I haven’t fully decided on what career I am going to fulfill, but I am in between Civil or Mechanical Engineering. From a young age I started to tinker, with my dad working in drywall, tools and materials were easily accessible and I took that to my advantage. Finding out how things work and what it takes to get to that point (disassembling objects, repairing them, using those items/its parts to solve different problems) has always intrigued me ever since I could remember. Since then I've learned to enjoy how things work and what it takes to make those things work properly to solve a common issue. I decided this career was right for me once I saw the Engineering program, through The Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. I read about it and was sold that this was the career I wanted to pursue.

My career for Engineering is just beginning to bloom, the only specific-to Engineering classes I have taken to reach my career is the Tech Center class I am currently in. I haven’t taken any programs specific for Engineering yet. But, I have researched the different kinds of Engineers to help give me a better sense of understanding as to what type I will pursue. Doing that also helped give me basic knowledge on each type of Engineer, to help better understand exactly what is required and goes into reaching my goal. I have a great understanding in math, and science, which I know will help me as I pursue a career as an Engineer. I have a very strong, and solid knowledge in English and Writing, as I excel in that. My academics have always been very important to me, and I know this discipline will allow me to excel in this program. I also have spent a great amount of time in my childhood as well as today tinkering, or pulling things apart to figure out how they work and also to see if there are any problems with the item, as well as putting them back together. I feel that knowledge is very important for Engineering since the majority of what they do is figure out solutions to common problems. Results driven work is meaningful to me. The Engineering program is leading me on the right path to achieving my goals. Currently I have completed several of the following trainings and certifications,  and others are in progress: Snap-On NC3 Tape and Rule Certification; Sap-On NC3 Slide Caliper Certification; AutoCAD Certified User; VCarve Pro- 2D Design for Multiple Axis Machines; Hand Drafting Proficient; Workshop Skills; G-Code Experience- 3D Printing, Laser Engraving Cutting; Workshop Tool Experience; Soldering Knowledge; Robotics- Arduino- Basic Electronics, Electrical Component Knowledge, Designing Innovative Projects, Reading Schematics. I am looking forward to obtaining all the knowledge I can to assist with projecting my career in the right direction. 

In middle school I played recreational basketball, and recreational flag football. Both of these sports taught me very important skills, such as communicating with a team as well as working in unison with them. It also taught me to listen and follow through with detailed and well put-together plans and ideas, and it gave me a sense of importance when working towards an important goal. I currently hold a job at Korner Carryout as well, for the past two and a half years. The job has taught me the importance of working as a team, as well as following a neat, structured, ordered list of commands and tasks. It also taught me to listen well and listen carefully, and it gave me a work sense of always putting forth your best effort to reach a goal. I continue to balance school and work and I know this skill of balancing life's responsibilities will carry over into my career as a engineer. 

My plans after high school is to relax for a little 2-6 month period, and then find a part time job that is accommodating for college. Then I plan to start and complete a 4 year public university, to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in whatever Engineering path I decide to take. Since most Engineering, if not all types, require at least a Bachelor’s Degree to get a job,I will then take that degree I got from the 4 years of University to seek an Engineering job in a well paying area and environment that energizes me, and is purposeful. I feel with time my plan may change mainly in what Engineer field I decide I want to be in. But I also may change what degree I go for (Master’s) if there are better job opportunities that come with it. Now that I am in my final year of the Engineering program at Forrest Hall Tech Center, and my junior year in high school, I am starting to be more intentional when looking at colleges, and the possibilities of scholarships. This year I am dedicating effort into choosing a college that offers a competitive engineering  program with rich content. I am leaning into the University of Maryland and started the process to see if this school meets my engineering needs/goals.

Once I finally achieve the goal I have been working towards, I will use my intelligence in that field to help the community around me by making things more accessible and user friendly to people that may have a mental disorder or a physical condition. I could design and build a sustainable, self-sufficient, community for those in need. It is important to me to make a difference using the knowledge I have gained. I will find ways to solve problems within the community, as well as make the overall quality of life better for the people around me, by making homes adaptable for people with physical/mental disabilities. The society in which I live will have someone/ a team of people I hope to have to ask for help with problems that only an Engineer can figure out. Having someone with that kind of knowledge can help problems that may occur within the community, but it can bring a sense of security knowing they have someone that can help bring solutions to day-to-day problems. The impact I, hopefully, will have on the world is that I can be someone that always has a solution to any problem, no matter what it is. I will have a positive impact on the world by making sure people’s everyday problems are solved. I will hopefully make at least a small difference in this world, identifying, solving, and being a responsible, dependable Engineer people can count on to provide solutions to problems. We can all make a difference if we put in the effort to make a difference.