Brendan Santschi

To say that Brendan Santschi is curious is a vast understatement. With Connectedness, Input, and Intellection among his top five strengths, Brendan has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and how it all fits together to make up an utterly fascinating world.

The list of things he would like to learn about is lengthy. Brendan said, “Life is short when you want to learn, and I would love to get a better grasp on: quantum physics, genetics and bioengineering, history, economics -- specifically currencies and monetary theory, anything related to evolution, neuroscience, biosystems, space law and the economics of space travel, asteroid mining, and colonization.” And, oh yes -- scuba diving.

Brendan is a financial peer educator with Hokie Wellness. His nominator wrote, “Brendan is one of the most valuable members on our financial wellness team. He never ceases to amaze us with the extent of his thinking process, which constantly considers a seemingly infinite number of variables. His contributions to the team are not constrained by the way things currently are, but what they can possibly be one day.”

Brendan said, “To me, curiosity means being willing to challenge beliefs that you currently hold to build a better understanding of reality. Even if you end up with the same basic belief you started with, you will often find yourself understanding your position more and being able to have better conversations with those who disagree with you.”

Brendan went on to say, “I have been so incredibly privileged to be in such close proximity to so many brilliant, curious, and intellectually honest individuals and I would not be who I am today without their support and influence. And I would be remiss if I did not mention my professors here at Virginia Tech. It has been an absolute honor to learn from these individuals.”

A senior who will graduate in December, Brendan is majoring in Applied Economic Management, International Trade and Development, with a minor in Chinese studies. As an extension of his belief that seeing another’s point of view leads to understanding that you are not so different, he is interested in international relations to work on mutually beneficial policies and build relationships, particularly between states and groups that view themselves as competitors or even adversaries.

And, oh yes – Brendan is willing to share with anyone a wonderful pumpkin scone recipe his mother showed him.

Brendan, you are truly an original thinker.

It is my pleasure to present to Brendan Santschi the Aspire! Award for COMMIT TO UNWAVERING CURIOSITY.