Butterfly Theory

In 1963, Edward Lorenz presented a hypothesis to the New York Academy of Science. His theory states that: A butterfly could flap its wings and set molecules of air in motion, which would move other molecules of air, eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet. The title of my class would be “The Butterfly Effect.” The class itself would not only analyze the butterfly effect theory but also the theory of Chaos: When the present determines the future, but the approximate present does not approximately determine the future. This class would challenge the analytical and psychological effects that our actions have on people and events. It would encourage students to spend more time thinking about their actions and the effects that they have on others. The focus of this class would not only be to reevaluate your own life, but analyze past historic events through the butterfly effect. We will look into past events and evaluate how small actions led to big changes in history and how the world could have been different. The goal is for students to realize how important every action is. We all have things in our lives that we claim are more important (like spending time with our family), but if we put the same importance on our small conversations at school and work, we begin to put a purpose into our lives and all of our actions.

By realizing that every action you do has an alternative effect on others, students would be able to become more open-minded and aware. This class will have a domino effect on campus, creating an environment where people have a purpose and care about others. In High School, I am taking a Psychology class and have become more interested in philosophies and the process of thinking. The Butterfly Effect class was inspired by my new-found interest in psychology and a book I received for Christmas called The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters by Andy Andrews. After my third read of the book, I began to realize the importance of this book and why my grandmother had given it to me. It took such a simple idea and turned it into something much more powerful. Every time I read the book, I begin to analyze events in my life and see how I got to a certain point. For instance, six months ago, I received my ACT scores and realized that they were not high enough. I began to use a tutor and while talking to him about his family, learned that his daughter went to Elon University. He explained to me how Elon was the “perfect” college. The right size, great professors, athletics, and unlimited opportunities. My family then visited the campus where we had the most amazing tour guide and talked with some of the friendliest, enthusiastic students who described their amazing experience at Elon. All of these small events led to how I got to this point today, applying for Elon. The Butterfly Effect class will strive to promote students to become more aware of their surroundings and understand that every small action they take can and will have an even larger effect on their future or that of someone they meet.