Helping a Heritage of Heroism (HHH) was birthed out of my love for learning about the military and my care for the older population. My parents – both Navy veterans – raised me to love my country, always be five minutes early, say thank you to those who have served, have a strong work ethic, and enjoy military stories. I also noticed in my peers that this same level of appreciation for the military is not reciprocated in much of the young American population. My experience of watching my grandfather, who was also a veteran, pass away in a lonely environment broke my heart.This combined with my job in the last year caretaking for geriatric individuals struggling with dignity, relationships, and purpose led to the realization that I could do something to help both issues. Thus, a mentorship program between the younger generation and older military veterans to discuss military experience and life lessons was created.

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My project is centered around working with high school students involved in both the engineering and technical theater departments and supporting them in their leadership, networking, and teamwork skills. In the spring, I organize three to four different workshops, each led by a trained professional and focused on a shared interest area among the students. Another aspect of this project targets a small group of senior girls. I work individually with these students as they begin the application process to various scholarships and colleges, helping them explore different outlets for their passions and qualifications. Through this guidance, I hope to ease their nerves and show that being an engineering student in college can be really exciting and incredibly rewarding.

Ultimately, I hope that this project fosters these students’ love for engineering and empowers them to continue pursuing these interests as they take steps toward their futures. One of my favorite parts about this project is when a student that I work with comes to tour my campus. I truly enjoy walking around with them and showing them the things that fuel my passion for engineering. This project has been a wonderful opportunity to work with future engineering students, all while expanding our mutual love for problem-solving and creativity.