UVM/GIV Engineering Summer Institute June 28 - July 5, 2008

The students in the Engineering Institute are charged with writing a "Technocratic Oath" -- a personal declaration of how each student will use her or his knowledge of math, science and technology. At the end of the week, the staff selects several outstanding oaths to honor at the closing ceremony. The winning oaths appear below.

First Place Technocratic Oath by Aaron Octavian May:

I, Aaron Octavian May, with my knowledge of physics, science and the world, plan to change reality. To me, the laws of physics are the rules of the world. And the thing about rules is: after you learn them and understand them, you can then learn how you can bend them, and eventually, perhaps, break them.

And maybe changing reality doesn’t have to be so grandeur and extreme, maybe by observing the world and acting as only an eccentric and innovative engineer, I can change my own reality. To me, having such a fresh view of the world would be as exhilarating as it would be to change the world itself.

Second Place Technocratic Oath by Erika Hango:

I, Erika Hango, pledge to use my knowledge of math, science and technology for the improvement of our civilization. It has been predicted that we will, in time, destroy our own civilization. To prevent this from ever occurring, it is my goal to work as an engineer to slow this self-destruction proves. I will work to find new ways to reuse our waste products and preserve the resources we have. I hope to become a civil engineer where I promise to build safe structures and provide access of the unending innovations to all people of the world.

Third Place Technocratic Oath by Hana Rexha:

I, Hana Rexha, promise to use my knowledge of mathematics, science and technology to make the world a better place. Using all that is within my power and to the best of my ability, I will try to aid those places around the world that have very poor living conditions. In some places around the world people die everyday because they lack regular medical check up and they do not take any vaccinations. They also do not have any radiology equipment such as x-ray and MRI machines. All that I mentioned above are things that can detect diseases at early stages, where there is hope and cure for the people. Most importantly, I want to stand as a good influence to other. So I can get other people to also help make this place a better world.

Fourth Place Technocratic Oath by Lucas Shin:

I, Lucas Shin, hereby promise to use all the stuff I learn to BE MY BEST IN LIFE. I will try to educate people, on person at a time while learning. I will try to help them to learn the good of RECYCLING, COMPOSTING, SCIENCE, MATH and TECHNOLOGY, whether this helps the world, saves lives or FULFILLS my own personal pleasures. But in the end, I will try to do and be my best in life.

Fifth Place Technocratic Oath by Jesi Booth:

I, Jesi Booth, promise to use my knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering and technology for purposes only to better the world and society. I will take my knowledge away from Vermont and bring it, instead, to the third-world countries that lack the fundamental necessities of life like: abundant, clean water, transportation or even something seemingly simple like shelter that will hold up in the rain. I will take my knowledge to these destitute regions, probably at some personal sacrifice, and teach people what they need to know. Free knowledge is the world’s greatest weapon against famine, war and poverty. My hope is that I can combine teaching, engineering and my love for travel all into one mission to go out and help people who really need it. I hope to convince other people with similar interests to do the same, and to join me in my modest quest to better the world, one village, person and class at a time.

Sixth Place Technocratic Oath by Elizabeth Dulac:

I, Elizabeth Dulac, vow to use my knowledge of mathematics, science and technology to improve the quality of life for all. I might not know exactly what I want to do or what I will accomplish but I know that any endeavor I pursue I will use my skills and abilities along with compassions and understanding to make life better for all of humanity. The possibilities of how I can help and make a difference in the lives of others are endless. I will continue to thrice for a better world living community for the people of today and the generations to come.