2025 Robert Jordan Memorial Scholarship recipients

[Siusane al'Cuyler]

I was remiss in not posting this - but it's still 2025 and I was able to reach out to the recipients to see how things were going and if they had anything else to share with our community.

In any case, the 2025 Robert Jordan Memorial Scholarship recipients are Sergio Lerma and Grant Salmon. Their essays are below and will be added to the Library.

Grant wanted to say that:

I’m very grateful to the entire Wheel of Time fan community for organizing the Robert Jordan Memorial Scholarship, and for making it so accessible to the public! The series is a lot of fun to read, and so I’m glad there is a strong outreach program!

Grant's essay:

As an aerospace engineer, I hope to serve the rest of humanity by contributing to human understanding and capabilities, especially in creating human colonies beyond Earth. As we begin sending humans to the Moon and Mars, people will be needed to help create the designs that keep humans alive in hostile environments, and I hope to learn how to fill that niche.

My interest in space exploration stems primarily from my science-oriented upbringing. I launched model rockets, participated in NASA space camp, and was exposed to astronomy and the history of human spaceflight very early on. From these experiences, I made the decision to take more space-related classes in high school, and since I was so engaged in those classes, I have chosen to continue this track into college.

In college, I hope to participate in Texas A&M’s Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) program, which will allow me to learn and compete in the innovation of new technologies. This program has a special focus on commercial applications of NASA technologies, with the intention of creating benefits for all the people on Earth. Additionally, I will be able to meet with space-oriented companies, where I can begin to start looking for jobs, hopefully with the eventual result of joining a company that works on sending humans to space.

As an adult, I hope to create environments suitable for humans, including spacecraft, space stations, and eventually human colonies on other planets. My work would help advance our knowledge of our world as we can research all new environments, and it would enable safer exploration of the rest of our solar system as building more permanent structures in the unforgiving environments outside of Earth becomes a necessity. Advancements like these are what makes our world better for the next generation to live in, and companies like NASA are already looking into this. Having a strong background in aerospace engineering would certainly help me perform better in this environment, so I am always looking for more opportunities to learn what I can about this field.

As an avid reader, sci-fi worlds have always fascinated me. Whether it involves fancy nuclear reactors, hyperspace jump drives, or just essentially modern technology and a little bit of inspiration, the possibilities for the future of humanity all have a very special place in my heart, and I look forward to being a part of the teams creating the next step in our species-wide journey to the stars.

Sergio's essay:

I stand before you, Hall of the Tower, to humbly ask for your support. I seek higher education to refine my skills in two vital areas: technological advancement and visual storytelling. The first, I believe, will shape not only this Age, but all Ages to come. Advancements in computing power, and especially in machine learning, will either accelerate humanity toward a better future—or perhaps lead it to unintended consequences.

There is a quote from a well-known tale that resonates deeply with me: “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” In this same way, our rapidly evolving technology—perhaps capable of rivaling the might of an angreal—must be guided, nurtured, and, at times, restrained. Boundaries must be set, much like the Three Oaths that form the foundation of Aes Sedai society. I hope to serve, like you, as both an innovator and a protector. My goal is to advance this technology responsibly, ensuring that it uplifts rather than harms.

The second pursuit—visual design and storytelling—may seem less impactful, but it is no less essential. From a young age, I found joy in stories, whether through books or video games. In my home country, reading was not widely encouraged, and games became a powerful way for me to connect with others and discover myself. Those long Friday afternoons, wrapped in blankets, controller in hand, and laughing with friends, are among my most precious memories.

Over time, I taught myself how to draw, create, and eventually, to design games. I entered local competitions, and when I shared my first rough creation with my community, I saw their faces light up. That moment of wonder and connection sparked something in me—a desire to bring joy and inspiration to others. I realized that, in my own way, I was becoming a kind of gleeman: a bringer of laughter and light. And perhaps, one day, a game I make will inspire someone else to find their own path.

Thus, my request. I seek aid in order to excel in both fields: one as a path of service and responsibility to the future, and the other as a means to share wonder and joy, both equally essential to humanity. Together, they will allow me to pursue my dream fully—to be a servant of all, in both purpose and passion.

Thank you to the member of the Hall from last spring who reviewed the essays.

(I hope you are already aware that the generosity of the people who contribute to the site fundraiser is what makes it possible for TarValon.net to continue helping potential servants of all with this scholarship program. If you didn't know...now you do! )