Ryan Patterson
CSEF: 1997 - 2001
ISEF: 1999 - 2001

In seventh grade, my science teacher gave all of us the option of either doing a science project or writing a very long paper. I chose to do the science project, but with no real intentions of continuing in the future. I competed at my middle school, then the regional science fair, and finally at the Colorado State Science & Engineering Fair. While at CSEF, I met some really cool people and had such a great time that I was completely motivated to continue doing science projects in future years.

At the time of my high school graduation, I had participated in five Colorado State Science & Engineering Fairs, three International Science & Engineering Fairs, and numerous other science competitions, all due to my interest being sparked that first year. Participating in these competitions gave me the opportunities to attend the Nobel Prize Ceremonies in Sweden, go to an engineering program in South Korea, and a variety of other exciting events. Participation led to me receiving scholarships and incredible internships.

Had I not taken advantage of the opportunities offered by the science fair, my life would be very different today. I'm now getting a great education with no financial worries, I've made friends and seen places all around the nation and world, and I've gained very valuable experience. Because of the impact that the science fair caused in my life, I joined the CSEF Board of Directors, because I want to help with teens having these great opportunities in the future.

Carol Morrow
CSEF: 1994 - 1998

When I think back to my years in the science fair, I think about all the science projects I have done. From the light preferences of snails (my very first project in Kindergarten) to terraforming Mars (my last project as a senior), I always tried to expand my horizons. The science fair always gave me a great opportunity to find something interesting to do and to give me ideas of what I wanted to be when I grew up. I never dreaded starting my science projects; instead I looked forward to one science fair being over so I could start my new project for the next year. The science fair taught me how to use the scientific method to solve difficult problems in everyday life.

I did a total of thirteen science projects and learned something valuable from every one of them. I learned valuable information such as the musical preferences of bean plants to what brand of latex gloves has the least number of holes in them. The former of those projects might not translate to a lot of practical knowledge, but the latter has proved relevant. I am now a third year dental student at the University of Colorado, School of Dentistry. Upon graduation there will be no question of which brand of gloves I will use. Although I never made it past the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair to the ISEF, I was very successful on the local level. I won approximately $5,000 in cash, scholarships, books, and geological specimens.

When I look back to all the projects I did, there was one thing that always stayed the same: my parent's support. My dad was the best mentor I could imagine. He drove me to the far corners of Baca County to get soil samples, taught me to use an Acetylene torch (and made sure I didn't kill myself) and always supported my project ideas, no matter how crazy they were. My mom was the best editor a child could wish for. Had it not been for her, my projects might have been a jumble of facts that meant nothing to anyone but me. I was lucky to have them and they inspired me to remain involved with science fair. I am now on the Colorado State Science Fair, Inc. Board of Directors, I judge dental projects at the state fair and I am a mentor for students doing science projects. Science fair has had countless effects on my life and it helped to shaped me into the person I am today.