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Aaron J. Dowden
“I believe that everyday we are all given a choice: we can either remain in relatively comfortable lives and do nothing, or do something to better the world.”
- Program: 2008 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Rochester, CT
- Hometown: East Hartford, CT
- Age: 23
- Community College: Manchester Community College
- Four-year College or University: University of Rochester
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Sciences, Physics, English Language and Literature
- Other Interests: Astronomy, Computing / IT, Design, Film / Photography, Foreign Languages / International Study, Honor Society, Languages, Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Science / Anthropology, Tutoring / Mentoring
Biography
PROFILE: As a child, Aaron Dowden took responsibility for his own education. Completely self-taught, outside of a formal school or grading system, he was “allowed to be at one with knowledge. This was one of the few beneficial aspects of my childhood. I learned what I wanted, when I wanted, and how I wanted.”
After acing his G.E.D., Aaron began earning his associate’s degree while caring for his family. It was a role he was familiar with since the age of 14, when he was solely responsible for cooking, cleaning, and managing the household. This aspiring physics professor first began teaching at home. “I was responsible for my younger sister, and over time, I taught her to read, write, add, and subtract, and imparted my love of knowledge to her.”
INSPIRATION: Aaron explains his dual interests in physics and English: “Physics is literally the science of everything: it describes and studies everything from the smallest atom to the creation of the universe. Similarly, communication through the transmission of ideas and feelings is the basis of all human creations.”
ASPIRATION: Aaron plans to get his master’s in English, and a Ph.D. in physics, in order to become a physics professor. “By also studying literature and language I will be able to become a much more effective instructor, unfettered by any dissociation between the science and the ability to explain and explore it in understandable terms.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Aaron tutored both math and English at Manchester. He also devoted a great deal of energy to fundraising activities, including a book sale for Hurricane Katrina victims, which collected over 4,000 books.
ACCOLADES: Aaron served two terms with the student senate, and was an officer in Phi Theta Kappa. He graduated magna cum laude with an associate’s degree in Physics..
INTERESTING FACT: Aaron speaks some German and Spanish. He enjoys computer programming.
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