Biography
My name is Alexis Barragan and was born in Provo, Utah in the year of 1995. After living a couple years in Astoria, Oregon, I moved to Salt Lake City and have been living here ever since. I have three brothers and a sister. I am the oldest of the five of us. I love to read books. My current favorite books are East of Eden by John Steinbeck and The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley. I am an Eagle Scout and enjoy spending time in the natural environments of our planet. Backpacking over the continental divide in Yellowstone National Park and kayaking down category three rapids in the Salmon River have been outstanding adventures I have had. I attended public schools Hillsdale Ellementary and West Lake Junior High School before I attended AMES.
I entered the Academy for Math, Engineering, & Science in the year of 2010. My interests have reflected in the courses and extracurricular activities I have participated in while attending AMES: Electric Car Club, FIRST Robotics, Science Fair, Biology Olympiad, Cross Country, Winter Track, AP Biology, Physics 2210, etc. From a combination of these various activities, as well as from my internship with Chemical Engineer Dr. Tony Butterfield, I have found a career path to take in Environmental Engineering that suits my needs and interests.
I entered the Academy for Math, Engineering, & Science in the year of 2010. My interests have reflected in the courses and extracurricular activities I have participated in while attending AMES: Electric Car Club, FIRST Robotics, Science Fair, Biology Olympiad, Cross Country, Winter Track, AP Biology, Physics 2210, etc. From a combination of these various activities, as well as from my internship with Chemical Engineer Dr. Tony Butterfield, I have found a career path to take in Environmental Engineering that suits my needs and interests.
Reflection on an Excerpt
Now, there are many millions in their sects and churches who feel the order, ‘Do thou,’ and throw their weight into obedience. And there are millions more who feel predestination in ‘Thou shalt.’ Nothing they may do can interfere with what will be. But ‘Thou mayest’! Why, that makes a man great, that gives him stature with the gods, for in his weakness and his filth and his murder of his brother he has still the great choice. He can choose his course and fight it through and win.” Lee’s voice was a chant of triumph. "Confucius tells men how they should live to have good and successful lives. But this—this is a ladder to climb to the stars.” Lee’s eyes shone. “You can never lose that. It cuts the feet from under weakness and cowardliness and laziness.” -John Steinbeck, East of Eden
This excerpt from East of Eden has been one of the most influential messages in my life so far. This truly sums up the ability of people to choose their own future. There are so many pressures in life that try to shape me into a person that I don't want to be. These pressures exist everywhere and are lifelong. Sometimes, I am the biggest pressure to be someone who I don't want to be. I have weaknesses and dispositions that make me believe that I can never reach my goal. But "Thou mayest" reminds me of the power of choice that I have. It reminds me that I am the master of my own fate. I can overcome my own weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Even with my imperfections, obstacles, failures it is ultimately my choice who I decide to become.