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UHS’ Ben Aaron is a Navy-bound globe-trotter
Sergey Shayevich / Staff Basketball, cross country and skiing — Benjamin Aaron excels in them all. Last summer the senior, who had already visited Poland and Israel, joined an eye-surgery team that brought medical care to poor citizens of Namibia and Zimbabwe.
By Ming Liu
He’s traveled to remote parts of Africa with an eye-surgery team. He’s visited Israel and Poland through a cultural-exchange program. He’s built houses for the homeless in Mexico. He’s senior Benjamin Aaron, one of University High School’s “finest.” The words “modest” and “high achiever” are merely euphemisms when it comes to describing Aaron. This quiet, well-mannered 18-year-old has meticulously worked to come out on top over the years, and it’s paid off. The native Tucsonan entered UHS after studying at the Tucson Hebrew Academy. He has enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., where he’ll head in June for six weeks of boot camp and orientation. Although he still hasn’t chosen a major, he is keeping all options open. “Now that I’ve committed myself to the military, I’ll go wherever the Navy takes me,” said Aaron. Aaron plans to take full advantage of the wide career opportunities and education the Naval Academy may offer and is especially interested in aeronautical engineering and history. This past summer, he traveled to southern Africa, specifically Namibia and Zimbabwe, with an eye-surgery team to aid those in need of medical attention. His father, an ophthalmologist, chose him to journey with the group to help with eye examinations, diagnosing eye-related problems and ensuring that things went smoothly before and after the surgery. Aaron’s preconceived ideas of Africa included “desperation and run-down hospitals.” He soon found, however, that the countries he visited were full of resources and potential. “Looking at the historical aspect of Africa, it’s similar to the pre-Civil War United States. There are many people with poorly paid jobs, but an abundance of natural resources. All they need is a little organization for success.” Aaron has done similar work in Nogales, Sonora, and enjoys behind-the-scenes action. “It’s quite rewarding watching a person being able to see for the first time in six or seven years,” he said. Not only has Aaron volunteered globally, he has committed himself to numerous community-service projects as well. Whether he is building houses for Habitat for Humanity, feeding the homeless or coaching youth basketball, the senior says, he “strives to be well-rounded.” When it comes to athletic activities, Aaron humorously describes himself as a “fitness freak.” He has been an active member of the junior varsity basketball team and a runner on the cross country team in school. An avid skier who has 12 years of experience on the slopes, Aaron is a part of the ski club at UHS. Aaron’s inspiration to succeed comes from the support of his parents and grandparents. He also admires his Western civilization and advanced-placement teacher, Dr. Jack Nolan. Aaron said Nolan “opens a young person’s eye to world issues” and “makes learning fun.” Joan Meggitt, Aaron’s high school counselor, said: “With a keen mind, the manners of a gentleman and a passion for learning, Benjamin Aaron is simply one of our finest.” As high school draws to a close for thousands of seniors in Tucson, Aaron undoubtedly will work hard for a positive and rewarding future.
Ming Liu is a senior at Catalina High Magnet High School.
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