Prize Recipient

Samuel Alemayehu

Background:

Samuel loves physics and math, finding great pleasure in pondering and solving complex math problems. Samuel also enjoys finding real world applications of mathematical concepts through work with websites and animation. To share his affinity for mathematics and physics, he founded both math and physics & robotics clubs in his high school. Currently he is a freshman at Stanford University planning to major in Physics, Sam immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia only four years ago. Four years ago Sam did not speak English. Yet he did not allow the language barrier to be a setback in his quest for change. At a young age Sam experienced lifes extreme hardships first hand in his native Ethiopia. When hardship and poverty seem insurmountable it is the strong love of his family that encourages him to tackle life with delight. He understands both the beauty of his native land and the extreme hardship people struggle through everyday. He says his experiences in Ethiopia give him a deeper sense of appreciation for life, positive attitudes, and overcoming obstacles. Tirelessly energetic, he hopes to study Physics and Mathematics in depth, doing what he loves while contributing the growth of this exciting field.