Legos to Skies

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\title{Legos to Skies}
\author{Apoorva Kharche}
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\subsection*{\center{Why I have chosen Carnegie Mellon and my majors: ECE (CIT) and MechE (CIT)}}
I have been captivated by flight for as long as I can remember. I am always amazed and mesmerized by the forgetfulness of the atmosphere: it forgets to remind a 975,000 pound piece of metal of its tremendous weight and suddenly, the plane can fly using the little bit of air that is under its tiny wings.

My earliest memories include a room blanketed by Legos. In the matter of a few hours, where there was once a sea of building blocks, there are now flying machines of every kind. They have been designed to fly in a million different ways, from rotors to anti-gravity devices. They use a variety of drives, both known and unknown to man. The flying machines have maximum ranges varying from a few miles to a few million light years, and carry every type of cargo, from torpedoes and lasers to socks and shoes. Soon after entering 5th grade, my teacher introduced me to and taught me the basics of robotics. This was my first official foray into engineering; it was an amazing experience and I have been addicted to robotics ever since. In middle school, I explored the wonderful world of online encyclopedias. Following link after link related to airplanes, spacecraft, helicopters, UAVs, and even space planes. I read about every flying machine I could find, including modern craft like the Su-30MKI and Spaceship Two, and old contraptions like the Wright Flyer and Fw-61. The more I read, the more I was captivated by the power, the magic in these machines.

As I toiled and climbed the ladder to lead programmer and Vice President in my high school’s robotics club, I knew that I would do well in this career: building a machine, after careful design, after hours of debate; this was the life for me. My heart already being set on entering the aerospace industry, this confirmation made it final; I will have it no other way.

I know that to succeed in Aerospace Engineering, I will need an intimate knowledge of both Electrical and Mechanical engineering. I was immediately drawn to Carnegie Institute of Technology’s highly flexible program in both. With 5 free electives, I am allowed to diversify into both fields. However, I still have the option to specialize and get a 5 year masters degree in electrical with elective options such as control systems and embedded applications or with aerodynamics and control in mechanical.

As a firm believer in the power of diversity, I am also attracted to the diverse student body at CMU. Diversity brings varied perspectives and different solutions to engineering problems. These solutions, exploring them, will help me think more creatively and enrich my learning experience. Furthermore, a melting pot of many different cultures will help me prepare for our new globalized world. I will better develop the communication skills needed to bridge cultural gaps and learn traditions and beliefs other than my own.

In short, the Carnegie Mellon University will empower me to realize my dream of pioneering a safer, more error-tolerant flight control system that will set a new standard in the aerospace industry. Armed with a Carnegie Mellon University education, I believe that I will be able to create groundbreaking technologies born of a familiarity with concepts, both theoretical and applied. Whether I decide to work the industry or perform research, I believe Carnegie Mellon can provide me with the excellent education and experience I need to succeed. Through my innovations, I will strive to continue Carnegie Mellon University’s age-old tradition of excellence in engineering.
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