The entire Able Moving & Storage team would like to congratulate its 2024 Scholarship winner Eduardo Mendez-Anastasio. A Woodbridge resident, Mr. Mendez-Anastasio recently graduated from Gar-Field Senior High School and is attending the University of Virginia this fall as a Rodman Scholar on a full academic scholarship. He plans to study mechanical engineering at UVA.
As a high school student, Mr. Mendez-Anastasio distinguished himself as a varsity athlete and co-captain of the Gar-Field wrestling and lacrosse teams. He attended the Summer Residential Governor’s School for Math, Science, and Tech at the University of Lynchburg last year; additionally, he earned the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair’s award for outstanding achievement by the American Chemical Society (ACS) (11th grade). Finally, Mr. Mendez-Anastasio completed significant volunteer work in his community through after-school events, tutoring, and food drives.
We recently sat down and chatted with Mr. Mendez-Anastasio to learn more about him:
- You mentioned a few times in your essay that the principles of the military are a common thread within your life. Can you share more about how being surrounded by the military has shaped your views on leadership?
Although my parents were not in the military, family and friends around me were. From them, I learned the basic traits of being a leader. As my education continued, I grew closer connections to those in the military and was able to apply the skills I had learned in school through sports and clubs. - If you could lead any organization or movement in the world, what would it be and why?
I would lead a movement that focuses on the issues of global warming and pollution. I believe this issue is very serious and needs to be fixed. The reason why I would choose this also goes back to research projects I have done in class revolving around limiting carbon dioxide in the air. - If you could have dinner with any historical leader, who would it be and why?
It would be one of our founding fathers, either George Washington or Benjamin Franklin. I would talk with them about the steps they took when establishing a country. For George Washington, I would also focus on his abilities in war and leading men in combat. - If you had a superpower that could help you in a leadership role, what would it be?
My superpower would be the ability to gain attention. When being a leader, I believe it is most difficult to get the attention of others, especially those who may not want to be told what to do or lead. This ability would allow me to not worry about being heard when leading others. - As you prepare to study mechanical engineering at the University of Virginia, how do you plan to apply your leadership skills in this new environment?
During my first year at UVA, I plan to join clubs in the school that interest me. These include sports, outdoors, Hispanic, and engineering clubs. I plan to find a group/club I enjoy and then apply for a position in that club. In addition, I plan on doing research in college, in which I hope to be in a group. Here, I will not assert a leadership position but instead work with others to effectively conduct research.
Able Moving & Storage is Proud to Support Our Community’s Next Generation of Leaders!
Please join the Able Moving & Storage team in congratulating Mr. Mendez-Anastasio on his accomplishments and bright future. We are inspired by his dedication to success and look forward to his prospects at UVA and beyond!
