Unlike most people, I've known what I want to do with my life for a while.

It started freshman year in high school. I went to Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS for short) in Cambridge, Massachusetts; its a great school in such a diverse location, providing countless opportunity.

CRLS has a program called Rindge School of Technical Arts (RSTA), which provides the students with a variety of technical arts courses such as culinary, carpentry, business and my favorite, engineering.

All throughout high school, I've been involved with almost anything engineering related. Every semester, I had at least one, sometimes two, periods of engineering each day. Across all four years, I've touched basic concepts of almost every branch of engineering. I had such a great time; early on, I fell in love with everything about engineering. Pretty soon, I would have to start looking at colleges and plan my future.

As senior year crept on by, it was time to apply for college. I decided to go with Electrical and Computer Engineering major because in addition to having background experience with these branches, it never fails to spark my interest. My guidance counselor recommended Norwich University, making it clear they offer an exceptional engineering program, something that I was looking for in a college.

Now that I am here, the real life is just around the corner. It is only my first semester, however I have plans of what to do within college. For example, networking is a great way to make connection with people who can offer jobs right out of high school. Norwich provides its student with a career service, which will help me get my name to big employers and professionals within engineering.

I hope to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering. With this degree, I want to find a job, right out of college, with good starting salary. I don't only want to find a job, but rather finding a career. I want to stick to engineering the rest of my life instead of random work that can change from month to month, like going from McDonalds to a grocery store, then back to McDonalds. Instead, I plan on growing with a company; earning promotions and developing rank and prestige in the field of Engineering.

I want to invent things. I love working with technology, especially when I can hook up a circuit or dig into the insides of a computer. I technology fascinating, and creating something unique that can easily be used for public consumption is something I will always try to accomplish. I can imagine it now, inventing a machine and making millions! First, however, I should focus on this presentation due tomorrow for English.

Once I have a stable career, I will make sure my hard work has paid off.

My goal is to get a house. All my life, I've lived in an apartment. Money wasn't really a problem. However, it sometimes cut too close for comfort. If all goes well and I score a career in Engineering, I plan on giving back to my family, giving them the life they deserve. I would say that is number one of my list of plans for the future.

Another desire of mine is moving back to Portugal; I am incredibly proud of my background. Once I have a stable life in the States, I would like to take my Engineering skill to help my hometown in any way I am able.

These are just some things I hope will happen throughout my life through the help Engineering and my education at Norwich University.