My Intro to Engineering Class
The name Intro to Engineering evokes a sense of boundless creativity and an incredibly bright future. It feels like a key unlocking the door to a world brimming with daily innovations and advancements. On my first day of class, I found myself sitting in awe, marveling at how incredible it is that engineering exists in the first place. The machines in front of me were massive and mysterious—I had no clue how they worked—but my eagerness to dive in was indescribable.
I am taking the Renewable Energy section of Intro to Engineering, which has already been eye-opening. I was shocked to learn that, within the next 30 years, renewable energy is projected to become the dominant energy source. This shift is primarily driven by the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While renewable energy promises a more sustainable future, the journey to achieving it is riddled with challenges. Competing energy sources such as coal, nuclear power, wind, hydro, and even electricity from non-renewable means make the transition complex and gradual. Nevertheless, the potential for renewable energy to transform the world is exhilarating.
The class itself is dynamic and engaging, filled with a vibrant group of students eager to unravel the mysteries of engineering. Though it’s only been a few days, working on projects with my classmates has already proven to be an exciting and rewarding experience. I didn’t have much prior knowledge about electricity or energy production, nor how deeply these impact our daily lives. However, this course is bridging that gap and giving me a fascinating new perspective on the world. I now see it through the lens of engineering, especially in terms of power and energy production.
One of the most inspiring aspects of this class is its emphasis on creating a sustainable environment that benefits everyone. This week, we conducted some incredible experiments, one of which involved a hand-crank generator. Watching the LED light up as we powered it through the speed of our rotations was a thrilling moment—it was like witnessing energy creation in action.
Another experiment that felt almost surreal involved a Tesla coil. This experiment was by far the coolest thing I’ve done in a classroom. Using a cable, we connected a phone to the Tesla coil, which then split air particles using extremely high voltage to play the sound of the music from the phone. It was fascinating to see something that seemed like pure science fiction come to life right in front of us. The whole experience left me in awe and deepened my appreciation for the magic of engineering.
The hands-on learning and interactive nature of this class make it feel like a haven of discovery. Each day brings something new and exciting, further fueling my passion for engineering. I am especially grateful for how this course balances theory and practice, allowing me to grasp complex concepts in an approachable and enjoyable way.
Although it’s only the second week of classes, I already feel deeply connected to the course material. It has become an integral part of my daily life, shaping how I view the world and its possibilities. With each experiment and discussion, my curiosity grows, and my enthusiasm for the field of engineering solidifies. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the semester holds, knowing that every day will bring fresh opportunities to learn, innovate, and explore.