What intrigues me about machine tooling and technology?

Ever since I was a young boy, I have been interested in working in fields that require hands on performance. Starting around the age of seven, I would travel to different jobs sites with my dad. I thought that it was amazing how he could do anything. While I observed him, I couldn’t help but absorb his passion to create things. He has always encouraged me to experience new opportunities. When I struggled with something, he would have me step back and think about what needed to be done in order to achieve the overall goal. My dad has taught me the definition of determination, and expects me to achieve my goals. As I got older, I became interested in computers. It was like a whole new world appeared for me to explore. At the age twelve, I got my very first computer. The first thing that I did was take it apart. I thought that it was fascinating that all the little components crammed in there could operate simultaneously. I turned right back around and put it back together. I have been hooked ever since.
Upon entering high school, I was fascinated with how immense the shop department was. I immediately knew this would be a perfect field of work for me to get into because it combined hands on work while using my imagination and skill to create cool and new things. After completing manufacturing technology, I immediately jumped into welding. I would do all my welds as best and as fast as I could so I could work on side projects. While doing so, I utilized the variety of machines throughout the shop. The one that sparked the most interest to me was the Plasmacam.
From sophomore year to the very last day of my senior year, I took the time to increase my knowledge of what would later be known as the “A.J.’s machine”. Mr. Kirke, my metals teacher, taught me the basics but I wanted to know more. I took the time to go through all of the different tabs, memorize all of the quick commands, and began designing things that nobody at Millard North had even imagined could be done. Since I only had roughly fifty minutes in the class, I would utilize coming in before and after school to work on my creations. I even went as far as getting the program and installing it on my laptop in order to work from home. I felt a sense of pride when the shop teachers would