As a senior in mechanical engineering, I possess many of the same skills as other students in this class. These skills include 3D modeling, problem-solving and working in the machine shop. What I believe sets me apart is my large amount of experience and passion for working with my hands and creating things. Throughout my childhood I was always interested in the process of creating things, typically this manifested itself in the woodshop. Eventually, woodworking switched to working on my first car, a 1968 Mercury Cougar. This was my first real exposure to how good design, both aesthetic and technical, could have a huge impact on the final product. Through developing a deep knowledge of the design of this car I began to notice how certain technical aspects and minor details in the appearance set the Cougar apart from other muscle cars of the period. Working on this car ultimately lead me to pursue engineering due to the passion I developed for design through the work. In addition to this, It bolstered my craftsmanship skills as well. Not only did I do technical work with the mechanics and electronics of the car, but I also performed work involving only the aesthetics of the car. The most intensive of these aesthetical tasks was reupholstering the seats and carpeting.

My main goal for this class is to expand my insight into how the aesthetics of a design can impact the final product. With that being said I also plan to put this gained knowledge to use in the creation of my final project. Currently, I do not have an idea of what my final project will be but I would like it to serve a purpose. Additionally, I would like to use the creation of my final project to develop my skills with programming microcontrollers. As for professional aspirations, I do not currently know exactly what I want to do, but I do know I want it to involve a good amount of design work. in addition to this I would like to have the opportunity to work with my hands. in my future career.