Award Speech

Alan Nguyen
Period 9
Honors English II
Awards Speech

            Given at birth is an opportunity; an opportunity to be part of something big. As we grow we begin to become aware of our abilities. With enough effort and work, we start to transform into what we are meant to be. In my case, I am able to change the dying world into a long-lasting one. To whom it may concern, thank you for the International Scientist of the Year Award of 2030. It is a true honor and I greatly appreciate those who have supported me throughout this process.

            I would like to give my commendations to first and foremost my mother and father. Ever since I was young child they have helped me to excel in my schoolwork. Back then I was a poor student; lacking the desire to thrive or the will to learn. I drove my parents to the point where they put me into a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) summer program. At one point of the program, my peers and I met multiple scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. Each one had given a presentation about their career and the lifestyle it has created for them. With each presenter, I started to realize their pride concerning the amount of wealth they have obtained. Were they that blinded by the luster of gold that they start to lose their sight of their original purpose for working? Although distressed by this, these successful individuals had inspired me to exceed in the fields of math and science. From that moment on, I had the drive-the motivation to exceed in my schooling, especially with my math and science courses. I was able to graduate from the top American school, Harvard University with a degree in Physics. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my parents concerning about my schooling.

            Everyone has probably asked themselves this particular question sometime in their life, “What can I do in life?” Your answer will change as mine did many times. I wanted to be a part of something big, something that stood out. I wanted to help others. Ideas poured into my head, I wanted to bring world peace, end world hunger. I wanted to everything. But then I began to realize, these ambitions were not something I could do overnight.  Later on during my lifetime, the world’s supply of energy sources was thinning. Though, it might take years to find an alternative energy source, there is still hope.

            With me leading a group of scientists, we began our research for an alternative energy source in the lab of Harvard. After seven years of hard work and countless effort, we have finally developed a solar panel system that has surpassed the capabilities of the original system. Before our installment to the solar panels, the original would have taken two weeks to power one house for a single night. With this new and improved technology we can now live on sunlight and provide our children a brighter day.

            I would like to thank you again for this award, but recognition is not necessary for my work. Being able to help the world survive and prosper for the future is more than enough. Our world is something we all need to be aware of and protect, so every contribution to it is helpful. If everyone is able to pitch in and have the desire to work, we can have a brighter future for generations to come. This is just a beginning for everyone, myself included.  I plan on continuing my research and coming up with new ways to help the world’s energy supply. As Thomas Edison once said, “If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.”