Breakthrough senior Bryant Villamil wanted to learn more about potential careers in science, technology, and engineering. In the fall of his junior year, Bryant learned that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) School of Engineering offers several enrichment programs through the Office of Engineering Outreach Programs (OEOP). These programs are aimed at generating interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Bryant applied and was accepted into the MIT Online Science, Technology, and Engineering Community (MOSTEC) program, which runs from June 28, 2017 to January 13, 2018. During this online program, students discuss research, attend webinars, and complete online science and engineering projects. They then present their projects during a five-day conference at MIT’s campus.
This year’s conference took place on August 1st to August 5th. Bryant stated, “During the week at MIT, I gained a new perspective. I was able to attend a college fair with some of the best schools in the country and tour the MIT and Harvard campus. I was in a historically academic place surrounded by smart, hardworking, and passionate people from around the country. It was a humbling experience, and I learned a lot about myself and who I want to become.”
Here is what Bryant had to say about his overall experience in the MOSTEC program:
“My experience during the program was amazing! I learned helpful new skills in scientific writing, app development, coding, and presenting during the online phase before the conference. Aside from the online app development and scientific writing courses I took, I also wrote reflective weekly blogs and attended weekly webinars and meetings.
My favorite part of the program was getting to know so many smart, passionate, and diverse people from around the country. The week I spent at MIT with them was an incredible experience. I was able to learn with them in the Fluid Mechanics class and Mechanical Engineering class I took while there, and I was able to bond with them during other activities.
The program helped me realize that I can have a huge impact on the world. There is so much potential in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is mind blowing! In the future I want to do something where I can make a positive impact, and the STEM field has so much potential to make a difference.”
At Breakthrough we encourage our students to make their summers meaningful in order to increase their competitiveness for college, and Bryant did just that. We are incredibly proud of Bryant’s hard work and have no doubt that he will continue to impact his community in positive ways.
