Why I Chose Mechanical Engineering for My B.E. Studies
Becoming a mechanical engineer was a journey fueled by personal passion, family expectations, and a deep interest in the sciences. My interest in technical subjects began in my school days, particularly in mathematics and physics. I found answers to my numerous questions through these subjects, and my journey into mechanical engineering was just the beginning of a lifelong love for problem-solving and innovation.
My Motivation
During my studies in college, I was exposed to MPC (Mathematics and Physical Sciences), which seemed like the norm for many students. My father believed that traditional courses, such as engineering, were more suitable for my future. However, my own ambitions were different. I was captivated by everyday mechanics and the beauty of understanding physical phenomena through mathematical principles. For instance, I was fascinated by how a ball bounces, the trajectory of a thrown ball, and how certain materials store and release energy.
Reflecting on specific phenomena, I pondered about how rubber returns to its original shape after being stretched, and how a cricket bat can hit in multiple ways despite the force applied being the same. This curiosity extended to the mechanics of bicycles, wondering how the seat can adapt to the rider's weight and return to its original position. Further questions included how a person can balance a bicycle even without standing. These puzzles fueled my desire to seek answers and my path in mechanical engineering revealed these answers and more.
Space Exploration and My Journey in Mechanical Engineering
The profound influence of reading science fiction books during my younger years was instrumental in my career choice. As I grew up, I was inspired by the idea of space exploration and spacecrafts, such as Neil Armstrong's historic moonwalk. This sparked my interest in building rockets and spaceships, and my studies in mechanical engineering allowed me to fulfill my dreams by working on various projects in the aerospace industry.
Throughout my studies and career, I worked on a variety of projects. From analyzing and designing air-breathing rockets and two-stage-to-orbit spacecraft to building single-stage rockets and supporting the development of satellites like Kepler and NPP, I applied the principles of mechanical engineering. Recently, my work has extended to renewable energy solutions, specifically with the development of energy systems for solar and renewable technologies like those developed by Enphase Energy.
Choosing mechanical engineering over other fields wasn't just about the scope of the subject. While civil engineering is revered for its historical significance, it often relies on predefined tables and look-ups, which may not excite the tech enthusiast in me. Similarly, electrical engineering, which delves into quantum mechanics, seems too complex and uncertain given my trust in the predictability of mechanical systems. Therefore, mechanical engineering offered a balance of theoretical and practical knowledge, making it the ideal choice for my journey.
I hope my story inspires others to follow their passions, regardless of external expectations or social norms. Embracing one's interests can lead to fulfilling careers and the pursuit of meaningful innovations.