Name, city of residence:
Jacob Sirk-Traugh, Gilroy
Grade you started at MMS:
Ninth grade
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the beauty and power of nature. It’s a dream of mine to travel the world through backpacking and hiking. To me, nature is more real than the rest of the world. Luxury and how busy our lives are can distract us from what really matters.
What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
My favorite subjects in school are math and physics because they are rational explorations of the world. The thought involved is satisfying and logical, and at least some of its conclusions have the potential to help humanity. There is little fluff or emotion involved, and when there is difference of interpretation it is argued through a productive means. The way that our world works is unimaginably complex and for me there is a joy in understanding and discovering what these subjects support.
If you had the power to change on thing in the world, what would it be?
I would make humanity bent on the preservation of wilderness.
If you could anywhere, where would you go, and why?
I would go explore the Andes mountain range because it’s an area I’ve never been anywhere near before and I’m interested in climbing high mountains.
Name one big challenge in your life right now:
My biggest challenge right now is managing my time. Making time for all of the sports I’m playing as well as schoolwork is difficult.
What is your dream job and why?
My dream job would be playing professional soccer in Spain or in the English Premier League; I would be doing something I love and making a lot of money.
What are your three favorite things?
My three favorite things are my dogs, frozen pizza and anything athletic.
Favorite book:
“Isaac Asimov: The Complete Stories, Vol. 1,” because it’s contains mind-blowing ideas about supercomputers and the future in general.
What do you want to do after high school?
After high school I want to go to college and enjoy living away from home for a while.
Something that you are proud of – and why:
I’m proud of myself for doing Song Share for four years!
Something that makes you smile:
Any of my dogs or cats
A favorite MMS memory:
All the guys having workout competitions (curling, squatting, rowing and lateral raises) in our room during the India trip. In my opinion, the best way to bond with others is through physical activity, and this is a perfect example.
The three most-played songs on your favorite playlist:
“Pimp Talk” (featuring Fenix Flexin) by SaySoTheMac, “Bestie” by Sleepy Hallow and “From the D to the A” (featuring Lil Yachty) by Tee Grizzley
