The abrupt rumble of the wheels prepared me once more for takeoff as I leaned back on my seat, waiting for that moment. I felt the rapid acceleration of the plane. Then suddenly, the rumble ceased and silence ensued. I was in the sky. Since my knowledge of its inception, the concept that a structure of such colossal mass could easily leave the ground has always stricken me with awe. The fact that science, through engineering, was capable of achieving such feat enlightened me to the endless possibilities of practical realization. Today, that same engineering prospect continues to deeply intrigue and amaze me.
Upon my first few weeks at UCLA, I was told that engineering was a rewarding experience. This simple yet profound statement defined the path that engineering has paved for me. I always believed that engineering was rarely about what one can do, but rather about improving what an individual has already achieved. I believe that I have been rewarded with an opportunity. That opportunity became the source of my motivation, reminding me to always drive myself further and take my endeavors one step higher. Nevertheless, it was ultimately through working on engineering projects that I was truly able to realize the goal that the opportunity motivated me to accomplish.
Ever since I was little, I was fascinated by the concept of simple engineering creations. Something as simple but yet practical such as the pen intrigued me at a very young age. I loved using water based pens and refused to use ball pens, so I would always dissect the latter like I would to specimens in biology lab. The only difference was that in the end the pen would be back in the originally shape. What began with pens eventually led me to believe that I had a passion for engineering.
Engineering involves more than materials and concepts, it develops intellectually the mind and educates an individual to look at the world differently. The prospect of engineering is limitless and opportunities are endless. This is why I do what I do.
Comments