Jake Sunday

Personal Statement of Life Purpose and Ambitions

Life Purpose and Ambitions

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved technology. I’m a junior at the Academy of Math,
Engineering and Science and while in high school, I’m enjoying making new friends, getting to
know my teachers, and learning about science and technology. Because of my love of
computers and technology I chose an Eagle project the allowed me to help introduce
programming to hundreds if not thousands of kids. My goal was to do this while developing my
technology skills and leadership skills through the involvement of my troop, my computer
science classmates and the great support from my project coach, Larry Christensen. My Eagle
project, Alice ARCADE, enables middle school students to get hands-on experience through an
introduction to coding utilizing Alice 3D animation software. Delivering the Alice ARCADE to The
Leonardo was one of the most exciting days of my life, it’s great to see a year later that it is still
one of the most popular exhibits at the museum! Looking ahead, I’m hoping that the school
system changes, allowing every kid to have the opportunity to experience programing while in
school.

After I graduate, I plan on attending college to study computer science/engineering. Designing,

engineering and building Alice ARCADE made me even more enthusiastic about doing this sort
of work as my career. I had been thinking I would like to do gaming development, but I’ve
learned that there are many exciting areas to use my computer/engineering skills. A few weeks
ago I attended with my brother Engineering Day at the U. It made me even more excited to go
to college.

Beyond college there are a lot of things I’d like to. I would like to see the world. I truly want to
live everyday to fullest!

One of my biggest dreams is to influence young kids to learn to code. Alice ARCADE was just
the first step!

Scouting

I started my scouting as a cub scout and then transitioned to Troop 71 in 2011. While I’ve
attended three, week-long summer camps as well as many campouts with my troop, my most
memorable camping experience was at Antelope Island. I didn’t know there could be hurricanes
on the Great Salt Lake!! We arrived Friday evening and shortly after I setup my tent, but before I
had a chance to stake it down, it rolled like a tumbleweed 100 yards as we all scrambled to
catch it. The wind and rain bent nearly all of our EZ-ups, tables, and stand for our stove. The
next evening rained as well and after I finally went to sleep, I woke up in a pool of water!
Assessing the damage, our fly was detached from the ground, flopping around in the wind like a
fish you're pulling into a boat. I love the outdoors!

One of my first camping trips was a week-long Scout camp at Camp Bartlett. I made a lot of new
friends and became familiar of how to survive with just a couple of household items. Scouting
has changed me for the better. Through my 39 merit badges, camping experiences and what
I’ve learned with my troop, I now know how to lead and to work as a team to solve problems. I’m
confident that if there is an issue, with the right team members, we can develop a solution and
make it happen.

Academics

As a junior at the Academy of Math Engineering and Science, my studies have included the
required courses such as math, English, history and the sciences; many of which are honors
classes. I’ve really enjoyed that I’ve also been able to take a number of computer and
engineering courses as well. My AMES teachers have been very supportive.

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to attend Stanford Pre-Collegiate Engineering Program.
I believe my Eagle Project, Alice ARCADE, was a significant contributor to my being accepted to
the program. While at Stanford I learned a bit about life as a college student, met kids from
around the world and learned about structural engineering (which is very different from anything
I’ve done before). It was a great experience which included several field trips to places
including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Berkeley Stress Lab and Cal Tech as well as
competitions to build structures that could maximize the weight held and another to live through
a simulated earthquake while doing so at the lowest cost.

Family Life

In addition to my parents, I have a younger brother who is also a Scout. He is currently a Life
Scout. My parents push me, and help me, to thrive in and out of school. As a family we do
many things together. It is my role to build and make things happen, though not always what my
parents want me to do. Before 9th grade I was homeschooled, my mom was my primary
teacher.

Extra Activities

While school takes up nearly all my free time, my brother and I have enjoyed learning new
things. We spent a few years on the Park City swim team and last year boxing with a trainer
three days a week. This year we’ve been taking DJ lessons. I hope we were able to DJ our next
school dance.

I am very blessed to have my family, friends and all the opportunities I’ve had to travel, learn
and experience what life can offer. I’m really looking forward to what the future holds for me!