Generosity is an ability of selflessness and being able to give back to others around you, making the community around you a better place. If we all practiced a generous deed daily, imagine how much more peaceful and kinder the world around us would be?? As an Eagle Scout, I strive to do a "good turn" daily. This is the Boy Scout "Slogan". It can be as simple as picking up a piece of trash off the ground, holding open a door for someone behind me, or returning a stray grocery cart to the carousel. It can also involve donating goods, my time, or money to a needy organization. It truly starts with your local community! As a teenager, I am not always fiscally able to donate money. However, generosity can come in various forms - such as physical assistance, teaching knowledge or skill, or even kind words of encouragement to pick up one's spirit. It is these acts of kindness that mean the most to me.

Algebra is the most practical math for everyday usage. You can see signs of it everywhere - Go to the gas station, grocery store, bank and $/gal, $/lb, and % APR abound! When you make a purchase items, pay, and receive change; addition, multiplication, and subtraction are involved. Starting in elementary school with fact fluency (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division tables), you need to memorize these basic operations. In middle school you start learning more complex operations. In high school, you learn rates and percentages and how algebra applies to modeling of more practical applications/concepts. While there are more higher levels of mathematics to be studied - such as geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, and calculus; these forms of math are used less often, unless you are in a specific profession. I love the fact that I can visualize and see the world through simple algebraic models!

Resilience - throughout history, human beings have demonstrated that no matter the circumstances they faced we have always been able to adapt and overcome. Whether it be natural disasters, rebuilding takes place. Whether it be a pandemic, scientific advances are discovered. Whether it be political conflict/war, a peaceful solution prevails. While the situation may be grim at the outset, longer term resolutions result in a better outcome. It is our resilience that gives me hope that we will end up in a better place!

College changed my fathers life - he was the first in his family to attend college and enjoyed a rewarding career/life in aerospace and consulting. I want to continue that "legacy" by continuing to solve the world's most challenging manufacturing problems with a degree in business management and supply chain management. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed to the world just how fragile our supply chain systems really are. I never want people to be waiting weeks/days/hours for the necessary items to live their lives! In a world of 24-7 interconnected global commerce, wouldn't it be incredible if we always have the items we need available? That is why I want to study supply chain management and help ensure people get what they need!

What makes me happy? Whenever I am able to accomplish a major goal I set for myself and reflect on my journey to achieve it. An example is earning my Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts. I have been a member of scouts since the 4th grade. I love the scouting program in terms of the rank progression from Scout to Tenderfoot, to Second Class, to First Class, to Star, to Life, and to Eagle. Each rank has it's unique set of "requirements" that one must earn in order to achieve that rank. While Eagle may seem daunting and un-achievable at first, it is no different than training to run a marathon or summit Mount Everest. You must put in the hard work and take steps to achieve intermediate milestones before you reach your ultimate the final destination. Once you are there, there is NO better feeling of JOY in the world!

Imagine the joy I experienced at 10 years old when a joyous small puppy nearly knocked me over with her wagging tail and licked my face - I fell instantly in love with that Beagle/Airdale Terrier and needed to adopt her! One of the conditions for adopting a puppy is that my brother and I had to take care of her. That included feeding, grooming, letting her out, and taking her out on walks. The rude awakening I experienced as a middle schooler of taking my puppy Buttercream out to "do her business" was during inclement weather (cold, snow, rain, wind) and having to "pick up" after my dog. I am sure all dog lovers (especially older owners) have experienced a similar challenge. I came up with the idea of a waste pick up robot. Similar to how a Roomba automatically senses and vacuums up a floor, why couldn't a device do the same for picking up after a dog? The functions of locating the waste, picking it up, and storing it are fundamental and could be easily solved. However, the major challenge is the ability to do it across a wide spectrum of weather and terrain conditions. In addition, the device would have to be designed for easy and sanitary maintenance (e.g. emptying) - can you say Diaper Genie??? I would deploy several types of sensors for locating the waste. In addition to an optical camera, I would need to use a motion and infrared sensors to locate the target (e.g. new warm waste). Once we know where to go, the next step of picking up the waste involves finesse. How do you acquire it in the most sanitary manner without smearing/spreading it and contaminating surfaces? You need a mechanism that performs several different motions/functions (e.g. pick/clamp, scoop, etc.) with the utmost gentle manner. Once the waste is acquired (did you get it all or do you need to go get some more?), you need to collect and store it. Do you store it in individual "packages" like waste bags, a continuous waste bag, or in a "bin". Each has its pros & cons. The machine needs to return to it's starting point (home base). The transport mechanism needs to handle a variety of terrains (grass, pavement, rain, snow, ice) and slopes (flat, angled/slants, hills, etc.). Do you use wheels (rover), tracks (like a tank), or feet (robot). Once the machine is operating, it needs to be maintained. Charging, cleaning, emptying, and refilling consumables. These are all challenges that engineers face each and every day. With sufficient time and resources, a machine like this is possible and would make the lives of dog owners much easier!

Through my Boy Scout "Citizenship in The Community" merit badge, I learned how important it is be a contributing member of your community. It all starts with your local community, in fact it is the most fundamental aspect (which then culminates to your country and the world). When all citizens are good productive contributors to their community, it's makes the nation and the world a better place! I have seen prime examples where local organizations help each other - like the Elks club letting us use their pavilion for weekly scout meetings throughout the COVID pandemic. It allowed scouting to continue with a semblance of "normalcy" which we are truly grateful. I volunteer annually at my father's Rotary Club "Lobsterfest" fundraiser in the setup and cleanup/takedown. This is a wonderful event which brings the town residents together for a delicious lobster and steak dinner under the stars! I plan to be and active member of my future community (wherever I end up working and living). I aspire to give back to the local boy scout troop by being an adult leader. I also plan to volunteer my time and money to "give back" to those less fortunate.

As my father drove me through downtown Hartford CT to South Park Inn (a homeless shelter) I was saddened to see the dilapidated neighborhood and it's surroundings. Having lived in the suburbs I realized I have been living a sheltered life in a community that was thriving and "had no worries". Our boy scout troop spent the week shopping and cooking the meal at South Church (our chartered organization) and today was the day to deliver the meal and serve it to South Park Inn's residents. Upon arriving at the Inn, I quickly realized how needy the residents were. At first, I was hesitant and anxious about how this would go. As residents smiled and greeted us scouts with such genuine warmth, I became more at ease. The men and women who came through the serving line displayed such gratefulness, making us realize how fortunate I was. This was truly humbling! For the minimal amount of my time spent to shop, cook, and serve these people, it was so rewarding. Now, each spring and fall I participate in the "Soup Kitchen" and I donate money from my summer job to South Park Inn. I feel that my small contribution can make a difference in the lives of those in need.

The biggest problem facing the world is polarizing divisiveness. I see and hear people expressing themselves in such a strong and extreme manner where there is no consideration of an opposing or neutral position. All other contrary opinions are non-applicable. A fundamental solution is to further educate people on the power of language. By choosing our words wisely, we can better express ourselves along a "continuum" rather than in a binary manner of extremes. Instead of describing something as freezing, we can describe cold as a range between frozen and cool (with brisk, cold, chilled, etc. in between). Similarly rather describing something as boiling, we can describe it with a range between burning and warm (with scorching, sizzling, steaming, etc. in between). Using more descriptive words will help to pinpoint our true and relative feelings towards something rather than just in absolute terms. This will help us understand each other better and make the world a better place!

1. I don't deserve this scholarship because my parents will give me money for college and schools have given me a full ride. 2. I don't have any goals, just want to get out of my parents house and party at college! 3. I've never had to overcome any obstacles because my parents take care of everything!

Growing up, I did not think that I would ever be in the position where others would be looking to me for leadership and guidance until Boy Scouts. Scouting has taught me skills beyond the outdoors such as leadership and empowerment. Enduring skills that will serve me well in business and life. I was elected Senior Patrol Leader for the 2020-2021 scouting year. With careful planning and logistics, we overcame the restrictions of a pandemic and provided a sense of normalcy in this abnormal time. I earned my Eagle Scout rank in January 2022, which is the highlight of my scouting career!

In the spring of my freshmen year I was placed on probation. During my sophomore year, I became anxious and depressed, which led to disruptive behavior in violation of the campus code of conduct for which I was dismissed at the end of February of my junior year. I realize now that my behavior was a disservice to my fellow students when I flaunted the rules. At my current school, I realize how my previous peers felt about me when students in my classes would interrupt and act out in class. It has been a very humbling experience attending my local high school. Although poor behavior is not an excuse, I was frustrated with events in my life. A once in a lifetime pandemic derailed much of what I was hoping to accomplish as a teenager. Driving lessons were delayed; the ability to socialize was curtailed in lockdown. With the help of therapy and medication, I found that I can choose to channel the energy associated with any frustration and anger into actions that will help solve them. It took time for the self realization that my feelings of anger solves nothing. Frustration is bound to happen, I now use those moments for self reflection and have much greater appreciation and respect for those around me.

In my years in Boy Scouts, I have learned much about Robert Baden Powell. He was a British Army officer and authored "Scouting for Boys" which was the inspiration to the Scouting Movement. He is known as the "Lord of Scouting". He aspired to train young boys to become leaders with the ultimate goal of achieving world peace. This is such an inspiration! Powell influenced many generations of young men (and girls) to become good citizens and productive members of the community. The "life skills" I have gained through scouting will last my lifetime and I will pass them onto the next generation of youth. Imagine how much the the world would better off if everyone obeyed the Scout Law (A scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent) and Scout Oath ("On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty, to god and my country, to obey the Scout Law, keep myself physically fit, mentally awake, and morally straight")? That is why Lord Robert Baden Powell is such an inspiration to me!

In my years in Boy Scouts, I have served as a mentor to other fellow scouts. As an Eagle Scout, Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader, I have had the wonderful experience of leading by example. I serve my scouts by engaging them to life by the Scout Law, Scout Oath, and Outdoor Code. I hope that my teachings will help provide a foundation in which the young boys will grow up with a sense of duty "beyond self" and help to make the community they live in more peaceful and civil.

In my years in Boy Scouts, being outdoors and hiking up mountains not only is physically challenging but provides such a mental "high". The goal of reaching the top may seem to never come. Just when you feel like giving up, the adrenaline and endorphins are pumping you to continue and not give up! As you finally summit - man, the sense of accomplishment and the reward of beautiful 360 degree vistas make it ALL WORTH IT! You literally feel like being on "Cloud 9". All the world's troubles are left behind when absorb in all the serene beauty, fresh cool breezes, and natural tranquility. It is the world's best medicine to cure any of your problems (at least temporarily)!

As an Eagle Scout, I live my life with the "Leave No Trace" mantra and I always "Leave it better than I found it". Through years of campouts, hikes, and community service/preservation projects, I have an affinity towards preserving the natural beauty of our environment and doing my best to preserve it for future generations. As a young scout, my first camping trip to Mount Monadnock (NH) was awesome! The hike up the rugged mountain terrain opened my eyes up to the natural beauty and harsh environment mother nature served. When I summitted, I was rewarded with not only a wonderful 360 degree vista but also a sense of timeless beauty that endured the extreme seasons. This made me appreciate those volunteers who blazed and maintained the trails and made it easier for enjoyment. Ever since, I have made a personal commitment to respect our earth's fragile beauty and take steps to help preserve it for others and future generations of campers & hikers. I am careful to follow Boy Scout's "Leave No Trace" philosophy and make sure I cleanup/tidy up so that the site is in better condition than when I first arrived. I always pick up trash I find along my hikes, and to carry out refuse after leaving the campsite. I hope that my actions will make the community and world a better place for others to enjoy earth's natural beauty forever!

I propose that colleges adopt need blind admissions. When student admission decisions are solely based on academic achievements & potential, they are judged on meritocracy. This truly ensures a random or bell curve distribution in terms of student family financial wealth in order to be more economically diverse & equitable. Low income families would not need to worry about their ability to pay for the huge cost of college and limit their children's education choices.

The most helpful piece of financial advice I ever received was from national syndicate radio talk show host Dave Ramsey. His radio show helps people get out of debt. As part of his 3 envelope system, he advises you to split your money into 3 priority categories - save, spend, and donate. It is a brilliant and inspiring way to help you and make your community/world a better place! From my summer job as a camp counselor, I did exactly that. I saved 50% of my net earnings, I spend 35%, and I donated 15% to various location charities/non-profits. At the end of my summer, I felt really good being a productive member of society while helping to make life a little bit easier for those less fortunate.

Of all the financial lessons I have learned about, I consider Return on Investment (ROI) to be of upmost importance. When comparing apples to apples, you need to understand what you are paying for and what you are getting in return. This is very similar to how stock brokers/investment bankers determine what to invest in. When you have a budget or fixed resources, you want to make sure you are getting the best return on that investment. As I am applying to colleges, I am comparing costs (tuition, room and board, etc.) with financial aid to arrive at the "net cost". Then I compare the career earnings outcome in 10 years to understand the "return". I would then consider enrolling in those schools which yields the highest ROI. ROI is an important financial consideration - you need to understand what you are getting yourself into and whether or not the results meet your expectations.

Growing up, there have always been people to whom I looked up to, but I did not think that I would ever be in the position where others would be looking to me for leadership and guidance until Boy Scouts. While I had some prior outdoor experience hiking and camping with my father, it was Scouting that taught me skills beyond mere wilderness survival such as leadership and empowerment. Enduring skills that will serve me well in the business world and life. In May of 2020 I ran for and was elected Senior Patrol Leader, the troop’s leader. Responsibilities of the Senior Patrol Leader include organizing events, resolving conflicts, representing the troop, and serving as a mentor for the younger patrol leaders. I had previously held the role of Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and decided to give back to the troop that I enjoyed so much, I would lead my troop for the 2020-2021 Scouting year. Who knew that a pandemic would be thrown in the mix? By meeting outdoors throughout the pandemic, my troop was able to maintain a pre-pandemic cadence, providing consistency during a strange time where many activities were canceled due to COVID. Beginning my term, I took off running shouldering most tasks my troop was meant to accomplish in planning and executing activities. While I could provide safe, well run events for the troop in weekly activities and monthly campouts, I found my responsibilities to be taxing on myself. More importantly, older scouts under my watch were missing a crucial aspect of Scouting, leadership. I turned my attention to grow my scouts as leaders and I couldn’t do that if I was doing it alone. I re-evaluated my standing as a leader to engage all scouts. I changed my approach in weekly troop activities to include older scouts as instructors. I entrusted them with responsibilities such as activity planning and teaching skills. By empowering the older scouts, I could keep them engaged while indirectly, yet effectively, manage the troop. With more engagement amongst scouts, the troop had a higher retention rate of first year scouts than previous years. Delegating tasks to the older scouts empowered them to grow their patrols with the future in mind. Reflecting on my term as Senior Patrol Leader, I realize many of the issues that I faced in my troop are issues found in many organizations. When everyone is engaged, organizations are much more successful. By delegating and empowering the older scouts, they were more engaged and committed to the troop’s success. With careful planning and logistics, we overcame the restrictions that a pandemic placed on us and still had safe and fun gatherings that provided a sense of normalcy in this abnormal time!

I would like to continue the legacy of attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) started by my father (BS Aero ‘89). He was the son of immigrants and RPI changed his life, enabling a rewarding career in aerospace and consulting. I aspire to continue that legacy by solving the world’s toughest manufacturing problems with a degree in management with concentration in supply chain. When I attended the RPI Open House, the environment set by Professor Kumar of inquiry set RPI apart from other open houses that I attended. Therefore, I wish to attend the Lally School of Management to learn in this kind of environment. RPI has multiple facilities dedicated to student innovation and manufacturing excellence. Taking courses that use the MILL Lab and a potential work study in the MIC will allow me to explore my interests in management and manufacturing, providing me with real world experience even before graduation. The world has faced unprecedented challenges with the age of COVID-19. We have seen the inequities unfold before our eyes. Jobs that cannot be performed "remotely" required workers to risk their health/lives while others remained in the "safety" of their homes in front of computer screens. COVID tests not widely available to those communities of color and lower incomes. Vaccines being hoarded by wealthy nations - boosters given to some citizens while those in other nations have not even had their first dose! I aspire to change these inequities by helping organizations efficiently manufacture, transport, and distribute their goods & services throughout the world and help make it a better place for humanity.

Growing up, there have always been people to whom I looked up to, but I did not think that I would ever be in the position where others would be looking to me for leadership and guidance until Boy Scouts. While I had some prior outdoor experience hiking and camping with my father, it was Scouting that taught me skills beyond mere wilderness survival such as leadership and empowerment. Enduring skills that will serve me well in the business world and life. In May of 2020 I ran for and was elected Senior Patrol Leader, the troop’s leader. Responsibilities of the Senior Patrol Leader include organizing events, resolving conflicts, representing the troop, and serving as a mentor for the younger patrol leaders. I had previously held the role of Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and decided to give back to the troop that I enjoyed so much, I would lead my troop for the 2020-2021 Scouting year. Who knew that a pandemic would be thrown in the mix? By meeting outdoors throughout the pandemic, my troop was able to maintain a pre-pandemic cadence, providing consistency during a strange time where many activities were canceled due to COVID. As my term progressed, I could appreciate how hard my predecessors worked, yet they did not have to worry about a pandemic. Outings and campouts had to be planned, Mother Nature notwithstanding. Beginning my term, I took off running shouldering most tasks my troop was meant to accomplish in planning and executing activities. While I could provide safe, well run events for the troop in weekly activities and monthly campouts, I found my responsibilities to be taxing on myself. More importantly, older scouts under my watch were missing a crucial aspect of Scouting, leadership. I turned my attention to grow my scouts as leaders and I couldn’t do that if I was doing it alone. Initially, my focus was on the new scouts, but after the first couple of outings, I, too, noticed how the older scouts were not always engaged and often goofed off. I re-evaluated my standing as a leader to engage all scouts. I changed my approach in weekly troop activities to include older scouts as instructors. I entrusted them with responsibilities such as activity planning and teaching skills. By empowering the older scouts, I could keep them engaged while indirectly, yet effectively, manage the troop. With more engagement amongst scouts, the troop had a higher retention rate of first year scouts than previous years. Delegating tasks to the older scouts empowered them to grow their patrols with the future in mind. Reflecting on my term as Senior Patrol Leader, I realize many of the issues that I faced in my troop are issues found in many organizations. When everyone is engaged, organizations are much more successful. By delegating and empowering the older scouts, they were more engaged and committed to the troop’s success. With careful planning and logistics, we overcame the restrictions that a pandemic placed on us and still had safe and fun gatherings that provided a sense of normalcy in this abnormal time! I plan to study business/management in college with a concentration in supply chain management. I aspire to solve the world's toughest manufacturing problems.

As a boy scout, I have been on several adventurous backpacking/hiking trips to awesome mountain peaks. My first major hike was up to Mount Greylock (3,489 ft, the highest peak in Massachusetts). When I got up to the top peak with my father, the 360 degree views were so inspiring and I was in awe! Since then I have been on 2 backpacking trips to the Adirondacks - Mount Marcy (5,344 ft, the highest peak in the Adirondacks and state of NY) and Dix (4,857 ft). The physical and mental challenge of hiking up a steep mountain with a 40+ lb pack is intense. Sometimes when you want to give up, your adrenaline is the only thing keeping you going. When I finally reach the summit, the feeling of accomplishment is so rewarding! I aspire to climb/hike/backpack to the highest peak each state of the United States. So far I have achieved CT, MA & NY. I will continue to plan hikes to the highest peaks of each state before I reach the age of 50!

As an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, I love to embark on adventurous backpacking/hiking trips to awesome mountain peaks. My first major hike was up to Mount Greylock (3,489 ft, highest peak in Massachusetts). When I got up to the top peak with my father, the 360 degree views were so inspiring and I was in awe. It is a picturesque memory forever emblazed in my mind! Since then I have been on 2 backpacking trips to the Adirondacks - Mount Marcy (5,344 ft, the highest peak in the Adirondacks and state of NY) and Dix (4,857 ft). The physical and mental challenge of hiking up a steep mountain with a 40+ lb pack is intense. Sometimes when you are physically exhausted and want to give up, your adrenaline is the only thing keeping you going. When I finally reach the summit, the feeling of accomplishment is so rewarding! My bucket list is to climb/hike/backpack to the highest peak each state of the United States. So far I have achieved CT, MA & NY. I will continue to plan hikes to the highest peaks of each state before I reach the age of 50!

In the fall of my freshmen year I was bullied. In the spring semester, I was placed on probation for bringing alcohol on campus. During my sophomore year, I became anxious and depressed, which led to disruptive behavior in violation of the campus code of conduct for which I was dismissed at the end of February of my junior year. I realize now that my behavior was a disservice to my fellow students when I flaunted the rules. At my current school, I realize how my previous peers felt about me when students in my classes would interrupt and act out in class. It has been a very humbling experience attending my local high school. Although poor behavior is not an excuse, I was frustrated with events in my life. A once in a lifetime pandemic derailed much of what I was hoping to accomplish as a teenager. Driving lessons were delayed; the ability to socialize was curtailed in lockdown. With the help of therapy and medication, I found that I can choose to channel the energy associated with any frustration and anger into actions that will help solve them. It took time for the self realization that my feelings of anger solves nothing. Frustration is bound to happen, I now use those moments for self reflection and have much greater appreciation and respect for those around me. While I regret my past disciplinary violations, I credit those events in allowing myself time to reevaluate my mistakes and hopefully be a more conscientious and studious college student.

In the fall of my freshman year, I was bullied. In the spring semester I was placed on probation for bringing alcohol on campus. During my sophomore year, I became anxious and depressed, which led to disruptive behavior in violation of the campus code of conduct for which I was dismissed at the end of February of my junior year. I realize now that my behavior was a disservice to my fellow students when I flaunted the rules. At my current school, I realize how my previous peers felt about me when students in my classes would interrupt and act out in class. It has been a very humbling experience attending my local high school. Although poor behavior is not an excuse, I was frustrated with events in my life. A once in a lifetime pandemic derailed much of what I was hoping to accomplish as a teenager. Driving lessons were delayed; the ability to socialize was curtailed in lockdown. With the help of therapy and medication, I found that I can choose to channel the energy associated with any frustration and anger into actions that will help solve them. It took time for the self realization that my feelings of anger solves nothing. Frustration is bound to happen, I now use those moments for self reflection and have much greater appreciation and respect for those around me. While I regret my past disciplinary violations, I credit those events in allowing myself time to reevaluate my mistakes and hopefully be a more conscientious and studious college student.

In the fall semester of my freshman year at my private high school, I was bullied. In the spring semester I was placed on probation for bringing alcohol on campus. During my sophomore year, I became anxious and depressed, which led to disruptive behavior in violation of the campus code of conduct for which I was dismissed at the end of February of my junior year. I realize now that my behavior was a disservice to my fellow students when I flaunted the rules. At my local high school, I realize how my previous peers felt about me when students in my classes would interrupt and act out in class. It has been a very humbling experience attending my local high school. Although poor behavior is not an excuse, I was frustrated with events in my life. A once in a lifetime pandemic derailed much of what I was hoping to accomplish as a teenager. Driving lessons were delayed; the ability to socialize was curtailed in lockdown. With the help of therapy and medication, I found that I can choose to channel the energy associated with any frustration and anger into actions that will help solve them. It took time for the self realization that my feelings of anger solves nothing. Frustration is bound to happen, I now use those moments for self reflection and have much greater appreciation and respect for those around me. While I regret my past disciplinary violations, I credit those events in allowing myself time to reevaluate my mistakes and hopefully be a more conscientious and studious college student.

As an Eagle Scout, I am committed to do my best to help other people at all times. When I was the Senior Patrol Leader of my boy scout troop, I noticed that some of the older scouts were not always engaged. I recognized that by delegating tasks/responsibilities to them, they would be accountable and more "invested" in the troop's success. This resulted in a happier troop and higher retention rate amongst scouts. This is a phenomena that is applicable to all organizations. When a leader empowers and encourages all of its members, the organization thrives as a whole to achieve it's goal.

As an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, I am guided by the Scout Law which consists of 12 different points. The 2 points that resonate with speaking my mind are Trustworthy (Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you) and Brave (Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying). When I speak my mind I am also Courteous (Be polite to everyone and always use good manners). I try to word things in a way that is not offensive.

As a boy scout, I have been on several adventurous backpacking/hiking trips to awesome mountain peaks. My first major hike was up to Mount Greylock (3,489 ft, highest peak in Massachusetts). When I got up to the top peak with my father, the 360 degree views were so inspiring and I was in awe! Since then I have been on 2 backpacking trips to the Adirondacks - Mount Marcy (5,344 ft, the highest peak in the Adirondacks and state of NY) and Dix (4,857 ft). The physical and mental challenge of hiking up a steep mountain with a 40+ lb pack is intense. Sometimes when you want to give up, your adrenaline is the only thing keeping you going. When I finally reach the summit, the feeling of accomplishment is so rewarding! My bucket list is to climb/hike/backpack to the highest peak each state of the United States. So far I have achieved MA & NY. I will continue to plan hikes to the highest peaks of each state before I reach the age of 50!

Leadership means maximizing a team or organization's performance to achieve a goal with maximum efficiency by engaging all members and utilizing their individual strengths/weaknesses. In May of 2020 I ran for and was elected Senior Patrol Leader, the troop’s leader. Responsibilities of the Senior Patrol Leader include organizing events, resolving conflicts, representing the troop, and serving as a mentor for the younger patrol leaders. I had previously held the role of Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and decided to give back to the troop that I enjoyed so much, I would lead my troop for the 2020-2021 Scouting year. Who knew that a pandemic would be thrown in the mix? By meeting outdoors throughout the pandemic, my troop was able to maintain a pre-pandemic cadence, providing consistency during a strange time where many activities were canceled due to COVID. As my term progressed, I could appreciate how hard my predecessors worked, yet they did not have to worry about a pandemic. Outings and campouts had to be planned, Mother Nature notwithstanding. Beginning my term, I took off running shouldering most tasks my troop was meant to accomplish in planning and executing activities. While I could provide safe, well run events for the troop in weekly activities and monthly campouts, I found my responsibilities to be taxing on myself. More importantly, older scouts under my watch were missing a crucial aspect of Scouting, leadership. I turned my attention to grow my scouts as leaders and I couldn’t do that if I was doing it alone. The first troop outing that summer, the Scoutmaster and I meticulously planned the logistics for that day. Throughout the event, I corralled Scouts to accomplish their tasks for each station, enforced social distancing, all while encouraging camaraderie. Everyone had fun learning new skills. My goal for a successful pandemic outing was met! When I consulted with my Scoutmaster and my father, they both felt that the day was a success. However, my father later added, “One thing I noticed was that the older Scouts were not as attentive.” Initially, my focus was on the new scouts, but after the first couple of outings, I, too, noticed how the older scouts were not always engaged and often goofed off. I re-evaluated my standing as a leader to engage all scouts. I changed my approach in weekly troop activities to include older scouts as instructors. I entrusted them with responsibilities such as activity planning and teaching skills. By empowering the older scouts, I could keep them engaged while indirectly, yet effectively, manage the troop. With more engagement amongst scouts, the troop had a higher retention rate of first year scouts than previous years. Delegating tasks to the older scouts empowered them to grow their patrols with the future in mind. Reflecting on my term as Senior Patrol Leader, I realize many of the issues faced in my troop are issues found in many organizations. When everyone is engaged, organizations are much more successful. By delegating and empowering the older scouts, they were more engaged and committed to the troop’s success. With careful planning and logistics, we overcame the restrictions that a pandemic placed on us and still had safe and fun gatherings that provided a sense of normalcy in this abnormal time! I plan to study management in college and will pursue a career where I can help organizations perform to their full potential. In an age of limited resources, time, and budgets I hope to maximize the use of each and every person and create a sense of camaraderie and well being!

In May of 2020 I ran for and was elected Senior Patrol Leader of Boy Scout Troop 156 for the 2020-2021 scouting year. Who knew that a pandemic would be thrown in the mix? By meeting outdoors throughout the pandemic, my troop was able to maintain a pre-pandemic cadence, providing consistency during a strange time where many activities were canceled due to COVID. As a troop, we provided safe, well run events for scouts. The ability for scouts to have "down time" and to be outside weekly and monthly campouts in nature proved to be life saving from a mental health standpoint. Reflecting on my term as Senior Patrol Leader, I realize many of the issues faced in my troop were issues faced by practically the entire world during COVID. With careful planning and logistics, we overcame the restrictions that a pandemic placed on us and still had safe and fun gatherings that provided a sense of normalcy in this abnormal time!

In May of 2020 I ran for and was elected Senior Patrol Leader of Boy Scout Troop 156 for the 2020-2021 scouting year. Who knew that a pandemic would be thrown in the mix? By meeting outdoors throughout the pandemic, my troop was able to maintain a pre-pandemic cadence, providing consistency during a strange time where many activities were canceled due to COVID. While I could provide safe, well run events for the troop in weekly activities and monthly campouts, I found my responsibilities to be taxing on myself. Older scouts under my watch were missing a crucial aspect of Scouting, leadership. I turned my attention to grow my scouts as leaders and I couldn’t do that if I was doing it alone. I noticed how the older scouts were not always engaged and often goofed off. I challenged myself as a leader to engage all scouts. I changed my approach in weekly troop activities to include older scouts as instructors. I entrusted them with responsibilities such as activity planning and teaching skills. By empowering the older scouts, I could keep them engaged while indirectly, yet effectively, manage the troop. With more engagement amongst scouts, the troop had a higher retention rate of first year scouts than previous years. Reflecting on my term as Senior Patrol Leader, I realize many of the issues faced in my troop are issues found in many organizations. When everyone is engaged, organizations are much more successful. By delegating and empowering the older scouts, they were more engaged and committed to the troop’s success. With careful planning and logistics, we overcame the restrictions that a pandemic placed on us and still had safe and fun gatherings that provided a sense of normalcy in this abnormal time!

I served Boy Scout Troop 156 Glastonbury CT as Senior Patrol Leader in 2020-2021. Growing up, there have always been people to whom I looked up to, but I did not think that I would ever be in the position where others would be looking to me for leadership and guidance until Boy Scouts. Scouting has taught me skills beyond mere wilderness survival such as leadership and empowerment. Enduring skills that will serve me well in business and life. In May of 2020 I ran for and was elected Senior Patrol Leader, the troop’s leader. Responsibilities of the Senior Patrol Leader include organizing events, resolving conflicts, representing the troop, and serving as a mentor for the younger patrol leaders. I had previously held the role of Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and decided to give back to the troop that I enjoyed so much, I would lead my troop for the 2020-2021 Scouting year. Who knew that a pandemic would be thrown in the mix? By meeting outdoors throughout the pandemic, my troop was able to maintain a pre-pandemic cadence, providing consistency during a strange time where many activities were canceled due to COVID. As my term progressed, I could appreciate how hard my predecessors worked, yet they did not have to worry about a pandemic. Outings and campouts had to be planned, Mother Nature notwithstanding. Beginning my term, I took off running shouldering most tasks my troop was meant to accomplish in planning and executing activities. While I could provide safe, well run events for the troop in weekly activities and monthly campouts, I found my responsibilities to be taxing on myself. More importantly, older scouts under my watch were missing a crucial aspect of Scouting, leadership. I turned my attention to grow my scouts as leaders and I couldn’t do that if I was doing it alone. The first troop outing that summer, the Scoutmaster and I meticulously planned the logistics for that day. Throughout the event, I corralled Scouts to accomplish their tasks for each station, enforced social distancing, all while encouraging camaraderie. Everyone had fun learning new skills. My goal for a successful pandemic outing was met! When I consulted with my Scoutmaster and my father, they both felt that the day was a success. However, my father later added, “One thing I noticed was that the older Scouts were not as attentive.” Initially, my focus was on the new scouts. I noticed how the older scouts were not always engaged and often goofed off. I re-evaluated my standing as a leader to engage all scouts. I changed my approach in weekly troop activities to include older scouts as instructors. I entrusted them with responsibilities such as activity planning and teaching skills. By empowering the older scouts, I could keep them engaged while indirectly, yet effectively, manage the troop. With more engagement amongst scouts, the troop had a higher retention rate of first year scouts than previous years. Delegating tasks to the older scouts empowered them to grow their patrols with the future in mind. Reflecting on my term as Senior Patrol Leader, I realize many of the issues faced in my troop are issues found in many organizations. When everyone is engaged, organizations are much more successful. By delegating and empowering the older scouts, they were more engaged and committed to the troop’s success. With careful planning and logistics, we overcame the restrictions that a pandemic placed on us and still had safe and fun gatherings that provided a sense of normalcy in this abnormal time!

Growing up, there have always been people to whom I looked up to, but I did not think that I would ever be in the position where others would be looking to me for leadership and guidance until Boy Scouts. While I had some prior outdoor experience hiking and camping with my father, it was Scouting that taught me skills beyond mere wilderness survival such as leadership and empowerment. Enduring skills that will serve me well in business and life. In May of 2020 I ran for and was elected Senior Patrol Leader, the troop’s leader. Responsibilities of the Senior Patrol Leader include organizing events, resolving conflicts, representing the troop, and serving as a mentor for the younger patrol leaders. I had previously held the role of Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and decided to give back to the troop that I enjoyed so much, I would lead my troop for the 2020-2021 Scouting year. Who knew that a pandemic would be thrown in the mix? By meeting outdoors throughout the pandemic, my troop was able to maintain a pre-pandemic cadence, providing consistency during a strange time where many activities were canceled due to COVID. As my term progressed, I could appreciate how hard my predecessors worked, yet they did not have to worry about a pandemic. Outings and campouts had to be planned, Mother Nature notwithstanding. Beginning my term, I took off running shouldering most tasks my troop was meant to accomplish in planning and executing activities. While I could provide safe, well run events for the troop in weekly activities and monthly campouts, I found my responsibilities to be taxing on myself. More importantly, older scouts under my watch were missing a crucial aspect of Scouting, leadership. I turned my attention to grow my scouts as leaders and I couldn’t do that if I was doing it alone. The first troop outing that summer, the Scoutmaster and I meticulously planned the logistics for that day. Throughout the event, I corralled Scouts to accomplish their tasks for each station, enforced social distancing, all while encouraging camaraderie. Everyone had fun learning new skills. My goal for a successful pandemic outing was met! When I consulted with my Scoutmaster and my father, they both felt that the day was a success. However, my father later added, “One thing I noticed was that the older Scouts were not as attentive.” Initially, my focus was on the new scouts, but after the first couple of outings, I, too, noticed how the older scouts were not always engaged and often goofed off. I re-evaluated my standing as a leader to engage all scouts. I changed my approach in weekly troop activities to include older scouts as instructors. I entrusted them with responsibilities such as activity planning and teaching skills. By empowering the older scouts, I could keep them engaged while indirectly, yet effectively, manage the troop. With more engagement amongst scouts, the troop had a higher retention rate of first year scouts than previous years. Delegating tasks to the older scouts empowered them to grow their patrols with the future in mind. Reflecting on my term as Senior Patrol Leader, I realize many of the issues faced in my troop are issues found in many organizations. When everyone is engaged, organizations are much more successful. By delegating and empowering the older scouts, they were more engaged and committed to the troop’s success. With careful planning and logistics, we overcame the restrictions that a pandemic placed on us and still had safe and fun gatherings that provided a sense of normalcy in this abnormal time!