Don't Do It!

I will be pursuing a degree in materials engineering starting this fall at the University of Kentucky. Currently, I am wanting to use this degree in order to create new materials for prosthetic limbs. I chose this specific research because I am very passionate with this topic.

My involvement with my community varies from cheerleading to volunteer math tutor. One way that I try to stay active in my community is by joining the CAMC medical explorer’s program. This is a local group that meets and discusses health and science related fields at local hospitals. Within this program, I learned about volunteering at my local CAMC hospital, so I volunteered at the hospital during the summer time to help with registration of patients. In addition to volunteering, I am also a member of Barbie’s Teenboard which is a local formal and prom dress shop. In fact, I am the elite model for the group of girls. Within this group, we participate in many functions with our community including fashion shows, photoshoots, and local parades. Also, we do an annual Polar Express party for children of the community. During this event, the groups of girls and I dress up as elves and read “The Polar Express” to the kids. On top of that, we play games and do crafts with the children as well. Another method I stay involved in my community is through cheerleading. I stay active with children by conducting lessons. Also, I am very well known on Instagram for cheerleading as I was on a Level 5 World’s Team for multiple years and competed at Cheerleading Worlds three times in Orlando, Florida. Through the social media platform, I try to reach out to people to help with cheerleading as well as school and family life. For example, I am also a math, science, and ACT tutor for many students in grades varying from fifth grade to twelfth grade. Within my high school, I participate in the LINK program which assigns upperclassmen to a group of freshmen as mentors to help with the transition of middle school to high school. Honestly, I simply try to be involved and help out my community as much as possible in order for it to continue to prosper.

My Essay is on The Dangers of Distractions in Driving and the simple concepts of paying attention behind the wheel.

Don't Do It!

I truly believe that drivers education should always be offered in every school and the implications of distractions in driving taught early on. I am currently studying Materials Engineering so I can help with the designs and plethora of resources to assist in making vehicles that disable distractions when a car is on motion. From an early age, I recall my parents texting and driving and the radio in a vehicle on as we cruised down the road. As distractions were more noted in the media and laws started to change, I could see the ramifications upon the consumer and also the victims families of those impacted by car distractions. I have lost friends due to distractions, not alcohol, and it seems distractions in driving are more common than one realizes.

As tech enhancements in cars continues, so will the distractions surrounding the driver in an automobile. I do feel that to educate and to help save each in every life is a must and emphasis on the accountability of the driver is pivotal. As a future engineer, I hope to make my mark in society, with helping to improve the quality of a vehicle, as well as the safety for all. Simple audio commands and hands free devices is important, but even voice can be a distraction. It is crucial to enable a driver to be able to focus on one thing... the road! I believe that early education, training and modeling and design and development of distraction- free cars is the way to assure safety and make our roads a better place.