Jeremiah Studivant

Jeremiah’s Story

At nearly nine years old, I realized I had the power to be profitable and potentially change the world. I was absent from school and its conservative regulations, due to the common cold. Although we had a small house, I had enough space and time to isolate myself from my mother who insisted I clean my room. Relaxing on the back porch, surrounded by trees, I read an article in the magazine “Humankind’s Inventions.” Curiosity swooped alongside the wind, as I began to read the text. It stated, “There are cars that accelerate faster than the fastest animal on Earth, there are vehicles that extend above and beyond Earth, and there are instant-messaging systems that can expand over magnificent distances… and it has all been created by us, humans.”

That message struck a chord and changed my way of thinking: anything can be accomplished. Throughout my years of school, I developed the idea that loyalty to and dependability for my peers and faculty was critical. Of course, many dire and challenging life events attempted to derail my positive mindset: sometimes I went without breakfast or dinner, having to rely on the free lunch program offered at my school; other times living without electricity in my home for months; being denigrated because of a speech impairment caused by a hearing disability as a toddler; and, finally, suffering an eviction from my home. However, persevering through these oppressive events built me into my passionate, loyal, dependable, unassailable, and determined self, and regardless of the endeavor, I have internalized a multitude of positive attributes that not only directly benefit individuals around me but also create a lasting impact on those whose lives intersect with mine.

Individuals close to me see an intelligent, dependable, persistent, patient, controlled, and tolerant young individual because I challenge myself to overcome obstacles, especially those I invite by stepping out of my comfort zone.

Acquiring all of these characteristics guided me towards a variety of enjoyable activities. Because I spend twenty hours a week practicing, I became the top tubist in my city. After band practice, studying and completing my academic work becomes my only priority. I volunteer with organizations such as LEAF, Nature Conservancy; Services at UAB’s Hospital; YouthServe; and many more that aids in restoring my environment. I accepted the internship, LEAF in which two of the top students from each high school across the U.S. were chosen to travel out of state to conjoin with other chosen students on a mission to conserve Earth’s environment. During the journey, I was amazed at the way wild animals survive the way they do. I realized that I can adapt and cope with the harshest aspects of life and surpass them, as they do. The visit confirmed my earlier belief -- there was no reason to give up or to give in when I am capable of achieving that for which I am willing to work. In my junior year of high school, I applied and was accepted to shadow the Cardio-Pulmonary Unit doctors at UAB Hospital, who taught me the importance of helping others maintain their honor and pride. Each morning I was eager to assist patients with heart and breathing challenges. This volunteer service expanded my passion for medicine, which had previously been centered in Orthopedics.

Thinking back to that sick day on the porch, I realized I had experienced “human-kind inventions.” Human beings can impact so much in this world. Throughout my life, I’ve also learned that investing time and effort into projects creates incredible outcomes. Every year I strive to improve my leadership abilities. I find no importance or gratification in simply existing within my environment. I choose, instead, to create a positive, and long-lasting impact on society - and I plan to do that by expending as much time and effort on future projects as I have on my current ones.