Folasade Akeloko
Class of 2005 - Present
Presently: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Frederick Douglas Academy
Topic: 2006
Presentation (ppt)
Topic: Conducting Stress Analyses on Machine Parts
About:
Dr. Sat Bhattacharya and the Harlem Children Society had provided me with unmatched and unprecedented insight into a world that was once foreign and illusive to my knowledge. The vast field of engineering and technology has become one of my prominent goals for exploration and research. As a first year participant of the 2004 summer internship program, I have learned several managerial, manual, and technical aspects of mechanical engineering. My experiences at the Stevens Institute of Technology have brought me closer to discovering my true passion and future career course.
My professional interests have varied dramatically throughout the years from drawing to cardiology. Although these professions maintained my attention temporarily, they did not strike me as dynamic or exciting. Upon this revelation I realized that my previous career choices were dependent upon the opinions of others who were attempting to mold me into their own creation. During a phase of self- examination, I asked myself, what really makes me happy? The only idea that surfaced was a career that involved artistic ability, building mechanisms, and making new advances to keep my interest. Mechanical engineering matched these descriptions perfectly because of its broad spectrum of choices. This field of study encompasses production, design, materials, management, automobiles, airplanes, spacecrafts, surgical instruments, etc. It allows the flexibility that I desire in order to avoid boredom and stationary placement.
As a high school senior and an only child, the pressure has intensified to decide on a college major. Although a college major can be changed and does not predict one's entire future; the reality is that choosing a major prior to entering an institution of higher education will form a great impetus for future successes. The next process was actually observing this line of work as confirmation of my final decision. The only problem was finding a program that provided research to students actively in high school. During my junior year at Frederick Douglass Academy , Dr. Bhattacharya came to the rescue with a great opportunity that offered hands on experiences with an expert from any field of my interest. With an in-school interview and the help of previous participants of the internship program, I was given the privilege of studying alongside actual mechanical engineers.
After being assigned to study at the Stevens Institute of Technology, I spent the first two weeks of summer learning a computer software program called “Solid Works.” This program is an actual course for freshmen at the Stevens Institute of Technology who are majoring in mechanical engineering. “Solid Works” specializes in engineering design and allows engineers to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of any object. It also permits the created parts to be put together to form an entire apparatus or computerized prototype. After completing several small projects, my mentor assigned me a final challenge that involved creating a cover for a miniature car. I contentedly welcomed this challenge because it involved all of my interests of artistic freedom, mechanics, and new projects to hold my interest. In addition to being provided with a mentor, I also had access to surrounding undergraduate and graduate students who provided me with further information about college requirements and the admission process. They also shared their projects that they received from their professors involving mechanical engineering. Furthermore, my experiences at the Stevens Institute of Technology expanded my interests to include architecture as an additional field or study.
The Harlem Children Society and the Stevens Institute of Technology served as a source of educational discovery and life lessons. Both have supplied me with treasured experiences and new career paths. They will also serve as a vehicle to ensure that I be one of the first in my family to complete college.