There are many words that could be used to describe Timothy Chang: athlete, Boy Scout, and friend. Now, he is set for new highs at UC Santa Barbara. During his time at CHS, Timothy made many contributions to the cross-country team and carries on that passion to college. Chang plans on trying out for the UCSB intercollegiate team and playing intercollegiate sports, but he looks fondly back on his memories of the CHS team.

“My favorite memory from my time at CHS was at cross-country camp last summer,” Chang said. “During the talent show, there was a skit involving maple syrup and wrestling… If you know, you know…”

Now, Chang’s eyes are set ahead to his future, and will major in statistics and data science, a field that mirrors one of his hobbies.

“Since I was in fifth grade, I loved playing fantasy football and fantasy basketball,” Chang said. “The data and statistical research that is required in fantasy sports captivated me and took my love for sports to another level. Naturally, I was fascinated when I heard about the statistics and data science major. The majority of the classes will be centered around math and technology, which I both love.”

A dedicated Boy Scout, Chang has participated in the organization since third grade. Last year, he earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts. Only four percent of Scouts have ever achieved this rank since its birth in 1911. Chang recounted his project that earned him the Eagle Scout designation.

“For my Eagle Project, I constructed shelves and reorganized the storage rooms at the Ontario Airport USO,” Chang said. “I decided to do my project at the USO to honor all that our military has done for us.”

Chang has had several people he looked up to for inspiration amidst his high school career. One person he remembered during difficult times was Eliud Kipchoge, the current world record holder for the marathon.

“When I was at my lows in running, I always remembered his mantra, ‘No human is limited’,” Chang said. “On the day that I broke my personal record in the three-mile, Kipchoge broke the two hour barrier for the marathon, something that was deemed impossible. He inspires me to continue running and to persevere through the hard times.”

Chang’s accomplishments have set him to thrive at UC Santa Barbara. With his feet firmly planted in the hard work and discipline he has learned, Chang will be ready to take on the challenges ahead.