PHILOSOPHY | Shaw

“The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there.” – Robert M. Pirsig

First and foremost, my life is rooted in love for the natural world. I grew up off the grid in Silt, Colorado with a rudimentary photovoltaic system, and from an early age I had a strong desire to explore and understand the world around me. This innate curiosity and love for our planet has shaped the person that I am today.

Through middle and high school, I was fortunate to be exposed to countless learning opportunities: backpacking and outdoor education with my peers and mentors, designing and building robots for the First Tech Challenge and Solar Rollers, completing the IB Diploma program, and racing mountain bikes in the NICA league. These adventures grew my love and appreciation for the world around me.

I chose to attend Cal Poly when I saw the machine shops, specifically the Hangar – I immediately knew that I was in the right place. My time in college has transformed my understanding of myself, the planet, and those who I share it with. I am immensely grateful for the privilege of dedicating an entire period of my life to learning.

I have many to thank for this privilege. Most importantly, I am grateful for my family. Their endless compassion, empathy, and kindness means everything to me. I grew up on a ranch working with my hands, and I was fortunate to have a woodshop available with great teachers to show me how to make whatever I might dream up.

On a larger scale, I am part of a society that relies on rampant exploitation of our planet. There are many facets of this exploitation, but at its core is the extraction and consumption of fossil fuels. Ultimately, this venture is wholly unsustainable: energy availability will wane as finite resources are depleted, and Earth will become increasingly inhospitable as the atmosphere responds to the influx of carbon dioxide. Every day, these effects become more apparent.

There is not an easy solution to this predicament. Neither technology nor denial will avert this crisis. In any case, I want to use my mind, heart, and hands to help the world adapt to the coming changes. In parallel, I aim to live a simple lifestyle in reciprocity with everyone and everything around me. I am hopeful that humanity can use this opportunity to create a more healthy, equitable, and fulfilling society.

I strive to respect and love Earth, our precious and irreplaceable home, and everyone I share it with.

I value honesty, community, and connection with others – especially when I disagree with them.

I aspire to continually develop more skills and improve my understanding of the world around me.

I enjoy spending time outdoors, building useful things, riding bikes as much as I can, and hanging out with those I love.