S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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Jared Ryan Benn would one day like to see a complete overhaul of the energy systems used throughout the world and see almost all countries using solely renewable energy sources.
I have always loved chemistry and although I didn’t want to specifically go into the field of chemistry, I still wanted to do a course that was centred around chemicals. Chemical engineering was therefore the perfect option for me. I also wanted to choose a career that would enable me to help the planet, and I believe that chemical engineering will allow me to do so.
Although I mostly chose chemical engineering based on my own research, I was finally convinced by my uncle to pursue the field. He is also a chemical engineer and he showed me a lot of the projects that he has worked on. He worked on sustainable energy projects, which really inspired me to make my final decision.
I would one day like to see a complete overhaul of the energy systems used throughout the world and see almost all countries using solely renewable energy sources. I believe that through a career as a chemical engineer, I will be able to solve the energy crisis in the world and provide innovative and sustainable methods to combat the use of non-renewable energy sources.
I spent my entire high school career at Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town in the Western Cape. I absolutely loved the school and my teachers, many of whom inspired my love for maths and science, particularly my Grade 8 maths teacher, who first introduced me to the amazing world of mathematics. I was heavily involved in the school, both academically and culturally, and I treasure the time that I spent there.
The main thing that I enjoyed about physical sciences was being able to figure out how the world works. Through the physics and chemistry, that I learnt in high school, I truly started to understand the world around me and this inspired me to continue working in this field even more, to grow my knowledge. I love maths due to the tough nature of some problems, as I love solving complex problems. This also inspired me to take further studies in mathematics to learn even more about the subject.
The main reason that many people struggle with these subjects, in my opinion, is due to poor teaching in the classroom. If someone gets a bad teacher, even for one year, it can make them hate a certain subject for the rest of their schooling career. They might believe that they are bad at the subject, even though they have so much potential. In this situation, I recommend that students seek as much outside help as possible, from other students, teachers, outside tutors or even videos online when they are struggling.
Although it is extremely important to focus on your academics, especially to get the marks needed to achieve your goals after high school, it is also very important to try to have as much fun as possible. Although your last two years of high school are the most difficult, they can also be the most enjoyable, so get involved in as many activities as possible at your school. Make the most of your time while not sacrificing your academics.
The best advice I can give is to not let outside influences change what you want to achieve. Do what you believe will bring you happiness and the most fulfilment in your future career. If you are unsure what you want to do, it is sometimes best to take a gap year to help you find yourself. No one knows exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives when they are 18 years old. Although it may be frowned upon by some, often taking a gap year is the best option.
An achiever, above everything else, is someone who doesn’t give up. No matter what hardships are thrown at them or what difficulties they might go through, they will always persevere and do the best they possibly can. They keep their eyes focused on their goals and do everything in their power to achieve them.
Our country and the world, are in a very scary situation. With all of these taking place, it is important that we work together to improve the world, not only for ourselves but for future generations. There is no point in blaming older generations for the issues we face today, as they will not be affected. We will be the ones suffering the consequences, therefore we must do everything in our power to improve our lives and the lives of those around us in any way possible.
I would like to thank them for the passion and love for learning that many of them have given me. I would have not chosen the path I am currently on without them. They have shaped me into the person that I am today, and I cannot be more grateful for what they have done for me.
If I could talk to any influential person, specifically in the field of science, it would have to be Albert Einstein. Although I don’t fully understand most of his work, I would love to have the opportunity to sit down with him and hopefully begin to understand his thought process. I believe it would help me become a more insightful and creative person. I also love the field of nuclear physics and would love to be able to show him how far his work has advanced the field.
S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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