Innovation At Its Core by Shradha

Innovation At Its Core by Shradha - August 2017 Scholarship Essay

Engineering is the future of the world. This is where the newest and brightest innovations take root. This is where unimaginable ideas become unimaginable to live without. This is where our future Steve Jobs and Bill Gates find their passion for anything concerning engineering. So, without a doubt, I would choose to teach Engineering 101.
Engineering 101, the intro class to engineering as a whole, ultimately introduces the concept of algorithmic thinking. This process propels how our world runs today -- systematic, data-driven thinking. Without the basic knowledge of how to solve a problem with a step by step, systematic solution, aka algorithms, even the most brilliant wouldn’t be able to solve a simple complication. This class provides the fundamental foundation for future engineers to build upon and reach their full potential.
Now, you might ask why would I be the proper fit for teaching this class?
Well, I’m the suitable one for three reasons: my passion for this area, my ability to understand the importance of such a class, and my capability to connect with the students.
Concerning my passion, ever since I was young I naturally gravitated towards areas concerning math, and essentially, numbers. I enjoyed the clear cut, step-by-step aspect of math. I was overjoyed to discover this class because it fit every interest point of mine -- whether that’s data analysis or logic puzzles. Through my years as a student, I can easily say that when my teacher was passionate about a subject, I was automatically more open to the subject area at hand, even if I didn’t initially enjoy it. I want my passion to inspire others to take a similar path and become the innovative leaders of the next decade. And, even if others end up not pursuing engineering, I want more and more young adults to be exposed to the great power of engineering.
Along with passion, being able to understand why a specific class is so important is also integral to being a successful educator. I can confidently say that I understand why engineering 101 is so important: it lays the basis for all future thought processes and creative solutions. In order to uncover one’s passion for this area, it’s pertinent to take an intro class to determine what you will want to pursue in the future. With such importance for a class, the professor is a huge part of creating that welcoming environment and fueling that passion among students. And, that’s what I would always aim to do as a professor.
Lastly, what I believe the most important part to be is, is the aspect of connecting with the students. Without this connection, I as the professor would never be able to get through to the students. However, if I strive to make their hardships and troubles mine, I will be able to understand where they are coming from and better assist them with their needs. Most of teaching is being able to identify when the student is having a troublesome time, even if they don’t admit it. Through my past experience of tutoring kids, I was able to see how to fully identify these situations, and I would do the same if I taught this Engr 101 class.
If I were to become a professor, I would undoubtedly teach Engineering 101 as it is the first source of inspiration for many of our future innovative leaders.