This week’s Eagle Scout Spotlight is with Brett Bormann. Brett earned his Eagle at the age of seventeen from Troop 941 in Pleasanton, California. He is currently a Ph.D. Student at the University of California, Davis, where he is studying neuroscience. Before attending UC Davis, Brett served as a lifeguard for the East Bay Regional Parks.
Being an Eagle Scout means to me carrying over the work ethic and morals I obtained from scouting into my current personal and professional lives.
Brett Bormann
Tell us a little bit about you…
I grew up in Pleasanton and was a member of Troop 941. I am currently a PhD student studying neuroscience at UC Davis. My research focuses on how the brain processes and produces language. After I graduate, I plan on pursuing a career as a college professor. I am currently not involved in scouting. My brother, Trevor Bormann, is an active member in the Golden Gate Area Council as a Webmaster. In the future when I have children, I plan on volunteering time to scouting.
When and where do you earn your Eagle Scout?
I earned my Eagle Scout in 2011 with Troop 941 in Pleasanton CA.
What did you do for your Eagle Project?
I lead a team to construct two wooden lost-and-found structures for Thomas Hart Middle School in Pleasanton, CA. The structures were moving platforms to hang clothes on with storage at the bottom to hold other items.
Did you have a favorite merit badge(s)? Did any merit badges(s) lead to a hobby or profession?
The Life Saving Merit Badge had the great impact on my life. It was my first introduction to lifeguarding and water safety. Afterwards, I worked as an open water lifeguard for the East Bat Regional Park District Fire Department for eight years at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park.
Archery was my favorite merit badge though!
Eagle Fact
Archery was one of the original 57 merit badges issued by the Boy Scouts of America in 1911.
What does being an Eagle Scout mean to you?
Being an Eagle Scout means to me carrying over the work ethic and morals I obtained from scouting into my current personal and professional lives.
Do you recall an experience or situation that being or becoming an Eagle Scout aided you in?
The skills I obtained from scouts aided me most days of my life. Specifically working with others to accomplish a common goal by focusing on clear communication.
What is the greatest personal asset you developed while earning your Eagle Scout or from being an Eagle in the greater community? How has this asset contributed towards personal fulfillment and success in your professional or personal life?
The assets that had the most significant impact on my life are the communication skills I obtained from Board of Reviews. Those experiences gave me early exposure on how to successfully communicate in a stressful environment. I still use these skills during interviews, teaching, and presenting my scientific research.
Do you have any advice for your fellow Eagles, or for those working towards becoming an Eagle? Or is there common advice that you think should be ignored?
Be sure to find a healthy work-life balance. The processes to obtain the rank of Eagle is a challenging one, but it should be an enjoyable journey. Be sure to not get tunnel vision on the goal and stress yourself out too much. Seek out fun opportunities, while keeping on top of the milestones you need to accomplish.
If you could add a thirteenth point to the scout law, what would it be?
Compassion
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers?
I am extremely grateful for the support my Troop and family gave me while I was working towards my Eagle. If it was not for them, I would not be in the position I am here today. Thank you to everyone who supported me along that path!
