Alumni Board Current Scholar Profile: Q&A with 2016 Scholar Noah Hirshorn

Members of the Boettcher Scholar Alumni Board are interviewing their fellow Boettcher Scholars to help the community get to know one another better. The following Q&A was compiled by Boettcher Scholar Gergana Kostadinova.

Scholar Year: 2016
Hometown: Highlands Ranch
College(s), Degree(s): Colorado College; environmental science (chemistry) 2020

What are you currently interested in pursuing after graduating?

I am interested in pursuing a master’s degree in environmental engineering so that I can work on the development of clean and renewable energy. After graduate school, I would like to begin work in the aviation industry to make traveling on airlines better for the environment. In my free time, I would like to finish climbing all of the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado and learn how to whitewater river kayak on the Animas River.

Tell us about what activities, groups, and/or organizations you have joined in college and why you joined them.

I am currently on the Boettcher Scholar Student Committee, which has been a great opportunity because it allows me to help improve the experience of all Scholars while learning more about the Foundation. I am also a member of the NCAA Division III Men’s Lacrosse team at CC. Lacrosse has been a part of my life since I was 10 years old, and I’m glad I can continue playing in college because I believe being a student athlete helps me build character, leadership skills, and time management skills. In addition, I am part of the Early Scholars Tutoring Club and visit Bristol Elementary School once a week to tutor students.

Tell us about an important mentor you have had.

Dr. Jake Herman was a great mentor to me in high school. As my lacrosse coach, he pushed me to work as hard as possible to become a better player. Yet, it was the relationship we had outside of lacrosse that I cherish the most. Dr. Herman supported me in all endeavors that I pursued in high school. His passion for lacrosse and science along with his ability to be a great leader all played a role in developing me into the person I am today.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

When I was a freshman in high school, my grandpa gave me a piece of advice that I have held onto ever since. He said that when it comes to making decisions, I should decide what is best considering the information that I already know without making assumptions. While it seems like a simple piece of advice, I have found that it has always worked. Decisions can be hard, but by only looking at what is certain, I have found that making decisions has become an easier process for me.

If you could have dinner with one or more people from history, whom would you choose and why? 

I would have dinner with Dave Grohl. Dave Grohl was the drummer of Nirvana and the lead singer/guitarist for the Foo Fighters, which are two of my favorite bands. Music has always been a huge part of my life and hearing about Dave’s experience in two of the most successful bands of all time would be amazing. Furthermore, I want to ask about how he believes grunge music has changed popular culture. Dave, if you are reading this, feel free to invite me to dinner next time you are in Colorado.