Hello everyone, my name is Joseph Song and I am a first year STEM EE Scholar student majoring in Aerospace Engineering. I am from Cincinnati, Ohio, and have lived there all my life along with my twin brother, sister, and parents. As a twin, being compared in every aspect happens frequently, and although it sometimes is a nuisance, it actually serves as a catalyst for my personal progression and advancement. Having someone there to push and compete with you every step of the way encourages a spirit of tenacity to be your best. Growing up I was always surrounded by accomplished people–their achievements always seemed to surpass mine, and it made me question why what I was doing wasn’t enough. I asked myself “what am I truly good at?” “Why can I not match my peers?” Reflecting upon these thoughts allowed me to develop a mindset to work even harder and that every minuscule detail counts.
During high school, I was enrolled in a two year college credit plus engineering program. In partnership with University of Cincinnati, I had the opportunity to explore engineering through hands on projects that reinforced fundamental topics and how to help my community. The first year of the program was very basic; I learned how to employ leadership and teamwork skills through the fettuccine bridge, hydraulic arm, and trebuchet projects. However, it was only until my second year that I was able to experience true engineering. Utilizing MATLAB and Solid Edge programs, my engineering class constructed educational manipulatives for a visually impaired student in our school district. Not only were our products approved by the state, they have been extremely helpful in the student’s learning process. Seeing how engineering can make such an impact on someone’s life motivated me to pursue an engineering track at OSU.
My interest in engineering also brought along a passion for community service. Over winter break in 2014, I traveled to Thailand with my church’s mission team to serve tribal people in the mountains. As I surveyed their living conditions, I was impressed by the simplicity but also saw the crucial need for engineering. Many buildings were structurally deficient, the few electrical lines ran haphazardly overhead, and drinking water was unsanitary. Although my love for engineering is specified in aerospace, I saw that I could also learn more about other fields in engineering. I came home and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, where I helped build houses and learned how construction crews implement structurally sound designs that engineers create. I plan on joining the Engineers for Community Service club at OSU and Engineers Without Borders later on in life.
As an undergraduate student I want to further my education in different fields and build relationships to accomplish the goals I have constructed for myself. Using this time at OSU I hope that not only will I make friends for life, but that I can learn more about myself and be the best I can be. I wish to pursue a career in aerospace, whether it be companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or Airbus. I believe that all the opportunities Ohio State has to offer will allow me to rise to new heights and achieve more than I could ever dream of.