Ray Williams's ePortfolio

I decided to pursue a career related to the engineering field. I’ve always found enjoyment in solving problems and coming up with creative solutions to things; This is what engineering is all about for me. I’ve always had some interest in engineering, but only after taking STEM engineering in my sophomore year of high school had I started to decide that something in the engineering field would likely be the most enjoyable and engaging career path for me. 

I was in the STEM program for the first two years of high school, so I have taken several higher level classes across multiple subjects such as ELA, math, science, etc. I decided to enroll in the engineering program at the Forrest Tech Center instead of continuing STEM in my junior year, so I can follow my aspirations . Taking pre-calculus and AP physics last year has helped me build up my skills such as critical thinking and so will my AP calc-AB class this year. The tech center will help me to build up those and many other skills, such as public speaking.

I have not participated in any extracurricular activities, although this year I plan on potentially enrolling in Skillsusa. I would benefit greatly from Skillsusa because I’ve noticed that my weak points are working with a team, leadership, etc. I hope to improve all of those skills greatly in Skillsusa. Since I was about 13, I’ve been teaching myself game development. I taught myself how to plan, design, make art, program, and almost everything else to do with game development. These skills I’m sure will aid me greatly in my engineering pursuit, especially the programming and design aspects. A big part of why I chose engineering was because I not only enjoy programming, but I also already have so much experience. When I was about 14, I used my skills in art to do freelance art on Fiverr, which taught me a lot about marketing and communication. I’m sure that this experience will come in handy in the future.

I haven’t decided entirely what I’ll do when I graduate high school, but I do know that I want to go straight into the engineering workforce. Going straight into the workforce would allow me to start getting an income immediately, which will help contribute towards whatever I decide to do afterwards. Currently I’m considering going to college after high school, although I haven’t decided which one specifically. I might also take a gap year before starting college to ease into my new job before adding college classes to my schedule. College would definitely help to take my education to the next level, and be able to potentially get an even better job. I would also like to be able to work from home so I wouldn’t have to drive somewhere everyday.

After I achieve my goals I would like to be able to aid my peers in their pursuits, and make an overall positive impact in peoples’ lives. Even if I don’t make any revolutionary advancements in engineering I’d hope I can inspire people to think critically and work hard to be the best person that they can be.