Initially, when first I signed up for the honors program, I’m not going to lie, my primary
motivation was the opportunity to obtain free printing and enhance my resume with additional academic achievements. However, being a part of the honors program has come to mean so much more to me. I have had the opportunity to conduct research in my freshmen year as well as, working with likeminded individuals through challenging problems and completing additional projects to deepen our understanding of our respective fields. The program has challenged me to gain a better understanding of the realities of mechanical engineering and to explore courses beyond my major, which I may not have otherwise pursued. For
me, the honors program represents a community of individuals who are committed to understanding the “why” behind a problem, rather than just seeking a solution. It encourages us to think beyond the boundaries of our disciplines and develop additional skills, such as persuasive communication or a greater awareness of social issues, which we can apply in the real world beyond the classroom. While the program still offers benefits such as free printing and priority course selection, the true value lies in the knowledge, skills, and relationships we have gained.
