Andrew V. (IN A NUTSHELL)

AJ is a computational, proactive environmentalist; he believes the answers to healing our scarred world lies within the intersection between the social, physical, and natural sciences. As a first-generation American, his first-hand experience with environmental injustices and exploitations in his home countries has led to a personal life goal to preserve the one common human experience amongst all people worldwide – the dynamic, natural world. During his time in high school, AJ was able to graduate with Magna Cum Lade distinction and earn several graduation awards, including ones for excellence in environmental science, athletics, and unwavering school service. He also served as the cross-country team’s co-captain and the bass section leader in concert band during his senior year. Functioning as a teaching assistant in AP Environmental Science & Biology Honors also bolstered his aptitude for classroom instruction. Most notably, he took part in the development of “¡Aprendalo!”, an international nonprofit that provides free, virtual ESL education to Latin American citizens in need with 200+ students and 100+ American tutors. Currently, AJ is a first-year student double majoring in Environmental Engineering and Environment & Sustainability while pursuing a minor in Sustainable Energy Systems at Cornell University, where he is also a research assistant in the DeFrees Hydraulics Laboratory. He is curious to see where his college journey will take him in life, and eager to keep participating in the new campus organizations he joined last Fall. These include the Big Red Marching Band and GAIA Cornell (Global Action Impact Association), where he collaborates with foreign NGO partners on the international team to develop outlines for national, sustainability-themed engineering project team competitions. During his free time, AJ loves going to the gym, watching Netflix shows with friends, and learning new cooking recipes. Furthermore, the sheer abundance of gorges and waterfalls he enjoys exploring in Ithaca, New York has made him not regret his college choice one bit…even if there is a snowstorm every other day! Teaching, to AJ, has very much always entailed a mutual learning experience. When the floor is given to him to share topics he deeply cares about with his mentees, he is able to see through a new lens of self-improvement and growth. He takes this new perspective to better himself not only for his own well-being but also to foster the intellectual development of his students. This cycle of consistent growth between the student and mentor is why AJ loves teaching so much; he believes anyone is capable of success through hard work and patience.