I have a gene that codes for my interest to see how and why things work. Now, I would be a poor and misinformed geneticist, but I feel like I did inherit the itch of curiosity from my father. The main source to satiate my curiosity predictably comes from the Internet. According to my browser time tracker, the most informative parts of the
Internet for me are Reddit, Youtube, Google Search, TED, and Thingiverse: the 3D object sharing website. While about 50% of internet browsing is spent on writing emails, organizing my calendar, and school work, I love to participate in the internet communities of creating and knowledge.
All areas of discovery and science pique my interest because my father encouraged me to learn about everything.
He has helped me
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Through the internet communities, I found a video of a prosthetic hand being printed. That video made me realize my desire for a 3D printer.
Despite my natural affinity for my mind to wander and wonder, I needed that 3D printer because it represented the epitome of creation. With some resources, namely "dad," I actually got aluminum parts, plates, an arduino, wires, and a few screws.
For six months, I would drag my feet more than the PennDOT on making the printer. However, miracles do occur because for two weeks during winter break, I discovered a drive, that ravenous feeling to reach for the stars.
Tirelessly, I measured, cut, drilled, wired, and programmed that 3D printer. Short of describing my Bildungsroman of engineering, I completely understand the hardships and frustration of dysfunction whether mechanical, electrical, or computational. Building this 3D printer unveiled my true passion for computer engineering. I fully realized the joy of accomplishment, perseverance, and coffee.
Yes, I was showing a new affinity for engineering and coffee. However, I learned many other important lessons along the way. Like wiring the Arduino, life is full of knots, twists, and new connections. Like leveling the