Alexander Prior's Eportfolio

Career Goal Narrative

Ever since I was young I have been fascinated in the way things work. I would take apart electronics and assemblies that stopped working and attempt to fix them. Over the past few years I found it to be my "happy place". I have attended the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center and received my certificate in engineering, now I will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering starting at the College of Southern Maryland and completed at Old Dominion University.

I have completed a few engineering modeling classes at CSM and the Tech Center to help me pursue my dream of becoming an engineer. In addition to some classes I have taken many tours of the Patuxent River naval air base in Maryland. While attending the Tech Center, I have learned to use and code for Arduino, I have learned and been certified in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, designing objects to be 3D printed or machined with a CNC. I have a few additional certifications including additive manufacturing, the tape and rule, calipers, micrometers, and the digital multimeter. One challenging project completed at the tech center included designing, building, and flying UAS drones that complete autonomous missions. Another project included Leaning about the aerodynamics of automobiles and rockets, testing with flow simulation and collecting real data. A large part of the course is learning how to manufacture, drafted designs, 3D-print; operate wood-CNCs, plasma CNCs, laser CNCs, and most importantly; hand tools.

I am an Eagle scout in troop 1634 located in St. Mary’s County. Scouts has taught me many things, leadership, dedication, public speaking, problem solving, and team work. To advance rank to rank each scout must pass a board of review, almost like an interview, the scout is introduced to a panel of about five people. You are asked a few questions relating to skills learned throughout your time in the Current rank and how you will carry that with you through future ranks as well as a career after scouting.

Now that I have graduated high school, I have attended the College of Southern Maryland for a year and completed my transfer to Old Dominion University, working on a degree in mechanical engineering. 

After I graduate I would like to further my education and experience in becoming a Professional Engineer and making my thoughts a reality. I can improve the construct of living by designing and creating to better humanity.