Hobbies and interests
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Baking
Ceramics And Pottery
Reading
Adventure
Humor
Biography
Philosophy
Realistic Fiction
Social Issues
I read books daily
Eleanor Elkus
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FinalistBio
I am a current sophomore at Tufts University studying computer science in the School of Engineering. Outside of computer science related interests, I also am very passionate about the environment, LGBTQIA+ issues, pottery, and rock climbing!
Education
Tufts University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Mathematics and Computer Science
Mountain Brook High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
Career
Dream career field:
Computer Software
Dream career goals:
Barista
Tamper Cafe2023 – Present1 yearBarista and Bread Salesperson
Continental Bakery2022 – Present2 years
Sports
Climbing
Club2022 – Present2 years
Lacrosse
Varsity2014 – 20228 years
Awards
- Alabama State Champions 2022
- National Academic All American 2023
- Coach's Award for Offensive Player 2023
- Alabama State Champions 2021
- Most Goals Scored 2018
Arts
Tufts University
CeramicsI have pictures of each piece made over the course of the semester2022 – 2022
Public services
Volunteering
Collat Jewish Family Services of Birmingham — Volunteer2019 – 2022Volunteering
Greater Birmingham Humane Society — Help walk, bathe, and care for dogs of all breeds and behavioral status.2020 – 2022Advocacy
Alabama Environmental Youth Council — Educational Outreach Committee Leader and Sustainable Waste Committee Leader2020 – 2022
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Jacob Daniel Dumas Memorial Jewish Scholarship
Ever since the start of my college application process, I have struggled to answer the never-ending questions of “What are you going to study? What are you going to do with your life?”. I have always thought of myself as being a very multifaceted student. Yes, I love math and science, but I also love to read and – perhaps more than anything – make ceramics and pottery. For a while, it felt wrong to say that one of these interests should hold more weight and importance in my life than the others. And it felt even more wrong to completely let go of something I love in favor of traditional education and career paths. So, I would dodge the questions, instead answering that “Oh, I’m looking at a couple different paths, but haven’t decided on a final one yet.”
This continued for a couple of months but came to an abrupt end as soon as I took my first computer science class. To open the lecture, my professor showed us four pictures: the analytical engine, the very first VR headset, a new robot being used to assist in neurosurgeries, and a hypnotic drawing that was created using nothing but code. It was then that the incredible, unbounded applications of computer science hit me. I could use computer science to combine so many, if not all, of my other interests and hobbies. I can use it to detect changes in air pollution in response to increased road development in my town, and then use my findings to lobby for change. I can combine my love of art with my love of computer science by creating tactile, interactive paintings or sculptures that respond to touch and react in an endless number of ways. I can even apply computer science to my most devoted hobby, rock climbing! I could create an app that, when shown a climbing route, will explain the best beta (solution to complete the route) for varying heights of climbers. For the very first time, I never felt the dread of knowing my eventual career choice would place immovable bounds on what my life could be.
Computer science was the first area of study that truly excited me from the start. And, a year into studying it full-time, has yet to stop bringing me that same excitement. Yes, I still love the satisfaction of solving a complex math problem or the enrichment that comes from reading a great novel. However, I can’t seem to top the exhilaration of knowing that the boundaries of what I can accomplish with computer science lie only in the limits of my thinking and my willingness to keep learning.