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Amanda Dam

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: What do Maryland, Rhode Island, China, Hong Kong, South Carolina and Minnesota have in common?  Those are just some of the locations where Amanda Dam studied while she was a Young Scholar.  The young lady who is fluent in five languages, took full advantage of the programs available to her.  However, it was the Lead America CSI Forensics Camp held on the campus of Johns Hopkins University that made the most impact.  She attended the camp because she was convinced she wanted a career in forensics, but about halfway through the session, she realized that “forensic science was not my forte.”  Nevertheless, when a door closes, another one opens. She discovered that one aspect of forensics, pure scientific discovery, did interest her. 

Profile:  Amanda is an easy person to talk with.  In fact, one could talk to her in five different languages (Cantonese, Khmer, English, Mandarin, Spanish). But that is just one of her strong points.  As one of her advisers said admiringly: “She has a gift with the pen.” Amanda loves to write and to compose songs and poetry.  As she humbly said: “Writing is not simply a hobby for me, but rather a lifestyle.” She also loves science and making things happen in the lab. That enjoyment has led her to her future career path – to study virology and immunology to help find cures for diseases.  She knows she has been gifted with intelligence and a willingness to help others and takes nothing for granted.  At Atlanta’s Woodward Academy, a top-tier private school, Amanda’s accomplishments in and out of the classroom were impressive.

Inspiration: Two teachers at Woodward have had a profound, positive impact on Amanda—Mrs. Graham and Mr. Alvord. They have inspired her to be extraordinary in all that she does and have made her believe that she can pursue anything she wants to in life. In addition, her parents inspire her daily. “They have helped me appreciate the intangible, yet valuable gifts I am fortunate to have today, such as a wonderful education and an amazing scholarship program.”

Aspiration: After her undergraduate degree is completed, Amanda hopes to find herself working as a scientific researcher at the Center for Disease Control discovering cures for diseases.

Making a Difference: In addition to her continued work with Atlanta’s Habitat for Humanity and with the Jesse Draper Boys and Girls Club, Amanda is proud that she received the Robert Woodruff War Eagle Spirit Award at her school.  “This award holds much meaning for me because it recognized my character rather than my academic ability. Character is a virtue that cannot be taught.”

Accolades: In addition to the aforementioned Woodruff Spirit Award, Amanda earned her school’s Silver Eagle Honor Award for academic excellence three separate times.

Interesting Fact: Amanda enjoys rap music, much to the surprise of many of her friends. “I also write some of my own raps and have performed several raps at my school.” She said rap is a great way to express emotion with a catchy beat. “It amazes me how energetic, yet calming raps can be.”

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