Enzo De Paulo

Who I Am

My Story

I moved from Brazil to Illinois in the middle of 6th grade — no English, no friends, no playbook. But I had something more important: patience and a belief that every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise.

I learned English not in a classroom, but on a football field, in a workshop, and through every interaction that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. That experience taught me how to adapt quickly, stay calm under pressure, and never stop learning.

Today, I combine the discipline of an athlete with the curiosity of a maker. Whether I'm memorizing a playbook, building a project in the shop, or diving into Computer Science — I bring the same focus: do the work, improve every day, and embrace the process.

3.6

GPA

Sports Seasons

Technical Electives

My Journey

2009

Born in Brazil

Grew up immersed in Brazilian culture, curiosity, and family values.

2020

Moved to Illinois

Arrived in the middle of 6th grade without speaking English — a true leap of faith.

2023

First Season on the Field

Joined the football program, learning a new sport alongside a new language.

2024

Found my Craft

Discovered a passion for hands-on technical work: electronics, woodworking, and mechanics.

2025

Junior Year

Honors courses, varsity sports, AP Computer Science — building the foundation for engineering school.

2027

Next Chapter

Targeting top engineering programs across the U.S.

On the Field

Athletics

🏈

American Football

Freshman → Present · #21 / #43

I joined the football program my freshman year — a sport entirely new to me, in a country entirely new to me. Learning the game alongside the language was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.

Football demands more than physical strength. It demands mental clarity, precise communication, and trust in your teammates. Every practice, every game, and every weight room session has shaped who I am.

Playing through varsity has developed my ability to lead by example, execute under pressure, and stay committed to a process even when results aren't immediate.

🎳

Bowling

2 Seasons

Bowling taught me the power of individual consistency within a team context. Every frame is a fresh start — composure, technique, and mental focus matter above all. It's a sport where ego doesn't win; precision and patience do.

What Sports Taught Me

Discipline

Consistent practice, film study, and conditioning build character on and off the field.

Teamwork

Football taught me that individual talent only matters when it lifts the whole team.

Playbook Mastery

Memorizing complex plays as a second-language learner sharpened my focus and memory.

Resilience

Getting knocked down — and getting back up — is a skill I practice every season.

In the Classroom & the Workshop

Academic & Technical

My academic profile reflects a deliberate focus on STEM, technical skills, and the kind of hands-on learning that bridges theory and practice.

I don't just study engineering concepts — I apply them. From wiring circuits in Electronics class to diagnosing engines in Mechanics, every technical elective has deepened my understanding of how things work and how to make them better.

Taking honors courses as a non-native English speaker required double the effort and taught me that persistence always outperforms natural talent.

3.6

GPA

Honors

Multiple

CS Next Year