Luke C. (IN A NUTSHELL)
Hi, there! My name's Luke and in the first two photos you've caught me in... India! That's right, this past summer I was lucky enough to intern for a Mumbai-based nonprofit called Magic Bus India. I know what you might be thinking... "He worked at The Magic School Bus?" Although I wish I could call Ms. Frizzle my boss, my work this summer was a little different from playing a cartoon character, but just as equally cool. I spent my time recruiting 18-24 year-olds from impoverished areas to our skilling program so that they can go on to have meaningful careers.
Outside of my summer gigs, I also go to school. I am majoring in English at Stanford and also have a lot of experience in Product Design. I spend a lot of my time writing, screenwriting, reading, and watching movies. In fact, my favorite screenplay right now's got to be The Royal Tenenbaums.
When I've read too much and words stop making sense, I resort to sketching and creating. I love designing new products and have a lot of experience in need-finding, sketching, rapid-prototyping, and Fusion 360. Additionally, I recently started experimenting with a new medium: spray paint! In the third picture of me, I'm legally trying out graffiti.
Recently, the Wordle was "Neigh" and I think it would be a dereliction for me not to mention that I ride horses. I'm actually learning to play polo right now at Stanford. Chances are, you might catch me with horses instead of books on a lucky afternoon!
Aside from riding, I love exploring new places and writing about them. I lived in New York City two summers ago, Israel last summer, and most recently, India. I find that gathering with locals in cities I am new to is great for telling stories, either with a camera or pen.
No matter where I've lived, I have to say that I'm a sucker for the American West. I love the California coast, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific Northwest. I grew up in the rainy (but beautiful) Salem, Oregon. I graduated with honors from South Salem High School as Valedictorian and the commencement speaker. In high school, I was the President of the Key Club (community service) and Model United Nations; Treasurer of National Honor Society; DECA Community Outreach Director; and participated in Environmental Club, German National Honor Society, and Youth & Government.
My high school experience was interrupted as the pandemic forced Oregon schools into over one year of online learning. I founded a nonprofit in 2020 called ConnectOregonStudents to supplement learning and peer support. As president, I worked with two of my friends to offer support and tutoring to students across Oregon, Southwest Washington, and Northern California. I also advocated for victims of eating disorders, having overcome one in my high school years.
A phrase that I dislike is “a jack of all trades is a master at none.” I am a firm believer in becoming a jack of many trades to eliminate trades that I dislike. After a bit of exploration, one can eventually find a trade to master! I hope to share findings along my journey to help my mentees locate their own passions!
