My dream job is to become an Electrical Engineer who uses technology and problem-solving to improve lives and strengthen communities. I am drawn to electrical engineering because it combines creativity, logic, and real-world application. Engineering allows ideas to move beyond theory and become practical solutions, and that process is what excites me most.
My interest in engineering began in ninth grade when I enrolled in an Engineering I course and helped build a functioning robot. For the first time, I could see how electrical components, mechanics, and programming worked together to create something useful. That experience sparked a curiosity that has guided my academic choices ever since. I realized that engineering would allow me to ask questions, solve problems, and continuously learn.
To prepare for this career, I have pursued a rigorous academic path through the Collegiate Academy at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College while still in high school. I have completed advanced coursework in calculus, physics, chemistry, and computer programming, developing the analytical and technical skills necessary for engineering. Balancing college-level academics with leadership, volunteer work, and employment has strengthened my discipline, adaptability, and time management which are qualities essential for success in the engineering field.
Beyond technical skills, my dream job is also shaped by my values. I come from a family that believes in upward mobility and service. My grandmother was one of the first African Americans to integrate Moss Point High School in 1965, and her courage reminds me that access to opportunity should never be taken for granted. As an engineer, I hope to contribute to projects that improve infrastructure, energy systems, or technology in ways that directly benefit communities, especially those that are underserved.
In addition to professional success, I aspire to be a mentor and role model. I hope to return to my community to encourage students especially those who may be shy, introverted, or unsure of their path to consider careers in STEM. I want students to see that with early planning, mentorship, and determination, they can achieve ambitious goals regardless of their background.
My dream job is not just about a title or income; it is about purpose. Electrical engineering represents a way for me to honor my family’s legacy, use my education responsibly, and create solutions that have lasting impact. With continued education and support, I am committed to becoming an engineer who not only excels technically, but also serves as a positive force for progress and opportunity.
Being part of JROTC has been one of the most defining experiences of my high school career. I have been involved in the program since my freshman year, and it has shaped my discipline, leadership style, and commitment to service. Over the years, I have taken on multiple leadership roles, including serving as the S1 Personnel Officer, leading the Sabre Team as its commander, and now completing my senior year as the Battalion Commander. These roles taught me how to lead with integrity, communicate clearly, and stay focused on long‑term goals.
Something important to know about my background is that I come from a strong military family. Many of my relatives have served in the Air Force, Navy, and Army, and growing up around that level of discipline and sacrifice deeply influenced me. I am also the oldest of four siblings, which has shaped me into someone who leads naturally, sets an example, and carries myself with maturity. Whether I am in uniform representing my battalion or at home guiding my younger siblings, I hold myself to a high standard.
Throughout high school, I have been involved in several community‑focused organizations. As a member of the National Beta Club, I participated in service projects that supported both my school and local community. Through Empowering Doves, I volunteered in outreach programs that assisted families and strengthened community connections. Serving as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador for the City of Hazlehurst allowed me to represent my city at public events and work closely with community leaders. I also completed numerous service hours through JROTC, helping at school functions, ceremonies, parades, and community events. These experiences taught me that leadership is rooted in service, compassion, and showing up for others.
Some of my biggest accomplishments reflect that dedication. One of the achievements I am most proud of is serving as the Battalion Commander and successfully bringing back our Military Ball after the school had gone three years without one. Planning and executing such an important event required coordination, communication, and responsibility. Another major accomplishment was receiving the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Award during my junior year, which recognized both my academic excellence and my leadership as a Cadet Captain and S1 Personnel Officer. Additionally, I helped conduct our Triennial Accreditation Inspection, where our battalion earned an overall rating of 95.8%, achieving the distinguished title of Army JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction.
One of the most meaningful lessons I learned came from a mistake I made while planning the Military Ball. At first, I believed I didn’t need help and tried to handle everything on my own. When unexpected challenges came up, I fell behind schedule and realized I couldn’t complete such a large event alone. I had to learn to lean on my staff and even reach out to previous cadets who had graduated. Their connections helped us secure our caterer and photographer, and together we brought the event to life. That experience taught me that leadership is not about doing everything yourself—it’s about trusting your team and knowing when to ask for support.
Looking ahead, my dream job is to become a labor and delivery nurse. I am passionate about maternal health, especially improving outcomes for African American women. My experiences in JROTC, my academic achievements, and my commitment to service have prepared me to pursue this path with purpose and confidence.
I am Cadet Captain A'Shyia Coffee in my fourth year of JROTC at Northwest Rankin High School as a current senior, serving as a LET 4. My journey has been defined by a rapid ascent in leadership and an unwavering commitment to the mission of "Motivating young people to be better citizens." From the moment I earned the rank of Sergeant within my first semester as a freshman, I knew my high school career would be dedicated to the discipline of the corps. By my sophomore year, I was promoted to First Sergeant, and by my junior year, I achieved the rank of Captain. Today, I serve as a Company Commander, Drill Commander, Drone Commander, and Color Guard Commander. In every formation and every competition, I go by our motto: "Loud as thunder, cold as rain, Cougar Battalion wins the game."
Something important to know about my background is my drive to excel in high-pressure, technical environments. I am a core member of the Drill Team, Raider Team, Drone Team, PT Team, Color Guard, Push-up Squad, and the Exhibition Team. My biggest accomplishment is not just participating in these groups, but leading them to excellence; I have earned first-place awards in every single one of these categories. Furthermore, I am in charge of the Northwest Rankin JROTC website. Managing this digital platform requires the same precision as a drill sequence, ensuring that our battalion’s information is professional and accessible. This technical role, combined with my involvement in DECA, Business Academy, and NWR Show Choir Stage Crew, has taught me how to merge tactical leadership with modern strategic communication.
My commitment to service extends into the heart of Mississippi. I have dedicated my time to volunteering for the Mayor’s Banquet and the Flowood Family Festival, ensuring our community events run with military precision. Additionally, my work with TOPSoccer allowed me to use my leadership skills to mentor athletes with disabilities, reminding me that the true goal of a leader is to uplift those around them. These experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of pride in my home state, which is why I am committed to attending Mississippi State University.
However, leadership is a journey of constant refinement. A mistake I made in the past occurred during my first year as a Commander. I initially struggled with taking criticism, viewing feedback as a sign of failure rather than a tool for growth. During an intense drill practice, I pushed my team too hard without listening to their physical concerns, which led to a drop in morale. This experience taught me the "Leadership Way" of using feedback. I learned that a Commander must be as good a listener as they are a speaker. Now, I actively solicit input from my cadets, using their perspectives to build a more cohesive and resilient unit that truly lives up to our "Loud as Thunder" reputation.
My dream job is to serve as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force. I want to lead teams that operate at the cutting edge of technology, whether in unmanned aerial systems or aerospace engineering. By attending Mississippi State and joining the ROTC program, I will bridge the gap between my Business Academy roots and my military ambitions. JROTC gave me the discipline to lead; the Air Force will give me the platform to protect. I am ready to honor the memory of Colonel JC Broome by proving that a student from Mississippi can lead with bravery and impact the world through a career of service.
