Sponsored by Lenovo, the technology company and sponsor of the 2008 Olympic Games, the online contest challenged entrants to submit a short video and statement defending why they are new thinkers. In return, finalists would vie for a chance to bear the torch in the 2008 Games in China.
Beatty, a Newark native and graduate student in public health at Emory University, rose to the challenge after clicking a link on My Space, and is now among the top nine finalists (only three will be chosen) winnowed from a total pool of 6,000 entrants.
“I was on My Space and I clicked a random link because it mentioned 'torchbearers' and I was interested,” Beatty said.
As a long-distance runner who's already aced two marathons, Beatty added that the challenge--and its reward--seemed especially appealing. Her interest in public health, too, she said, also spurred her on.
“I think there is a lot to be done in health care, and that's a starting point for a lot of world problems,” she said. “It's what I'm pursuing my master's degree in, and I think it's a way to have a broad impact on health care worldwide.”
“I got a lot of support for a cause I care about, and that really kicked off my interest in running and health care,” Beatty said.
The online competition, which runs until Wednesday, Oct. 24, is determined by quantity of votes, and Beatty is hoping that friends and colleagues in the UD community will cast theirs in her favor. “Voting is open to everyone up until Oct. 24, so I'm trying to spread the word,” she said.
To help Beatty carry the torch, click here to cast a vote .
Article by Becca Hutchinson
Photo courtesy of Carissa Beatty
