Engineering My Roots by Imam

Engineering My Roots by Imam - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

Since I was a young child, I have been fascinated by how the world is pushed by technology. From the internal wiring of household machinery to the vast electrical grids that supply the cities, I have had a necessity for understanding and improving these systems. This sparked me to pursue an electrical engineering career. My dream is to contribute towards generating sustainable sources of energy and novel electric systems to develop everyday life.
But my goal isn’t just technical mastery. As a first-generation student, I’m laser-focused on becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE) because that credential isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a tool to uplift my family and community. My African American heritage has shown me how systemic gaps in STEM access persist, and I want to be the kind of engineer who designs sustainable energy solutions and mentors the next generation of underrepresented innovators.

As I got older, I saw my parents work selflessly to support me and my brother, giving up their comfort to give me opportunities they never had. Their perseverance showed me that advancement is about individual achievement and building a foundation for those who follow in your footsteps. As the first member of my family to go to college, I don't just pursue my dreams, but theirs too. Electrical engineering is not a profession for me; it is a means to transform my curiosity into concrete progress so that the issues of my family lead to a future of stability and pride.

This major is my way of repaying my parents by striving toward my aspirations: a future where I can hold a professional engineer license with pride, achieve advancements in renewable energy, and repay the family and community that defined me. Electrical engineering is more than a major to me; it's a vocation, a responsibility, and the gateway to a better tomorrow