Since I was little, I have always been fascinated with the inner workings of machinery and how it all comes together to complete a designated task. This interest led to a love for STEM, which over the years has evolved into a passion for the world of engineering. Unlike others when I see something mechanical I look for ways to improve upon what is there and how to make it better. This love for mechanics lead me to the automotive world early on. Everything about a car, the engine, suspension, wheels, and all performance parts are like music to my ears. Anything car related has fascinated me since my grandfather introduced me to that realm as he built cars for Ford Motor Company for 30 years. From the culture to the ever changing components of a car, this love led me to the dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. I have tailored by high school curriculum toward this goal and have excelled all four years academically and athletically. It was time to apply to college and I found myself exactly where i was meant to be, Norwich University as a mechanical engineering major. I am pursuing a career in the Navy as an Ensign through the Naval Preparatory Program/NROTC and wrestling for the school. This path will further develop my engineering skills, time management, teamwork, character and discipline. This path is allowing me to not only live my dream of designing new inventions and revolutionizing what has already been made but also protecting everyone around me and the country I love while developing myself into a man I can be proud of.
In the career I am pursuing it allows me to do so much more than what I dreamed of when I was little. Going into the Navy as an officer will let me see the world and touch the lives of so many people who can benefit from the inventions I plan to be part of. Along with bettering the lives of others, I can protect their lives and the freedoms we fought so hard to obtain and maintain when this great country was established. Unlike some people who go into the service that are unsure of exactly what they want to do with their lives, I know what I want to do and the impact I plan to bring upon the world. This goal to work on ships and nuclear advancements will allow me to safeguard the lives of so many. If I choose to make the military my career or retire and go civilian, I could still have the opportunity to work in the automotive industry where cars are becoming more and more advanced as well as eco-friendly which is bringing upon a new age of automotive engineering. There is so much yet to be discovered and I am excited to possibly be part of this ever evolving industry.
I strive to build upon all this and leave behind my mark of making the mechanical engineering industry more advanced and higher performing, allowing for more growth in this worldwide vocation from large businesses to the dad and son working in their garage building something that will create memories of their lifetime. I have chosen this career begins it means to much to me personally and to protect and evolve the lives of everyone in America and around the world.
One may ponder, what exactly is the most important thing that can be taken away after four years of attendance at Keyport High School? For me, the answer is simple; to give back! I, Shaylyn Walsh, am a senior at Keyport High School and I aspire to earn a college degree in a field where I can emulate the most valuable lesson I learned…to give back; to help; to empower; to make a difference, a positive impact, on as many lives as I can.
During my high school career I prided myself on achieving high grades and involving myself in sports and clubs. I lettered in each sport I played , each season, every year. I played varsity soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, and track. I also was part of Key Club, Debate club, TV club and a 2024 class officer. Through my vast involvement as a student athlete I was able to capture how important and influential people can be in the life of a young adult. With my own eyes, in my four years of high school, I was able to see firsthand how teachers, coaches, advisors, and our very own athletic trainer can positively impact lives. I spent many hours with these professionals and walk away truly touched.
My teachers not only gave me academic content knowledge, but they always went above and beyond to guide me through valuable life lessons. This fostered academic success and self confidence. My coaches, of all disciplines, taught me the incredible power of leadership skills, teamwork, dedication, perseverance and accountability. My advisors showed me how exploring interests and being involved made highschool fun and creates a sense of community and unity. Lastly, our athletic trainer showed me how knowledge, patience, and nurturing enables an athlete to perform to his or her best ability. These influential people helped to shape who I am today and inadvertently led me to pursue a degree where I can positively impact as many human souls as I can.
I plan to attend college where I will earn a degree in Nursing. I am hopeful that this degree will allow me to give back to all people of all ages that are in need of care. I not only plan to make a positive impact on my patients, but also on their families. To be faced with sickness, physical or mental disease, injury, or any situation that compromises independence or overall well being is challenging. I aspire to be the ray of sunshine that can bring positivity and hope to all affected.
Many families stress upon the fact of education, commitment, family and kindness to their kids from such a young age - or at least my family did since I can remember. From first grade the fact of education was always always always super important, I had to make sure that I did well on my multiplication tests, my reading assignments and that carried over into high school and truly taught me many life lessons. High school was challenging for me, I found it difficult to learn during covid, and thought that sometimes I was left stranded especially in the science subject due to covid. But after I was able to blossom, I began taking anatomy - learning about the human body, from muscles to the brain to the skeletal system. My brain was never happier. I really gained interest in the muscular system, especially being an athlete. I was beginning to point out every muscle on my body, where the origin and insertion is and how important that specific muscle is to the body and my body as well as an athlete. Being an athlete, especially a female athlete from the age of four, I never knew how important sports are to me until these last couple of years. From playing soccer on several different teams and even boys teams - soccer has been my go to sport. Basketball and track I began to pick up as I got into high school and also began to enjoy them as well. All three of these sports have taught me many life lessons and continue to do so, they have taught me the most - how to be there for one another, how to build connections, how to have an effective work ethic and especially how to be committed to something. Through school and sports I have been taught the importance of kindness to others, how to approach situations with specific people, how to react to certain situations and how to truly be myself as well. Many may being to ask, what does the importance of a high school anatomy class, soccer, family and kindness have anything to do with the Ms. Kathryn Graham Scholarship - those are how I aspire to inspire others, how to help others and how to teach others as well. Sports will forever be a part of my life, and of course school will as well, but after taking my high school anatomy class and learning about muscles, physical therapy is where I could make my impact on others. I know how frustrating it is when you are injured and cannot play, I have been there, thankfully I had a support system to help me. I hated not being able to play in those moments and wanted to so badly. I did everything and anything I could to get back on the field, court or track the fastest and I learned the importance of health as a high school athlete and I think that is the most important thing I have learned as an athlete. I want to be able to come back to my high school and speak to female athletes about the importance of taking care of their bodies and taking care of the ones around them as well as we all are in the same boat as female athletes - we need to #LeadherForwrd.
