I plan to pursue a career in mechanical engineering because I have always been fascinated by how things work. From a young age, I often took apart things like toys, gaming controllers, and everyday gadgets to understand the mechanisms inside them and improve or repair them. As I grew older, my interest evolved into a desire to not only understand the mysteries beneath objects but to also design and create systems that can solve real-world problems. Mechanical engineering offers the perfect blend of creativity and innovation, allowing me to explore complex systems while using that knowledge to tackle practical challenges. I am especially drawn to how mechanical engineers design technologies that directly improve lives, like innovations in transportation for the handicapped. The opportunity to think outside the box and work towards a specific goal, knowing that the end result will benefit many, is what excites me about this field. Engineering provides a platform for me to use my skills to design products and systems that can serve as beacons or pillars for communities in need. Creating affordable solutions is also an important goal of mine, as I witness the future of technology unfolding but not always reaching those who need it most due to affordability. This balance of discovery and contribution is why I am committed to studying and working in the field. What may have seemed impossible fifty years ago is now a reality, and it leaves me excited to explore the endless possibilities ahead. I plan to pursue a career in mechanical engineering because I have always been fascinated by how things work. From a young age, I often took apart things like toys, gaming controllers, and everyday gadgets to understand the mechanisms inside them and improve or repair them. As I grew older, my interest evolved into a desire to not only understand the mysteries beneath objects but to also design and create systems that can solve real-world problems. Mechanical engineering offers the perfect blend of creativity and innovation, allowing me to explore complex systems while using that knowledge to tackle practical challenges. I am especially drawn to how mechanical engineers design technologies that directly improve lives, like innovations in transportation for the handicapped. The opportunity to think outside the box and work towards a specific goal, knowing that the end result will benefit many, is what excites me about this field. Engineering provides a platform for me to use my skills to design products and systems that can serve as beacons or pillars for communities in need. Creating affordable solutions is also an important goal of mine, as I witness the future of technology unfolding but not always reaching those who need it most due to affordability. This balance of discovery and contribution is why I am committed to studying and working in the field. What may have seemed impossible fifty years ago is now a reality, and it leaves me excited to explore the endless possibilities ahead.

On my fourteenth birthday, I received a mini basketball game that required self-assembly. With various components, like wires and motors, my goal was to assemble a machine with a swaying hoop. Instead of following the instructions, I challenged myself to think critically and started from scratch. After an hour of trial and error, I finally assembled the system and was even able to modify it to work in different settings. Although I outgrew the toy, the experience ignited my passion for mechanical engineering. I learned firsthand how creative problem-solving, combined with analytical thinking, could bring ideas to life. These skills would later help me thrive in rigorous math and physics courses. In years since, I have looked at the world around me through a completely different lens. Whether it is a vehicle engine, a simple household appliance, or even a phone, I am constantly amazed by the mechanics that power everyday functions. As I am reminded of the complex mysteries that different mechanisms hold, my curiosity drives me to understand how things work on a deeper level and to explore the many ways in which engineering improves lives. I find it very inspiring to realize how the smallest innovations can lead to big changes, and that’s what excites me most about STEM—its ability to solve problems and shape the future. As I have advanced in my academic journey, my interest in STEM has only intensified. Taking on challenging courses and getting involved in clubs and projects related to STEM have sharpened my problem-solving skills. The idea of combining creativity with technical expertise to design practical solutions is what draws me to mechanical engineering. What’s more, having a diverse community in the field brings together a variety of perspectives and experiences that are essential for solving the world’s most compelling challenges. The unique contributions from people of different backgrounds expand the possibilities of innovation. Looking to the future, I am eager to immerse myself in this dynamic field where I can build on my current skills and explore new ideas. I aim to contribute to the ongoing process in engineering by finding solutions that can address issues that society struggles with today. Whether it is creating more sustainable solutions, designing accessible infrastructure, or improving existing systems and processes, I wish to be a part of a community of engineers that values diversity, collaboration, and creativity. By doing so, I hope to assist in molding a world where engineering not only advances technology but also makes a positive and lasting impact on lives all around the globe.

After a striking debut, it was finally one of my first games playing goalie on my soccer team. However, the weather was against me and my team. With a rain-snow mix hitting my face, I tried to dive for the ball, but I was met with a clashing force that produced a loud cracking noise near my ear, sending me spinning and landing flat on my face. Unable to move, I gripped my shoulder and shook my head in confusion as it felt like something had changed inside me. As my coach, teammates, and parents rushed to my side, all I could think was, “Please God, don’t let this be as bad as I think it is.” I had never broken a bone before, and the thought of a large protrusion at my collarbone terrified me. The car ride to the hospital felt endless; each bump my dad drove over sent shocks of pain through my upper body. I repeated prayers in my head, asking for comfort and strength while begging that I would not have to worry about not waking up after surgery. This was a situation that I had never been in before, and it was hard not to let the anxiety consume me as I struggled to keep myself together through what felt like slowed-down time. Thankfully, I didn’t need surgery, but I did need to take an abundance of medications to alleviate the pain. I struggled to focus on catching up with my school work while the fears of an end to my soccer career loomed over me. But I came to the conclusion that this was my new reality, and it would take a long time to fully recover. Each night, my mom joined me by my bed to pray, asking for strength and the courage to face each day, even when things seemed hopeless. Over the next few weeks, I faced a combination of physical pain, an overwhelming workload, and the sight of my friends enjoying themselves outside while I had to stay inside, only going out for my monthly check-ups. I broke down in frustration, wishing that I could heal faster or that this never happened to me in the first place. However, I reminded myself that I couldn’t change the past and instead needed to pray to God to help me keep pushing forward. Even when it felt like I couldn’t lean on my parents or friends since they didn’t fully understand the situation I was in, I knew that my faith would help carry me through. Though the injury took a long time to heal, it taught me more about myself and my faith than I could have imagined. I learned to trust God’s plan for me, even when it seemed beyond my capabilities. I realized that my injury could have been much worse, or my life could’ve been taken from me—just as it can be when we least expect it. So, I’ve learned to appreciate life’s obstacles as they are key points of growth that God gives us because He knows we are strong enough to face them.