Jorge Cagigas Hondal

Moving to the U.S. two years ago at the age of 15 by myself was one of the biggest challenges of my life. Coming from a different country and facing a language barrier, I had to work twice as hard to adapt. Despite not having AP classes avaliable for me at my school, I pushed myself in every Honors class they offered, making the High Honor List and becoming a Peer Tutor. Before coming here, I was selected to participate in university-level Math and Chemistry Olympiads at ages 11 and 13, which sparked my love for science.
My goal for the future is specific: I want to study Chemistry and get a Master’s in Nuclear Energy. My dream is to work on converting nuclear waste into reusable material to minimize pollution. I really want to use science to do something good for humanity.
Outside of class, I try to help others whenever I can. Every summer, I volunteer at the hospital entertaining kids in the wards and the ICU. It is a tough environment, but seeing them smile is an incredible human experience. At school, I’m very active in the band and I ‘ve participated in an international student exchange program with AFS (American Field Service).
When I’m not studying, you can find me playing music (guitar, bass, piano, and harmonica), playing golf (which I’ve done since I was eight), or playing chess, especially when I’m trying to beat my mom. My teachers would describe me as a hard and ethic worker who is responsible and friendly, and I try to live up to that every day.