My Secret Sauce

Five ways I have human capital which is truly unique:

1) I am a Gator Engineer pursuing a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering equipped with a minor in Innovation. Not only do I have the academic background to analyze materials, systems, and workplaces and design a system that is more efficient or effective for a company, I understand the concepts behind creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership and am equipped to contribute an innovative perspective to my work environment.
2) I am an Innovation Academy Ambassador. I am a student leader who is completely knowledgeable of the facets and pillars of the Innovation Academy and all it has to offer to the extent where I can serve as a professional representative of the undergraduate program and communicate that information to a range of audiences.
3) I have endured physical abuse, poverty, and homelessness. Throughout high school I had undergone tremendous hardship and faced a series of obstacles that stood in the way of my successes. Aside from my exhibited profound resilience, I have an underdog's perspective which persists to attain goals amidst a high stress environment, as well as extreme flexibility and great ability to adapt to unexpected change.
4) I receive no financial contribution from my family to fund my education. I have secured finances for my college degree and living expenses completely on my own, seeking private scholarships, grants, and working during my off terms. This exhibits my tenacity and resourcefulness as an individual.
5) I have been involved in various student organizations that have broadened my perspective as an engineer and student and have largely developed my demeanor. From the Technology Student Organization to the Graphic Design club, I've explored a range of talents such as parliamentary procedure, promotional and informational graphics, branding for start up companies, web development, public speaking, and technical writing. Being involved in organizations that demand time management, accountability, and leadership have contributed largely to my willingness to work in a team environment, help delegate tasks, take on responsibility, encourage others to succeed, and ensure that I keep my engagements and commitments.


Interviews:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9XCvjV9Hw-EZ0w1ZjlxUVZEUm5FcnRhRXdyQ2ZIS1NnbzB3/view?usp=sharing
Jayna, my fellow ambassador and also dear friend, has had close experience with me working on projects in student organizations over the past year. Jayna believes that what makes me different and valuable is the passion and energy that I put into my projects. She also said that what sets me apart are the creative solutions that I procure, paired with my relentless drive to complete tasks thoroughly. As Nika had pointed out, Jayna also thinks my value is derived from the trust she can invest in me and that I prove to be a reliable worker.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9XCvjV9Hw-Eci1scUdsakVJakpNdWw5NUNja1RLOXdRbTRr/view?usp=sharing
Luis, my close friend of 4 years from high school, opened my eyes to characteristics I hadn't particularly seen in myself. Luis pointed out that I am an affectionate person that makes you feel welcome, and that I have a simple humor that can turn your day around. Luis knows that I have set long term goals in mind and that I am always working towards them to make them a reality. He sees that school is a main priority for me and notices that I will do everything I can to excel, educate myself, and go out of my way to help students and others. Something I had not seen in myself that Luis sees, is my diverse and rich vocabulary that "captivates you" and "draws you into conversation".

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9XCvjV9Hw-ESGlfSnZCYnJPbm13LUViWGVyYUxIYVNIbXJn/view?usp=sharing
To Nika, my dear friend that I met my spring semester of freshman year, my key takeaways are my determination and reliability. Nika denoted that I have an ambition that drives my success, and that all of my efforts are given 110%. Furthermore, Nika made a point that I am valuable to her because I am someone she can rely on for advice and guidance.

The following interviewee did not want to be recorded, but gave me permission to submit a written synopsis of his recording:
You're incredibly diligent and passionate in everything I've seen you do. You don't do something unless it's going to be 110%. You're fiercely competitive and strive to become the best, yet humble enough to seek expertise & knowledge from others. You foster teamwork with a diverse group of people and encourage them to find themselves and become the best they can be (volleyball and innovation academy are the two examples that come to mind). You're one of those rare unicorns that goes beyond the status quo of effort because you know normal is boring, extraordinary is what sets you apart from the rest and makes you SLIGHTLY more valuable than say a kid from Seminole state college... 😜 now if you'll please excuse me I'm going to continue to get drunk and enjoy my first weekend of summer b.
Turner Thornberry, thank you for believing in me.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9XCvjV9Hw-EYnE1dzFwQV9ELXc
The final submission is from my close friends from Extreme Dance Company, Lola and Melissa. Lola and Melissa, like the others I have interviewed see that I am a determined, goal oriented individual who possesses strong leadership qualities. They also noted that what sets me apart is my tendency to speak my mind, and speak eloquently.


The key attribute that all of my interviews endowed in me, or noticed rather, was that I am determined. I will do something through and through and make sure the goal is accomplished. Things that were pointed out that I didn't see in myself were traits of amicability, great verbal communication, my passion for my projects, and also my drive to excel, not just complete goals. I also didn't recognize how many people relied on me and trusted me with responsibility. After seeing these perspectives from other people I would include my dedication, passion, and reliability to my list.