Chemical Engineering: The Road Less Traveled

(TECHNICAL WRITING ESSAY)

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and

that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost said.

Chemical Engineering has always been the program most feared by

many aspiring engineers. Its enrollment in universities has always been one

of the lowest among all engineering programs every single year, in the

Philippines and even abroad. But I tell you, this program less traveled may

seem like a scary choice at first, but it’s a path of breakthroughs.

Choosing a college program is one of the most exciting yet hardest thing

to do because the program that we choose will create a path towards the

career that we want to pursue as we strive in reaching the pedestal of

success, hence, we have to be extra careful in choosing what to program to

take. So, why should you choose chemical engineering out of all the

programs offered in a university and why you shouldn’t be afraid of the

stereotype that chemical engineering is the hardest of all engineering

programs? The answer would be found in these three words: opportunity,

future and treasure.

Opportunity. Chemical engineering is a discipline influencing numerous

areas of technology. In broad terms, chemical engineers conceive and

design processes to produce, transform and transport materials-- beginning

with experimentation in the laboratory followed by the implementation of

the technology in full-scale production. Chemical Engineering creates

various paths of opportunity because of its versatility in the industry.

Chemical Engineers are in great number of industries that depend on the

synthesis and processing of chemicals and materials. In addition to

traditional careers in the chemical, energy and oil industries, chemical

engineers enjoy increasing opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals

and environmental engineering. The unique training of the aspiring

chemical engineers while in the university hones an individual whose skills,

both life and mental, and qualities become weapons and gears in creating

various opportunities in the industries mentioned.

Future. Chemical Engineering gives hope to the world. Chemical

Engineers are everywhere, from industries to industries, in hopes of solving

global problems ranging from the water we drink, the clothes we wear, the

food we eat, to things as important as the air we breath. Chemical Engineers

hope for a better world. They strive to process and innovate new and

efficient techniques in providing pollutant-free waters, safest and most

affordable medications, sustainable food, etc. They use their knowledge in

chemistry mathematics, thermodynamics, physics, biology, and economics

to transform the world into a less problematic one. Chemical engineers

make things happen.

 Treasure. The last but not the least. The contributions chemical

engineering gives to the world are what others always see, but beyond the

fanciest technologies it is involved with, are the most rewarding thing about

chemical engineering-- the memories we acquire and the people we meet,

who eventually became our family, while we struggle and fight for our

dream of becoming chemical engineers. Years in the university is not a walk

in the park, it’s one hell of a ride. And in those years, you experience

countless of breakdowns, self doubts, buckets over buckets of tears and

more just to keep up with lessons, exams and deadlines. But the struggle is

not something to be afraid of, they are treasures that would give one growth

and learning. Moreover, the things you can do after getting the license is

what makes it extra worth fighting for.

Chemical Engineering is beautiful. It gives people opportunity to attain

success, a hope that a chaotic world needs and a treasure one is deserving

of. Chemical Engineering deserves more than just being traveled and

experienced by a few brave-hearts. It deserves a number of people to take

the challenge in stepping off the highway and go towards truly amazing

destinations, experiences and opportunities.

Take the road less traveled and let it lead you to a wonderful journey.
References:

Pilapil Jr., E. (2011). Career Success. The 48 Cs. Achiever’s Circle Inc.

The Road Not Taken. (2019). Retrieved from www.poetryfoundation.org

What is Chemical Engineering? (n.d). Retrieved from cheme.stanford.edu