The career that I have decided to pursue is aerospace engineering. When I was young, I was fascinated by airplanes but even more so by jets. I have always enjoyed watching jets fly around, such as the Blue Angels performing their amazing maneuvers or military jets in action during air shows or in videos. This passion and fascination with jets ignited my curiosity about how these incredible machines were designed and how they work. I have also always been very fascinated by spaceships and space travel, and how engineers have to perfectly design a ship to do exactly what they need so humans can go discover the vast, expanding universe above our Earth. Watching videos of takeoffs and landings, seeing the amazing rocket engines fire out powerful thrusts of flames just like an incredible jet, was always amazing to see. Over the years, I became very fascinated with both jets and spaceships, and because of this, once I learned what aerospace engineering was circa 6th grade, I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to do as my career.
To prepare myself for a career in aerospace engineering, I have taken a variety of classes that will support my goals. I have focused on the subjects math and science, taking AP Calculus AB, Honors Physics, AP Physics, and Honors Chemistry, In my Senior year I plan on taking AP Calculus BC, AP Physics 2 -or if the class is available- AP Physics C, and AP Chemistry, all of which are critical for understanding the principles of flight and aircraft design and how it world. Additionally, I am taking an Engineering CTE class in the James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center that develops a lot of skills that are used in the aerospace engineering field, such as a certification for AutoCAD and SolidWorks, along with others. The class also helps build teamwork skills and problem-solving skills through the engineering projects it provides. Through the classes I have taken so far, I have developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills that will serve me well in my future career.
Outside of academics, I plan to join a summer internship through NAVAIR or NAWCAD where I hope to learn valuable skills in project management and better communication, along with more insight into the aerospace industry. I have also attended a tech expo at the USMSM SMART building where I was able to speak to many engineers in many different fields and ask them about their jobs and the paths they took to eventually reach where they are now, giving me a lot of insight and information into what I should do.
Upon graduation from high school, my immediate plan is to attend a four-year Ivy League university with a strong aerospace engineering program. I believe that attending a university will provide me with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field. I am committed to furthering my education and may pursue a master’s degree in aerospace engineering after completing my bachelor’s degree, depending on the opportunities I am given while studying and working towards my goal.
After achieving my career goal, I aspire to make a significant positive impact on and in my community and society as a whole. By working in aerospace engineering, I plan to contribute to advancements in both aviation and space travel technology that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. I hope to be part of innovations that could reduce the environmental impact of air travel and improve accessibility, making air transportation more accessible to diverse communities. Ultimately, I aim to inspire the next generation of engineers after me through the beauty and excellence of the Jets and ships that I help design and create, showcasing how this field can not only advance technology but also make a positive difference in the world by sparking joy and creativity in someone, whether youth or of any age. Through my work, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that encourages curiosity, teamwork, a commitment to innovation, and above all, a love for Aerospace engineering.