One of the great rewards of working in education is finding students who are passionate about their chosen careers. Alaina Rowitsch is one such student. Through the Mountain Institute Joint Technical Education (MIJTED), she is an Applied Pre-Engineering student in Yavapai College’s Career and Technical Education (CTEC) program. Alaina is pursuing her Associate of Applied Science Degree with the skills and determination she needs to be a successful engineer.
“I grew up in a family of engineers,” Alaina explained. “I always admired the career itself and lifestyle it provided. After my brother completed this program, I knew that I was destined to follow the same path.” That path has its challenges. Today, only 14 percent of engineers are women. Alaina sees her first challenge is shattering gender perceptions and earning respect. “Girls are raised differently than boys. It’s a fact. Because of this, men tend to believe I have no idea how a power drill works, or what a hydraulic press is. I have to prove that I am on the same playing field as everyone else and I am capable of everything a boy can do.”
Yavapai College’s Associate of Applied Science Degree in Applied Pre-Engineering, at CTEC, is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of engineering concepts. By placing greater emphasis on real-world engineering applications, the program helps students see the benefit of Applied Math and Science. Individuals research, design, develop, test or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components or systems for commercial, industrial, military or scientific use. Alaina says the program “really allowed me to test the waters and see how I liked engineering before I actually invested a lot of time and money.” Initially, Alaina – who is small of stature – had difficulties programming the robots because her hands didn’t fit around the teaching pendant. However, with experience, determination and a creative approach, she learned how to overcome the obstacle and operate the machines efficiently.
Alaina’s skill and dedication did not go unnoticed. At CTEC’s Night of Recognition, Alaina earned six third-party certificates and was named the Pre-Engineering Program’s Outstanding Student. “Throughout her academic studies at Yavapai College, Alaina has clearly stood above her peers,” program instructor Rick Peters said. “Her diligence in class and willingness to help others also set her apart. In her courses in digital electronics and introduction to robotics, she served as lead engineer for her team. This is the sort of dedication and ‘stick-to-it-iveness’ that will make Alaina a fine engineer.”
Now in her second year at CTEC, Alaina plans to finish high school and earn her Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering within the next four to five years. After that? “I plan to pursue a teaching degree and become a college professor so I can give other kids the opportunities and learning experience I had.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tells us that median annual income for engineers in the United States is around $94,000 per year. For Pre-Engineering course descriptions and outcomes, please contact Rick Peters at rick.peters@yc.edu, or visit yc.edu/v5content/academics/divisions/ctec/pre-engineering.htm. QCBN
By Jim Voska
For more information on Yavapai College’s STEM programs, contact Linda Brannock (linda.brannock@yc.edu), Career Coach, REDC and/or Jim Voska (james.voska@yc.edu), Career Coach, CTEC.
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