Andy Weidemann

IDS Senior Essay

Walking into MMSTC in my first year (as a sophomore) was definitely a change from

what I was used to in the crowded halls of Cousino. The hard work that takes place here in

this quiet building took me by surprise, and it took a little bit of time to get adjusted. I found

that it did not take long for me to feel comfortable and reach my goal of staying a successful

student while in the program. This was partly due to the friendly, positive atmosphere among

students and staff. Over the last three years, many of my skills in and out of the classroom

have improved, and my experiences here have taught me valuable lessons that will help later

in life.

Many aspects of MMSTC student life have taught me lessons such as responsibility,

leadership, overall social skills that I otherwise would not learn at Cousino. The

rigorous/creative curriculum, in my opinion, is there to serve the students, and does so well.

Large projects, such as each year of research, have allowed me take part and help lead my

own education. For example, my sophomore research project seemed to be an absolutely

daunting project for me going into it. I was not used to doing anything without a specific set

of directions and unknown outcomes, and was incredibly nervous up until the day I turned it

in. Looking back on it, it taught me how to work successfully in groups and to take

responsibility when members of a group depended on me. My social skills have also changed

over the last three years. With such a small community, I have been able to get to know most

of the students here and develop bonds that help me learn grow. I have improved skills such

as public speaking, and overall being able to meet new people.

One aspect of MMSTC that has helped me develop, and should not be changed, is the

expansive curriculum. Through this curriculum, MMSTC has always provided one major

thing that other schools usually lack: options and opportunities to find new passions and
 Andy Weidemann

strengths. I was truly amazed at what I was able to learn here in only three years. Everything

from computer aided design, programming, statistics, and even woodworking has allowed me

to test the waters into fields that I might like to pursue. Without these unique educational

opportunities, coupled with an in depth look into math and science, I would have never been

able to find my passion for engineering.

Overall though, I believe the best part of this program is the relationship created

within the MMSTC community through certain social events and projects. I believe that the

schedule of primarily learning with fun events (such as ice skating, capture the flag,

sophomore camp) has allowed me to make more friends than I would ever have at Cousino.

Overall I believe this is what allows MMSTC students, including myself, to be so successful.

Despite only being here for the last three years, I have found that this program has

made me a better person. I have been able to learn new skills and lessons that I feel are

unique to MMSTC, and will help me throughout the rest of my journey. MMSTC does a

great job at giving students an opportunity to differentiate themselves from others.