The only school I applied to was Texas State. Distance from home was a pretty important factor; my friends mean a lot to me, and I didn’t want to journey too far away.

 

As the saying goes, find a job I love and never work another day.

 

The alarm goes off every morning at 7. I make myself a bowl of cereal and watch the weather to see if I should ride my motorcycle or drive my car. Most weekdays I work and go to school, but the order varies. After work and school, I try to go to the gym, then it’s shower, dinner, homework and bed. I know what you’re thinking: This guy is out of control.

 

Although he retired a couple years ago, I will never forget Dr. Robert Northcutt. It sounds silly, but he taught me how to study. He offered his support any day, any time. His sense of humor was incredibly dry, but he was hilarious. He took the time to know each student by name, and he’s the only teacher I’ve known who gave an evaluation of each student at the end of the semester.

 

First and foremost, don’t cram. But, if you do wind up slacking off until the last minute, take breaks. Hit the books for 45 minutes and then participate in some mindless activity for 15. It’s also important to get rid of distractions.

 

Society of Manufacturing Engineers (President)

Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society

Golden Key Honors Society

 

The more you put into a club or organization, the more you get out of it. Don’t just join a club and float along. Put your neck out every once in a while and make it worth it.

Recipient of the MEET, SME 211, and the John Keating Maher Scholarship. Also, I took third place last May in Long Beach, Calif., in an ultra-lightweight bridge building competition.

 

Writing, performing and recording music; going out to eat; watching movies; and taking things apart.

 

Smells good, likes scary movies and has a weird sense of humor.

 

At Texas State, anyone and everyone can enjoy themselves while also making something of themselves.