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In high school, I thought engineers drove trains. Then, I became one.
You can achieve. Here's my story.
A thread. 1/12
You can achieve. Here's my story.
A thread. 1/12
Growing up, I wanted to be successful and smart.
My special advantage over others -> I was willing to put in more effort than most of my peers to learn or achieve something.
2/12
My special advantage over others -> I was willing to put in more effort than most of my peers to learn or achieve something.
2/12
One day, I was traveling to an away volleyball game when my coach, a math teacher, asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. She suggested that I become an engineer.
Teachers -> your suggestions matter!
3/12
Teachers -> your suggestions matter!
3/12
"To drive a train?" I asked.
I thought engineers drove trains. The striped overalls and hats with grease covered hands.
This was 2005. I was 16.
4/12
I thought engineers drove trains. The striped overalls and hats with grease covered hands.
This was 2005. I was 16.
4/12
I honestly had no idea what an engineer did. She explained that there are many different types of engineers.
She knew I loved math and science, and she set me on the path.
5/12
She knew I loved math and science, and she set me on the path.
5/12
During my junior year, I applied to NC Governor's School.
Only the most talented students in the school were picked, and I was hopeful that I would be selected.
I wasn't.
6/12
Only the most talented students in the school were picked, and I was hopeful that I would be selected.
I wasn't.
6/12
After receiving a rejection, I had a choice.
I could either give up, or I could choose to pick myself up and make a plan B.
Our path is not always linear, but perseverance and mindset open a window when the door closes.
7/12
I could either give up, or I could choose to pick myself up and make a plan B.
Our path is not always linear, but perseverance and mindset open a window when the door closes.
7/12
I found another educational summer experience, one that exposed me to @NCState and Chemical Engineering.
I also met a lifelong mentor who made me into a better version of myself.
Teachers -> your coaching matters!
8/12
I also met a lifelong mentor who made me into a better version of myself.
Teachers -> your coaching matters!
8/12
When I got back to my high school after that summer, someone told me that there was no way I could succeed at chemical engineering.
Well, if you want me to do something, tell me I can't do it.
9/12
Well, if you want me to do something, tell me I can't do it.
9/12
Here we are 14 years later (almost to the day), and I've got a Chemical Engineering degree hanging on the wall.
Lessons:
1. Effort is required to get anywhere in life.
2. Mindset is everything. Closed door? Find a window.
3. Don't let others limit your ambition.
10/12
Lessons:
1. Effort is required to get anywhere in life.
2. Mindset is everything. Closed door? Find a window.
3. Don't let others limit your ambition.
10/12
Read the full story: https://www.jennifer-biggs.com/create/you-can-achieve
Sharing my story in hopes that others will find the courage to pursue their goals, too.
11/12
Sharing my story in hopes that others will find the courage to pursue their goals, too.
11/12
I'm a consumer: lurker, liker, and reader, mostly.
This thread is my first step towards my new goal to create. #showyourwork after reading @austinkleon's book Show Your Work recommended by @AliAbdaal.
12/12
This thread is my first step towards my new goal to create. #showyourwork after reading @austinkleon's book Show Your Work recommended by @AliAbdaal.
12/12
