I decided in the 6th grade that I wanted to become an engineer. This was before I knew that the engineering career field was heavy in math and science. I just reviewed results from a career assessment, read up on the field, and decided it was for me.
The process I took to become an engineer
I’ll spare most of the details here in favor of sharing video of the process, but here’s how I ultimately became an engineer:
I kept my grades high – Of course, I kept my math and science grades high, but I really kept my grades high overall. School came relatively easy for me, but I was also intentional about getting a high GPA because I knew that having that would increase my chances of getting into a good engineering school.
I studied for the SAT – It was when I scored lower in the PSAT than I expected that the concept of studying for the SAT became a thing for me. I put diligent work into making sure I was better prepared for the test.
I did research – I researched different fields of engineering, as well as different colleges that provided engineering programs. I looked these up A LOT. While my peers were outside chatting, I was in the library searching the web for whatever I could find.
Entering engineering school
Once I actually got into engineering school at Mercer University, here are additional steps I took to ensure my success:
I stopped playing video games (for the most part) – honestly, I was already limited somewhat with playing video games because my dad only allowed it on weekends, but when I went to school, I imagined playing more with my new freedom. Once I tasted what engineering school would really require, I went in the opposite direction. I simply didn’t have the time, and I wouldn’t put games in front of my studies.
I went to my professors’ office hours – When I look back, I probably should have went even more than I did. I learned quickly that even though professors put a lot of the learning work on you as the student, they will help you quite a bit if you take the time to visit them during their office hours. This was a lifeline for me.
I took the time to study – I was not perfect at this, but I definitely came to the understanding that if I did not take time to look back at homework, notes, etc., I would not do well. In contrast to grade school, I had to study in college or I would not do well.
I wasn’t a perfect student by any means, but I’m grateful that I was able to realize my middle school dream of becoming an engineer. I am also grateful that I never had anyone around me telling me that I couldn’t do it, and I hope to impart hope and faith to future engineers by sharing my story.
