Cecilia Dempsey ePortfolio

Since then, I’ve worked to gain knowledge about what I want to do through my education at the Forrest Technology Center in the engineering program to get a picture of what I specifically want to do with my career.

So far in my high school career I have taken math up to Algebra 2 and Geometry and am currently in a physics course. These will help with my science comprehension and math, as engineering is largely science and math. I am in the engineering program at the Forrest Technology Center to assist in obtaining my dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. In my classes I have learned basic math skills and how to question the world around me and how things work in my science classes. In the Tech Center I have learned how to apply skills I have to real life situations. 

As a part of my school’s cross country team I have learned mental fortitude and the importance of listening to coaches to be the best athlete you can. I am a girl scout and have learned how to lead groups, plan projects to create change, interact with my community to leave a positive impact, and work with others to be the change we want to see. Through my 10 years of experience in girl scouts I've done over 500 hours of service and earned my bronze and silver awards, meaning I know what effort and commitment it takes to get projects done and have seen first hand the outcomes that care for others can bring. I was employed over the summer as an office administrator for a local summer camp. Through this experience I have learned how to take charge and manage groups of people, helping me to become a better leader by working with new ideas and problem solving when issues arise. My experiences in extracurriculars have had a huge impact on my development as a person who is genuinely concerned for the people around me and making a positive impact in every project I work on.

After graduation from high school I plan to attend a four-year college to earn a degree in mechanical engineering. I believe through attending a college that specializes in engineering or STEM my opportunities and connections will be strong enough to land me a good internship as an engineer. At a college or university I will be exposed to different people with similar interests as me and have hands-on experience working with others in my field. This creates opportunities to familiarize myself with how working will be and help me understand engineering better through listening and learning from others my age. I am hoping to continue my education past a four-year college in order to earn more certifications or be better suited for whatever job opportunities come my way. 

After achieving my career goal I would like to help other girls in my community learn about engineering and support them like I have been supported through scouting and their mentorship. I can see change in the people that I assist in the community through mentoring and make the world a better place through the products of my successful engineering career. Throughout my life, the experiences I have in my career will all be teachable moments through which I can become an inspiration for change or a mentor for someone who did not know they could be the change. I don’t know exactly what I will do, but I hope that whatever it is will leave a lasting impact for the good. I will know I have done the right thing and gone on the right path when I can look back and I am able to think that the good I see is because of me.