Ncssm Personal Statement

I have always had a passion for engineering and programming robotics, but recently I have been able to immerse myself in the world of engineering and computer science. Before going to NCSSM, my opportunities to explore these fields had been quite limited by the funding and course offerings of my former high school. However, attending NCSSM has allowed me to delve into a diverse course load full of engineering and computer science classes. During my first trimester at NCSSM, I took an introduction to robotics class, which utilized LabView and NXT Robots to teach students about the importance of sensors and how to program software in accordance with the available sensors in order to complete a task. I knew from the first few days of the course

The Fabrications Lab, or Fab-Lab as most students call it, is a unique opportunity which provides students access to many fabrication tools such as laser cutters, 3-D printers, a CNC Shop-Bot machine, and various other power tools. I came into the Fab-Lab for the first time without any knowledge of how the machines worked or how to program them. I had to begin by becoming certified to use the machines, learning how to safely operate them, and downloading the compatible software. I dedicated much of my free time to familiarizing myself with the lab and building my proficiency in engineering. Over the course of the first trimester, I taught myself how to use AutoCAD and Fusion360 in order to create independent projects such as pen holders, LED-displays, and other personalized designs. I have also taught myself how to operate and troubleshoot CNC machines, laser cutters, and 3-D printers. This knowledge did not come easily, as I spent a great deal of time trouble shooting the software, learning to export certain file types, and finding blatant errors in my code. Because of my personal interest and passion, I have substantially expanded my understanding and proficiency in the field of engineering since coming to