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Derek Ramsey
Mr. Casteel
ENGR Design 1: 1st Pd.
10 August 2015
What Inspires me to be a Mechanical Engineer
As I am finishing up my high school career and prepare to enter college, I am beginning
to reflect on my favorite courses and activities I participated in during high school. My favorite
courses were upper-level math courses - such as calculus and trigonometry along with many
sciences such as physics and chemistry. During high school, I have enjoyed learning the how and
why of mechanical items and other moving parts. For instance, my favorite part of my junior
year was studying the mechanical structure of a catapult and a bridge; later in the year, I had the
opportunity to build one of each and winning the contests for each design. Remembering this, I
have researched careers that incorporate such principles and ideas. My research led me to the
vast world of engineering with an emphasis on mechanical engineering. Extensive research into
mechanical engineering has further confirmed why and what about mechanical engineering
interests me and how I can use the degree after college.
Knowing and continuing to develop my interests in high school has helped me decide
why I want to study mechanical engineering in college. Mechanical engineering, defined by
Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is a branch of engineering concerned primarily with the industrial
application of mechanics and with the production of tools, machinery, and their products
(Merriam-Webster). By definition and job descriptions, mechanical engineering has a high
correlation with my interests. I have a great interest in taking tings apart and learning the design
and function principles of items. I have loved doing this since I was a young kid and have

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continued to grow in that interest. Doing so has helped me become a critical thinker and a more
efficient problem solver. Also, the degree uses my best and favorite interdisciplinary studies of
math and science. Having focused on math and science in high school, I feel as though I will be
well prepared for the course. By the end of my senior year, I will have taken all eight math
classes offered at Sullivan Central High School: Honors Algebra 1, Honors Geometry, Honors
Algebra 2, Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics, Pre-Calculus,
Calculus, and AP Calculus. I have also adequately prepared myself in science courses pertaining
to engineering by taking: STEM Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and AP Physics.
Furthermore, I recently enrolled in an Engineering Studies program to help me learn the
fundamentals of engineering and have a better understanding of an engineers work and daily
routines. Further enhancing my interest of mechanical engineering, during my final high school
semester, I will be doing an internship with a company involved with engineering, giving me an
even more extensive view of daily routines and work. Aligning with my secondary course studies
and skills, I have developed an interest for mechanical engineering.
For centuries, mechanical engineers have designed, tested, and improved mechanical
components. A great example of this process would be the common wheel. The first wheel,
mandated to 3500 B.C. (Ancient Origins), was created to make life simpler. In later years,
engineers have tested the wheel and since then been able to, literally, redesign the wheel.
Without engineers, the testing and improvement of the wheel, or any other important mechanical
item, would have never happened. Hence the restructuring and improvement after design,
mechanical engineering is a career I can relate to. Many engineers I have spoken with love their
job simply because the engineers never do the same thing every day and the fact that engineering
involves the ideas and principles they love. An old saying by an unknown author is, If you love

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what you do, you will never work a day in your life. Since I love the aspects of engineeringmath, science, problem solving, and research and design- my career will be a joy to look forward
to every day rather than another typical day. As stated earlier, I have always been interested in
the how and why aspect of life. A mechanical engineers daily routine, how and why things work,
appeals to me since the routine involves every activity I enjoy doing.
Throughout the world, mechanical engineers have made a substantial impact on modern
day technologies. The advancements have not stopped for centuries with new and better ways
being found every day. Without mechanical engineers, cars would not be as efficient or fast, a
house would not be heated or cooled as quickly, and airplanes would not be able to go as far just
to name a few impacts. The list could go on forever, including every aspect of life that has a
mechanical influence. After college, I want to be a part of this ever-changing impact that has
influenced the world in many great ways. Since I was young, I have always tried to find the
easiest and most efficient way to do tasks I have been assigned. Now, as a driver, I am always
trying to find a way to make my car the most efficient to save gas. In current technology,
according to Car and Driver, the most fuel efficient car, the Chevrolet Cruze 2.0L Diesel,
averages 46 miles per gallon. . As a mechanical engineer, I hope to use this desire to help
develop a better and more efficient gas or diesel engine.
As I enter my final year before deciding on a college to study mechanical engineering, I
realize the effect my secondary courses have made on my decision to study engineering. From
developing critical thinking skills to participating in projects pertaining to mechanical
engineering, I am beginning to notice the correlation between my high school career and
interests to mechanical engineering. I cannot wait to get into my study since I enjoy every aspect
of engineering. With all the similar interests, I feel as though I have made the right choice in

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selecting a program of study. After college, I hope to find a career in a company that shares the
same values of engineering I have. There, I will never work a single day in my life, as I will love
what I do. Finally, I hope my advancements in the realm of mechanical engineering will help to
influence and improve todays technology in order to make the world a better place.

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Works Cited
"Mechanical Engineering Definition." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 10 Aug.
2015. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanical%20engineering>.
Seaman, Kirk. "The 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Gas and Diesel Cars for Sale Today." The 10 Most FuelEfficient Regular Cars for Sale Today News Car and Driver. Hearst Communications, 27
Mar. 2014. Web. 10 Aug. 2015. <http://blog.caranddriver.com/the-10-most-fuel-efficient-gasand-diesel-cars-for-sale-today/>.
"The Revolutionary Invention of the Wheel." Ancient Origins. N.p., 02 June 2014. Web. 11 Aug.
2015. <http://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-technology/revolutionary-invention-wheel001713>.