Dream career goals:
Research Scientist
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Eco-Warrior Scholarship
Nature is perfect in every way, shape, and form. It is difficult for me to understand how some people tend to overlook the beauty around them and refuse to make simple changes to benefit the planet. My grandma has always told me that she wants to live with sustainability in mind so that I can see the beauty that she saw in the world. This has inspired me from a very young age as well as the many opportunities I have had to experience the world's natural value throughout my life. As I mentioned before my grandma was the person who first introduced me to sustainability and many ways that I can live a cleaner life. Together we compost every organic item that we can that we then turn into the soil in the compost bin for the garden. I love this because it is exciting to see the plants that we can yield from our efforts and the waste be renewed into soil capable of sustaining life. As I have traveled around I have also had the opportunity to learn from other cultures and have adopted many of their efforts as well. At my grandmother's house in Mexico, the rainwater is all recycled and waste is decomposed naturally by biological enzymes. In addition to this, 100 percent of her electricity comes from solar power and even the water is heated by the sun for showers and more. I have grown to love this idea of a sustainable life that is completely self-contained and although I do not own a house right now I plan on living similarly and making efforts wherever I can to reduce the effects of climate change. Every summer since I was six years old I have been staying at sleepover camps that are completely offline and emphasize the importance of conserving energy and maintaining beautiful earth. Through this, I have been able to detach myself from the online world every year and connected further with nature. I look forward to working as a counselor at this camp this summer and inspiring others to do the same. I enjoy using bar shampoos to reduce the amount of plastic in bottles and refill my water bottle instead of buying single-use plastic. Whenever possible I love giving these as gifts as well to encourage my friends to live more sustainably. I think that if everyone puts forth just a small amount of effort to reduce waste and carbon emissions even if it means carpooling so one less car is used in the morning it could make a huge difference. I will always be motivated by my love for the outdoors to continue to live my life for the future and will always encourage those around me to do the same.
I Can Do Anything Scholarship
Always driven to learn more about the world and the people around me.
Khylin Verplank Student Profile | Bold.org