The career that I have decided to pursue is Mechanical Engineering. My inspiration for entering this field comes largely from following in the footsteps of my dad, who also earned an Engineering Degree. I am particularly interested in Engineering (especially Mechanical) because of how broad it is and because of the many opportunities it provides to achieve professional and personal goals. My decision was solidified after touring USMSM, where I realized how much I would enjoy working in this particular field and the possibilities this degree would open for me.

Thus far, the courses I have taken to prepare me for my future in Mechanical Engineering are Pre - Calculus, AP Physics 1, Algebra 1 and 2, and Computer Science Principles. All of these classes have provided me with a strong idea of Math, Physics and problem solving. I am currently enrolled in an engineering program at James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center which provides valuable hands-on work and problem solving scenarios. Throughout my school classes I have been taught advanced versions of Math, Physics, and high level writing skills. Over the next two years, I will be increasing my skills in these categories along with extensive amounts of hands-on work in the Tech Center.

I have been actively involved in several different extracurricular activities that have strengthened my leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. In school I have participated in many clubs including: Key Club, S2S, Student Leadership Council, Raider Buddies and a few others. The basis of these clubs focus on volunteer work and important leadership positions in my community. Outside of school I’ve been involved in various sports such as Basketball, Baseball, Soccer and Football, which I’ve played for most of my life. Sports have shown me the importance of teamwork and following directions to help achieve my goal. Beyond school, I have also volunteered in several roles to include working as a volunteer counselor at The Greenwell Foundation Summer Camps which helped improve my leadership skills and ability  to work with others. I am also currently employed with Southern Maryland Power Washing. This job has taught me the value of responsibility and the importance of following directions to reach the desired results.

Upon graduating from high school I plan on beginning my college career at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM); a community college to further extend my engineering education. My goal is to stay at CSM for two years to achieve my Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering. After two years at CSM I plan on transferring to the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM) to extend my education and achieve my Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Attending USMSM offers a more affordable option all while receiving an on par if not better education than more expensive options.  Additionally, I will be close to home with good quality technology and resources and support.

After reaching my career goal, I will affect the community I live in because I plan to work on and design systems for aircrafts for the government. This will affect my community because it will overall make our fleet/military better in the U.S. My impact on the world will overall be a positive one and will affect many people not only in the U.S., but throughout the world.