Tobias Chow '24 Recruiting Profile

Name:  Tobias Chow

Grade:  11

High School:  Energy Institute High School (STEM - Energy and Engineering Focus), Houston, Texas

Club Team:  Harris County Aquatic Program (HCAP), Transitioning to different Swim Team such as Dad's Club

Dear University Swim Coaches,

I am honored to present myself, Tobias Chow, as an enthusiastic and multifaceted candidate for your esteemed swim team.  My unwavering commitment to academics, swimming, innovation, and community service has shaped me into a holistic individual.  I am currently seeking admission to the university where I can blend my passion for swimming with my academic and innovative pursuits in STEM.

Swimming has been an essential part of my life since the age of 4.  My training under the HCAP fostered discipline, leadership, and perseverance in me.  I am proud to have been an awarded winner at HCAP.  My best stroke is Free and Back strokes.  Though my swimming journey was momentarily interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, my determination to excel has led me to join Dad's Club, ensuring that I am prepared to make significant contributions to your swimming team.

What sets me apart from other recruits is the diversity in my achievements and skill set.  Additionally, I would like to share that I have been managing ADHD while pursuing my goals.  The fact that I have achieved so much in spite of having ADHD speaks volumes about my determination and capability to overcome challenges.  This unique challenge has cultivated resilience, focus, and adaptability in me, traits that I believe are valuable in both academic and athletic settings.  I have a dream to being a professional swimmer for U.S.A and also represents those having the same challenge like me such as ADHD.  However, this challenge won't stop us to continue reaching our goals and dreams and I can turn this challenge to a strength.  I always tell myself using my work to speak and prove myself.  

I am not only proficient in competitive swimming but also have an unyielding passion for STEM.  My focus in energy and engineering has been highlighted by my participation in the TensorFlow AI Innovation Competition, where i was awarded 1st Runner-up.  Additionally, my leadership qualities have been honed through serving as Team Lead for C++, 3D Printing and Python at Rice University's Elite Technology Summer Camp.

Furthermore, my next proof of concept is to develop a portable cancer sensor aimed at making early-stage detection accessible and affordable.  This innovative project is a testament to my eagerness to leverage technology for societal good, an aspiration I intend to further in college.

 My commitment to excellence is reflected in my academic record, with a current GPA of 4.0/4.0.  I am a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), and serve as an Ambassador for NSHSS.  My education has been enriched by being multilingual, with proficiency in Spanish, French, and Chinese topside my native language in English, which enhances my ability to communicate and collaborate in diverse settings.  

Beyond academics and swimming, my involvement in community services reflects my commitment to giving back.  As a volunteer of The Society of Petroleum Engineers Gulf Coast Section Community Services Committee (SPE GCS) and Montessori Learning Institute Middle School, I understand the importance of community and aim to continue serving during my collegiate years.

Conclusively, my combination of athletic prowess, academic excellence, innovation, leadership, and community involvement, coupled with my ability to thrive despite personnel challenges, makes me a unique and valuable addition to your team.  I am enthusiastic about representing your university with dignity and contributing to both the athletic and academic communities.  

Thank you so much for considering my application.

Best regards,

Tobias Chow

References:

1.  Ms. Sarah Maydon, Dean of Students, Energy Institute High School

2.  Dr. Sherry Etanireri, Professor, Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Houston, and a Chair of The Society of Petroleum Engineers Gulf Coast Section Community Services Committee 

3.  Mrs. Lee May Vo, Principal, Montessori Learning Institute Middle School

4.  Coach Falcon, Form Swim Coach, HCAP