Like many future engineers I developed an interest in mechanical objects at a young age. When I was old enough to handle tools, I took apart and reassembled anything I could get my hands on. This natural inclination sent me on a long, varied journey to where I am today.
After high school I attended an automotive trade school and got a job working for Volkswagen. I worked as a bumper-to-bumper diagnostic technician and quickly exceled at it. After Volkswagen, I moved on to another mechanic position working on big trucks and tractors. After a few years working on vehicles, it was time for a change. I started an apprenticeship as a carpenter and within two years I was organizing jobs and supervising laborers. Unfortunately, in 2009 the company I was working for went out of business. Since my career focus had been within skilled labor trades, I assumed my life would continue in the same direction. After a year of unemployment and underemployment, and with the support of my family, I decided it was time for me to go back to school. No program felt as right for me as mechanical engineering.
Heading back to school as an adult presented me with many challenges, most immediately: money. How was I supposed to pay my bills when I was spending all of my time at school? I found a job as a bicycle mechanic and was able to work 25-35 hours a week while attending classes. Two and a half years into my studies, my classes became more challenging and required more commitment. I approached the director of the San Diego City College Math, Engineering, Science Achievement program (MESA) and asked if they needed a math tutor. Because I had been a member of the MESA program for a school year, the director was happy to have me aboard as an employee.
I spent my last two semesters at City College as a senior math tutor for all math subjects through calculus III. Because I do not have a car and use my bicycle to get everywhere, being able to commute to one place during the day allowed me more time to study. I have been able to maintain a G.P.A. of over 3.0 but would like to devote more time to my education and achieve a G.P.A. at San Diego State University of over 3.5.
As I matriculate to SDSU, I plan to join an engineering club such as the Formula SAE team to help further my knowledge and experience, and work with a community of like-minded students. I value opportunities to work with a team, as this is a skill every engineer should develop before entering the field. I have also been accepted into the SDSU EOP program, which provides members with private study areas and more accessible counseling.
My educational goal is to become a certified professional engineer. After graduation I will take the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) FE exam, the first step needed to become a state recognized professional engineer. I hope to find employment with a stable company working on challenging and fun projects. Once my probationary period has ended, I plan on completing the PE exam to become a fully-certified professional engineer. Once I have completed my certification, I will do what I can to develop my managerial skills and lead teams. Ten years after graduation, I would like to be in a position of seniority with a company that advances current known technologies and fosters a culture of growth and learning.
