Pursuing Purpose through Mechanical Engineering by Kaitlyn

Pursuing Purpose through Mechanical Engineering by Kaitlyn - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

My journey toward mechanical engineering began unexpectedly during my freshman year of high school. I walked into an introductory engineering class unsure of what I had signed up for, but within the first week, I found myself immersed in technical drawings, design challenges, and hands-on building projects. That spark of curiosity quickly ignited into passion. It wasn’t just the thrill of building something from scratch or solving a complex problem—it was the realization that engineering was a language I wanted to learn fluently. I plan to major in mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign because it fuses my love of problem-solving and creativity with my commitment to making a meaningful impact on the world.

Mechanical engineering fascinates me because of its limitless potential. I’ve always been drawn to understanding how things work, and that curiosity grew stronger as I watched my dad refurbish arcade machines. He taught me to solder wires, build harnesses, and appreciate the intricacy behind each design. My engineering classes at Bartlett High School gave me the tools to take that curiosity further. I practiced 3D modeling, ran simulations, and applied physics in a way that felt purposeful. These classes weren’t just electives—they shaped how I think, plan, and build.

That foundation deepened through my internship at Harting, a global manufacturing company. I assisted in thermal prototype testing and learned about the balance between heat transfer, system efficiency, and material performance. The field of thermodynamics opened my eyes to how energy flows through our world, and I found myself captivated by the idea of designing systems that are both powerful and sustainable. Whether it is an HVAC unit that reduces energy consumption or renewable energy infrastructure that drives global progress, I want to contribute to engineering solutions that improve lives and protect our environment.

My academic journey is equally rooted in resilience. I have maintained straight A’s, earned college credit through dual enrollment, and will graduate as valedictorian with both a high school diploma and an associate degree. I balanced this academic rigor while working part-time at Denny’s and Taco Bell to help support myself and save for college. Juggling multiple jobs taught me how to prioritize, persevere, and lead. Despite the stigma I sometimes faced for working in the service industry, I found dignity in every shift and pride in every customer I served. My work experience taught me humility and discipline—qualities I now carry into every classroom and team project.

In addition to academics and work, I’ve remained deeply involved in community building. As secretary of my school’s Women in STEM club, I’ve worked to support young women pursuing careers in science and engineering. I’ve helped plan events, coordinate fundraisers, and mentor students who are still discovering their interests. Encouraging others to see themselves in STEM is a mission I’ll continue at UIUC through Women in MechSE. I want to foster environments where young women feel empowered to innovate, lead, and thrive in spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented.

UIUC’s MechSE program is the ideal place for me to grow. From the opportunity to conduct research with faculty like Professor Craig Bradshaw in thermal sciences to the chance to collaborate with companies like Boeing and John Deere, the program’s balance of academic depth and real-world application aligns perfectly with my goals. I want to graduate with the skills and experience to become an engineer who builds not just machines, but progress.

Mechanical engineering is more than a major. It is a calling rooted in creativity, discipline, and service. It has taught me to think in systems, to see failure as part of the process, and to find satisfaction not just in the solution, but in the path it takes to get there. At UIUC, I will continue developing this mindset while working toward solutions that help people and communities. I am not only ready for this challenge—I am excited for it.