Colson J. Combs
Summary
I am a 15 year old fencer, writer, and health and environmental advocator. I like dogs, cats, writing and dairy-free chocolate. I am very serious about my education and my fencing, and I hope to eventually attend the Olympics.
Experiences
- Competitive Fencer
- Competed in 2017 and 2018
Junior Olympics and won the 2017 Junior Olympic Qualifier (17 and under) at age 13
- Paid my way to the 2017 and 2018 Junior Olympics Fencing Championships by soliciting and securing yard work contracts
- Qualified three times for the National Fencing Championship and qualified for four events in 2018.
- Competes in numerous tournaments with fencers above age category, winning and placing in some of those tournaments
- Nationally ranked and rated
- Active in State Government
- Testified twice before the NC Utilities Commission regarding Duke Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan, to promote greater use of renewable energy over fossil fuels and nuclear power. See these videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01AivOJs5Y8&t=28s
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qjxu_qFxC3M&t=6s
- Testified once before the NC Senate to defend acupuncture from a delicensing effort
- Frequently visits the NC Legislature to support bills in favor of renewable energy, the environment and human rights. Preparation for meetings includes research, preparation of handouts, and rehearsing meeting talking points. Meet with numerous legislators and their aides.
- Served as a Senate Page for Senate Minority Leader Dan Blue (May 2017)
- Leading campaign to prohibit circus animals in Raleigh and North Carolina. See Colson's Circus Statement. Campaign involves meeting with city and state elected officials, developing relationships with the press and public outreach.
- Assisting in the recovery of a person on the autism spectrum using the Son-Rise Program
- Odyssey of The Mind team captain for four years. The team improved each year, with its highest finish being second in performance and third overall
- Kids Living Longer (Sole proprietorship)
- Co-created with my Mom an eLearning program to help kids recover their health: http://kidslivinglonger.com/
- Created a YouTube video series promoting kids’ health: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv5Ujt7ezhI07FTYjE-XHqA
- Made public presentations to improve health at Rotary Clubs
- Author of The Roasting Chestnut fiction blog: http://theroastingchestnut.blogspot.com/
Education
I have been homeschooled my entire life, and I am a ninth grader. My 8th grade Iowa Basic Skills Test showed that I score grade 13+ and the 98th percentile. I have attended numerous camps, with 2017’s highlight being The Fundamentals of Debate Camp at Emory University.
Interests
Writing, reading, fencing, music, pottery, camping, nature, ants and other communal insects, cinematography, cinema, fantasy of any kind ever, dragons, magic, monsters, role playing.
Hello,
I enjoy your blog and am glad to see you are updating again :)
What is your experience with children on the autism spectrum, and what links between autism and vaccines have you noticed?
Posted by: Agoodname | April 13, 2018 at 12:46 PM
Thank you for reading! That is a pleasant surprise! I need to get back at it... many discoveries and things to write about.
Regarding kids on the spectrum, I have known a few, but I can't comment directly on the role that vaccines played in their lives. My suspicion based on discussions with their parents is that vaccines could have played a role. I want to emphasize that is only a suspicion and I do not have the credentials to diagnose anything.
If you have a more specific concern or question, feel free to ask.
Posted by: Laura Combs | April 13, 2018 at 01:46 PM