Michael Motola-Barnes
“The world I come from has given me great compassion, a love of building things and solving problems, and most importantly the will to improve the world.”
- Alumni of: 2007 College Scholarship Program
- Resides: Somerville, MA
- Hometown: Tacoma
- Age: 23
- Four-year College or University: Tufts University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Arts / Music / Performance, Engineering, Environmental Scientist
- Other Interests: Computing / IT, Literature, Mathematics, Outdoor / Mountaineering / Camping, Performing Arts / Theatre, Tuba, Dancing, Comedy
Biography
Michael Motola-Barnes says being a Young Scholar has inspired him to strive in school and in his other pursuits. Michael is an outstanding student enrolled in the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program. He also plays tuba, violin and trumpet, sails and rows, enjoys politics and debate, and he is a generous friend always ready to help classmates with homework or advice.
“There have been times when I’ve questioned whether it was worth it, seeing my friends going through regular courses, relaxing and having fun. Being a Young Scholar has pushed me to continue, especially when I think about all the other young scholars in my class who are doing incredible things,” he says. “Not only has IB taught me how to cope with mountains of work and stress, it has helped me develop as a person. I know the skills I have acquired will be invaluable for college.”
Michael says with so many interests and experiences, deciding what to focus on for college was difficult. He has chosen mechanical engineering, but says, “I will continue to learn as much as I can about everything. Knowledge really is power, and the more I have, the more I can share and use to better the world.”
Other Scholars Like Michael
Tanner Mathison
College Scholar
Dartmouth College
Maximo Cubilette
College Scholar
Columbia University
Sonia Ignatova
Graduate Scholar
Georgetown University
Mary Yurkutat
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
University of California, Davis