Eugene M.

Q&A with Eugene

• You were selected by your high school to attend the NYLF: Engineering & Technology. Prior to that, did you have an interest in engineering and technology?
  Yes. I had an interest but was unsure of my college major. The program pushed me towards this career path. My faculty advisor spoke to me about my interests and my fears and really helped me to decide. I had fears of math and science but being a part of the program and having that help from the faculty advisor really pushed me to where I needed to go.
  
• So, you were thinking about engineering and attending NYLF: Engineering & Technology confirmed it for you. Why aerospace engineering?
  My home in Ghana is very close to an airport. As a child, I always ran outside to watch the planes take off and land. In Ghana, there is not much of an aerospace industry.  My goal is to study here at Georgia Tech, attend graduate school and then go back home to Ghana. Hopefully in 10 years, I can go home to Ghana and help develop the Aerospace Industry in Africa. Efforts are being made to send flights in space and I want to help those efforts.
  
• What did you enjoy most about your program experience?
  The friendships! I developed many close friends at the program and still keep in touch with them, even though most of them are still in high school. While I was a senior, most of my fellow scholars were in 10th or 11th grade. The academic work was great, too.
  
• What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
  I’ll say the teamwork. The entire group was small – 20 or so, but we split into smaller groups, 4-5, on most projects. This helped me with my communication skills and gave me a chance to learn from the colleagues on my teams.
  
• What would you tell other students considering attending this program?
  To do it – 100% - and participate in it fully! If I hadn’t, I would have given up engineering and studied business. Take the challenge that you’re offered. I believe in these programs and the experience they can offer. I believe this can help shape the future of students who were in my shoes and confused about their future.
  
• For parents who might be hesitant to send their son or daughter to a program, what would you tell them?
  It’s a great opportunity for students to prepare for college. It can help the adjustment to college life before being in school full-time.