The subject I learned from most in high school was engineering/technology. I’m one of the first students at my school to be enrolled into the new engineering curriculum and I’m currently in the second class of the Project Lead the Way program. PLTW Engineering program empowers students to step into the role of an engineer, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and make the leap from dreamers to doers. The program’s courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers. From this program, I learned how to program robots and machinery as well as breadboarding. I learned how to design blueprints as well as 3D model on Inventor and 3D print. We have learned about a variety structural mechanisms, the importance of centroids and how to solve truss calculations. We also visited engineering companies and had guest speakers come talk to our class about their engineering careers.
I want to be an architectural engineer. That is someone who plans, designs, and reviews the construction of buildings. The engineering program has helped to develop and instill skills in me that will propel me to achieve my goal of becoming an architect. I have gained problem-solving skills. Instead of avoiding a task, I asks questions and perform research until I figure out a particular problem. I’ve improved at multitasking, I know how to prioritize and can easily determine when one project requires more of my attention than others. I’ve mastered my ability to transition back and forth between different projects I’m working on as needed. I’ve practiced how to be a better team player. I learned how to effectively communicate ideas with a diverse group of people and I’m able to work collaboratively within any environment. Being in the engineering program has assisted me in numerous ways and has solidified my interest entering a engineering profession.
