These students from the 2019 spring class cycle earned $1,000 scholarships for these essays about their 3D ThinkLink experience.
By Naomi Perez
South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy
My name is Naomi, Perez. I’m 16 years old. I’m in a military school called SC Youth Challenge Academy. I came to prove everybody who doubted me wrong all my life. I’ve had people tell me don’t reach for stuff you later on won’t be able to accomplish. I’ve always been determined but also constantly doubted to the point where I question myself everyday if I should go for it or not. I’ve always liked to do right no matter how hard it would be. I would always try and put my best to it. Now I can proudly say I feel like I’ve accomplished new and helpful things in 3D printing.
3D Printing is useful in many ways in this world. In my life 3D printing became an open opportunity where I was able to concentrate and be able to use my creativity my mindset was all in for it.
I learned so much I would’ve never thought or expected to know or even understand. It was different when we went out on the field trip to Duncan Parnell. I’ve been learning so much in class that when I went out to the trip I felt like I was a part of it. I would look at all the machines and the 3D printing models and it all seemed easy to me.
It also became a routine for me to the point where I was just ready for school to end so I can go to 3D printing class. My favorite part of it was when we all helped to build the 3D printing machine. I learned where the parts came from and where they were made. I honestly owe it all to Mr. Meeks. He was there through it all feeding us information and knowledge about 3D printing. He would inform us about everything we needed to know.
My plans are to join the Air Force as a mechanical engineer. I enjoy putting stuff together. I was raised by my grandpa. He’s an auto mechanic and he has taught me everything I’ve needed to know in mechanics. For me this scholarship would be so great and helpful for me to complete my dreams and accomplish my goals. Because I believe that anybody and everybody can accomplish their goals in life. Why? Life is full lessons and blessings. That’s why I haven’t given up.
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By Ka’Dejah Riley
South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy
I always knew I was smart, but I always made the wrong choices growing up. Growing up I didn’t put my mind to work in a positive way as much as I should have. Being in 3D printing has helped me explore further talents I never knew I had. 3D printing has helped me to find and utilize my unique assets.
When I was younger I really couldn’t find anything positive that grasped my attention. It’s seemed as if the only thing that caught my attention was trouble, it seemed so easy to find. Me being so gullible and naive, I did things people told me to do, believing them when they told me I wouldn’t get caught up in mischief. I regret most of the things I did in the past. Looking back, I wish I would’ve done better. For me to right my wrongs I came to South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy, where I found out about 3D printing and discovered my hidden talents.
Mrs. Rasberry introduced me and some other cadets to 3D printing. Mrs. Rasberry taught us the basics and from there we explored, and put our creative side to work. Mr. Tom Meeks taught us how to take apart and put together a 3D printer, and he imparted some his knowledge with us about 3D printing. I visited Duncan-Parnell and UNC in Charlotte North, Carolina.
For me being a 16 year old African-American female from Sumter, South Carolina, I felt like I have always been doubted and looked upon like I am not level-headed. 3D printing has helped me to understand I’m not here to please other people I’m here to live for me, and to make the best out what I have. I am so unique and creative in many ways I didn’t even realize. Thanks to 3D printing, I’m going home with knowledge I didn’t have before. I plan on pursuing 3D printing in the future.
I want to go in the medical field, and make prosthetic body parts. I will work with a 3D printer called a bio-printer to print artificial living tissue. I want to show everyone at home and everyone who has ever doubted me I’m more than just the average teenager. I’m going to make something out of myself and I’m not going to go back to my old ways, I’m going to utilize everything I have been taught. Thanks to Mrs. Rasberry, The South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy, and 3D printing, I have the knowledge and ability to be a better me and to live a better life.
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By Hunter Lusby
South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy
I’ve always loved the thought of printing objects of my design. Now that I actually have a chance, it doesn’t feel real, like a fantasy or a dream. Then I look at my creation as it prints from the case up and I realize, this isn’t a dream. It’s reality.
3D printing has helped me realize many things. From seeing how I can help people by creating designs with “I Love You” on it, to realizing that I can do anything and that nothing is beyond my reach. It’s boosted my self-esteem because I actually got chosen for this. Then the thought of being able to go to Virginia to represent the whole Academy in 3D printing? That’s definitely a confidence builder.
One way that I can use what I’ve learned is through community service. From teaching children the fundamentals of 3D printing, to actually creating objects for kids. I’ve always wanted to help children who are in hospitals. With 3D printing, I could make them little teddy bears with encouraging messages on them. 3D printing is very useful in many ways. I believe this is the future of building technology.
If I was to be chosen to go to Virginia, it would honestly change my life. I could learn how to become better and advance my skills. Being chosen would also help me in life with finding a job. And with that job, I could influence others with my creations, therefore making the world a happier place.