I am currently an active duty member of the United States Coast Guard and have served for 19 years. I am enrolled in the Coast Guard’s advanced education program, which allows me to attend school full time while remaining on active duty. This opportunity allows me to focus on completing my degree while continuing to serve. I am currently enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program at Old Dominion University and intend to graduate in Spring 2026.

My decision to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology is directly related to my professional experience and future goals. Throughout my career in the Coast Guard, I have worked around complex mechanical systems and engineering equipment. These experiences have developed my interest in understanding how these systems work at a deeper technical level. By earning this degree, I hope to strengthen my technical knowledge and analytical skills so that I can contribute more effectively to engineering and maintenance operations within the service.

In addition to my professional responsibilities, I am also a husband and a father to a two-year-old daughter. Balancing family life, military service, and academic responsibilities has required strong time management and discipline. However, it also serves as motivation for me to complete my degree and set a positive example for my family.

Courses within the Mechanical Engineering Technology program help build the technical foundation necessary to understand real-world engineering systems. The concepts covered in this course help develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and an understanding of engineering principles that apply directly to mechanical systems used in industry and in military applications. These skills are valuable not only for completing my degree but also for supporting the operational and engineering missions of the Coast Guard.

Overall, my objective in attending Old Dominion University is to complete my degree while expanding my technical knowledge and professional capabilities. The coursework and skills developed through this program will help me become a more effective leader and technical professional as I continue my career in the Coast Guard