One thing leading to another has been a major theme throughout my experience studying mechanical engineering. When I first started college, I chose engineering because I enjoyed math, science, and figuring out how things work. At the time, I did not fully understand how much the field would challenge me or how much I would grow because of it.
My early engineering classes focused on fundamentals like calculus, physics, and basic design. At first, I saw them as individual subjects that I just needed to pass. Over time, I realized they were all connected. The concepts I learned in one class would show up again in another, often in a completely different way. Learning the basics led to more advanced topics like mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and design projects. Each course built on the previous one, making me think differently and solve more complex problems.
As my technical knowledge grew, so did my confidence. Group projects taught me how to communicate ideas, work with different personalities, and solve problems as part of a team. Design projects showed me that engineering is not just about finding the right answer. It is about balancing constraints, making decisions, and improving ideas through trial and error.
Outside the classroom, these experiences have changed how I approach challenges in general. Instead of getting frustrated when something does not work, I have learned to break problems into smaller pieces and keep improving until I find a solution. That mindset has carried over into other parts of my life as well.
Looking back, one decision led to another. Choosing engineering led to new knowledge, new experiences, and new ways of thinking. Those experiences have helped me grow both academically and personally. While I still have a lot to learn, I can already see how each step has contributed to the person I am becoming. This photo is of my senior design project!
