Following is a Q&A with one of the 1,379 students who received a diploma May 5 at UW-Stout.
Name: Theodore Simpson
Hometown: Osseo, Wis.
Major: Engineering Technology, mechanical design concentration
Awards, honors: Chancellor’s Award
Why did you choose UW-Stout? Ever since I was younger, I loved inventing and creating things. And I think as time went on, I just knew that I needed to be a designer and/or inventor, product developer. When I was in high school, I came to Stout for the cabinet-making competition for SkillsUSA. After using the woods lab for the competition, I knew that this was the school for me. UW-Stout has been known for its unique majors and hands-on learning experiences, just a couple of the reasons that drew me to this wonderful school.
What are the biggest obstacles you faced in earning your degree? Learning to face my fear of public speaking and time management of projects. As a freshman, I had to take a speech class, which was the most nerve-racking thing ever. The more I had to do it, the more comfortable I became, and now as a senior, I enjoy it. Another obstacle was dealing with a couple of heavy semesters and being able to effectively time-manage my projects. The engineering technology program is heavily project-based, and being able to make sure that all my projects were on schedule during the busy semesters was definitely an obstacle.
What stands out among your college experiences? Making lifelong friends is at the top of the list. Being able to work on innovative and creative projects with like-minded people was also very exciting. Working in the woods lab and being able to use the woodshop for my own woodworking projects was also one of the more fulfilling things. I was a teaching assistant and lab technician in the woodshop and a part of the ET Advisory Board.
What’s next? This summer I plan on doing some carpentry jobs back in my hometown and some woodworking projects and then looking for an engineering position come fall. Later on, hopefully within the next three years, I’ll pursue a master’s degree in either manufacturing or product development.
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