Ben Bollman

Personal Reflection

Through the past 4 years of high school north catholic has prepared me for both my future in college and

eventually in a career. While there are many things that are uncertain in our futures, North Catholic

Highschool equipped me with the tools necessary to adapt to changes and put the best effort into my

work. One way I have been prepared for post-graduation is through the numerous STEM classes I have

taken. The course load I was able to choose enabled me to gain invaluable experience in the stem field

that will undoubtedly transfer to college and later a job. Whether it be by taking AP classes like AP

physics or skill focused ones like Intro to CAD, Norths curriculum equipped me to be successful in my

future. Additionally, participation in the robotics team, the trojanators, has provided an extreme amount of

experience in the STEM field that most never get to see until college graduation. Robotics opened a good

path for me through the continual interaction with industry mentors that equip me with skills ranging

from machining to project management. Overall, I have garnered an amazing experience with my teachers

and mentors throughout high school, and gained life skills whether it be public speaking, handiness, and

more. This would ultimately set me on my right path to engineering, which is a good one because it

harnesses my interests to make an impact on the world.

Since the start of high school many things have changed about me while others have stayed the same.

When I first became a freshman, I had little idea of where I was going in life and was mostly

undeveloped. I had many enormous potential traits, and a substantial work ethic and conviction that

would soon be put to the test to make me who I am. By the end of high school, I have taken a direction

with my life that I am proud of and shaped the raw elements of my character to be a defining leader. This

development within me has been the most notable change in my high school career and has led me on the

path that I am now. While there have been many changes, I also have many similarities to freshmen Ben,

whether it be the occasional cringey interaction, or a slight hot headedness, band I look forward to seeing

how college changes me further. I think my next steps in college will change me by giving me more
responsibility over my actions, work, and schedule which will test me and my work ethic. I think this will

ultimately shape me into someone who is organized and well prepared to go out into the workforce and

take responsibilities seriously.

During my time in high school, I learned a great deal about myself. I learned that I have the potential to

do wonderful things, like lead a team, as shown by my continual leadership opportunities whether it’s a

cross country team captain or robotics lead. I have learned to be confident in my skills, like cad,

machining, and designing and have found an innumerable number of new interests. This has guided me

into new ways of thought, like designing strategies, approaches to brainstorming, and employing a growth

mindset. I plan on taking all of these elements with me to college to make sure I get the best out of my

experience, both academically and personally. I am excited to put my skills to use, whether its completing

personal projects at Kettering student workshops, or at a Co-op. I hope to learn more about working in

industry at Kettering university with their coop program and can’t wait to get a good head start to my

professional career.