Cool kid : U-Hi senior works to help others

Dale Knudsen has a worthy objective included on his long résumè.

“I am seeking to actively make a difference in the lives of those around me for the better. No matter where I am or what I am doing, this is my main objective – to help others.”

Also on his résumè, the University High School senior uses an Albert Einstein quote: “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”

Knudsen, 18, lives by those words. His involvement includes the Boy Scouts of America, the Order of the Arrow, drama, debate team, Future Business Leaders of America, Key Club, Students for a Free Tibet, Invisible Children and Leave No Trace. He also helped other students raise awareness and $27,000 for ending the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan

Recently, Knudsen returned from a trip to Washington, D.C., where he and the core team of the Genocide Project met with political figures.

Knudsen campaigned for global education and toured the D.C. area, where he hopes to work one day. “I may work in Washington, D.C., maybe for a policy advocacy group or a nonprofit organization,” he said.

Knudsen plans to attend Seattle University next year. He plans to major in philosophy with minors in political science, religious studies and nonprofit leadership.

Knudsen says he doesn’t believe in taking things for granted. “I have a good quality of life with many opportunities. My faith and its teachings are all about loving one another and helping others. Who wouldn’t want a career like that?”

Knudsen’s achievements include receiving a Chase Youth Award, Central Valley School District DREAM Diversity Award and the Erik Helppie, a top debate award.

While more awards might decorate his future, meeting his objective will be reward enough, Knudsen says.

“I want to make a difference in the world.”