Roy H. Park Scholarship

William C. Friday, former President of the University of North Carolina system and a dedicated educator, said of Roy H. Park ‘31, distinguished NC State graduate and namesake of the Park Scholarships: "Always of good humor and with a generous heart, he… [shared] of himself gladly in the service of others." How and why have you shared of yourself in the service of others?
Explain how you are preparing yourself for a lifetime of doing so.
Last year on my way to ballet in Midtown, Atlanta, I noticed women gathering along nearby side roads and abandoned shopping centers. They were bundled up in tents, cars, cardboard boxes, and some were even seeking warmth from an overgrown patch of bamboo. Initially, my dance studio collected donations for them,

While giving out supplies does not fix the homeless problem, it is the beginning to a solution. By building relationships with these women and learning about the homeless situation in Atlanta, I am preparing myself to identify real problems. I believe, in order to peruse a career in engineering, it starts with an understanding of my environment.
One action I am taking towards this pathway of service is applying my academic knowledge. For instance, most of us forget to realize the privilege of sleeping. For most of these homeless women, their “bed” consists of cardboard and for some urine soaked cardboard. Unfortunately, these variables alter their sleeping patterns and quality because of their circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are the body’s internal clock that is responsible for a person’s sleeping patterns. When a person’s circadian rhythm is disrupted it can cause grogginess and an untimely melatonin release. Homeless people do not have the access to a private room to sleep in; instead, they are subject to sound and light pollution throughout the night. I believe when considering why homeless are not perusing a job, it is important to consider that some their lack of motivation is caused from poor sleeping. Eventually, I would like to study how to improve quality of sleep for those living on the street because it is a short-term