Meet the winner: Ignacio Serrano

The winner of this month's Imperial Steps Challenge, Ignacio Serrano, representing the Electrical Engineering department of Imperial College, won the grand prize of an Apple watch and a tour of our offices.

Ignacio, could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Ignacio: Absolutely! I'm Ignacio, a 25-year-old enthusiast from Chile, currently immersing myself in the electrifying world of future power networks at Imperial. My journey here started with a deep dive into electrical engineering.

What sort of university activities capture your interest?

Ignacio: While I'm associated with the energy society, my real passion is the Krav Maga society. It’s an intense and practical self-defence method from the Israeli army, focusing more on real-life defence scenarios than the traditional forms of martial arts.

What are your hobbies outside of academia?

Ignacio: Traveling is my escape. My latest adventure was to Scotland for a family Christmas. It was an incredible experience, especially with the unique charm of short days in the Scottish winter.

What inspired you to participate in the Terra Steps Challenge?

Ignacio: It was all about mental wellness for me. Adapting to life in the UK from Chile was challenging, and walking became my therapy, helping me deal with the nostalgia and the new environment.

Can you describe your daily routine during the challenge?

Ignacio: I hit the ground walking in September, clocking in around 15,000 steps daily. Weekends were for pushing my limits. Walking became a way to explore and connect with the city, providing a mental reset.

How did this challenge benefit your academic life and personal well-being?

Ignacio: It's been incredibly beneficial. Establishing a walking routine was a game-changer. It kept me from feeling down and allowed me to stay focused and engaged with my studies.

What sparked your interest in health tech and wearables?

Ignacio: My journey began when I was struggling with weight issues around 2015 or 2016. Running helped me lose 30 kilograms in three months. My first fitness companion was a Garmin Vivo Active, which was pivotal in tracking and motivating my fitness journey.

What motivated you to join the Terra Steps Challenge?

Ignacio: Initially, I overlooked the challenge emails. But the chance to win an Apple Watch caught my eye. Realising they would count all my steps from day one, I jumped on board.

What was the highlight of the challenge for you?

Ignacio: Surprisingly, it was the money I saved on transport. I found joy in walking to places instead of using the tube, especially if they weren't too far away.

Thanks Ignacio! Feel free to come by and study when you're in London and not travelling haha!