MUNCIE, Ind. - Luke Garrett started solving Rubik's cubes when he was nine years old. He was watching videos of world records and wanted to try to solve one on his own. It took him two days to solve his first Rubik's Cube.
After that, he became obsessed with them and wanted to be like the people in the videos he watched as a kid. Solving Rubik's cubes isn’t just some silly hobby though; it has transformed him as a person.
“I guess growing up, I’m not the best socially, and it’s kind of a way for me to meet people who have a similar interest as me. So I’ve met most of my closest friends I’ve met through cubing competitions,” explained Garrett.
Garrett was originally nervous going into his first competition, but now it is one of his favorite things to do. Competitions are not just about winning to him; it is a way for him to inspire kids and be a leader and mentor.
“It’s very important to be a good role model to these kids, at least I think, so that's something that I try really hard to be, and I think that's helped shape me kind of just a better person in general, just because I don’t want to let down these people who look up to me,” Garrett said.
Garrett’s favorite cube to solve is the 3x3, which he eventually won a world record for solving the fastest with one hand. He said it was completely unexpected, and he was shocked when he accomplished it. He says this was his biggest accomplishment, and the key to success is grit.
“As long as you put in your best effort, as long as you tried, you didn’t waste your time, you didn’t fail,” said Garrett.
Luke Garrett is pursuing a degree in accounting and plans to keep competing throughout college. He is currently in the process of starting a Rubik's Cube club at Ball State University.
Contact Cameron Noe with comments at cameron.noe@bsu.edu.
