By Janeal Downs
As a young boy, Floyd Robinson’s mother helped him become a Boy Scout. Not only did he learn to “always be prepared,” but it became one of his favorite interests outside of school. Now, as a senior in high school, Floyd is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout with his Eagle Scout project. For his project he has taken on the task of organizing a book drive. His goal: to collect at least 600 books. While he has put a lot into the planning of his book drive, Floyd is confident that he will accomplish this goal by the end of the school year.
While he works to accomplish his book drive goals, Floyd is also preparing for life after high school. He plans on continuing his education at a four-year university. Some of his top college choices include Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech University, Old Dominion University and Radford University. These are his top choices because they all have engineering programs that interest him. “College is necessary to obtain a sustainable career in mechanical engineering because it allows you to learn the basic fundamentals of physics and calculus,” Floyd wrote in an essay. “Mechanical engineering interests me because of the technological revolution that was contributed to by many great engineers.” Ever since his middle school years, Floyd has desired a career as an innovative engineer.
Attending college has been one of his long term goals, and it is quickly approaching as high school comes to a close. Floyd currently maintains a 3.69 GPA and is among the top ten of his graduating class. He knows that in order to become a mechanical engineer, he has to have strong time management skills along with everything else. This is a lesson he has practiced in high school. “Looking back on my education, I realized that I am in control of the knowledge I gain,” Floyd stated. “The knowledge from my teacher or professor is a resource and it is my responsibility to turn an assignment in or study for a test.” While he has been in high school, Floyd has also had Honor Roll and Secondary Scholar Roll. Along with his work as a Boy Scout, he volunteered for FeedMore’s Meals on Wheels, RVA Reads, Camp Brady Saunders and other opportunities.
One of Floyd’s biggest influences in his life is his mother. “My mom influences me the most. Just the fact that she pushes me to do anything,” Floyd said. From getting him started with the Boys Scouts of America to many other things, his mother has always been there for him. Floyd has worked hard in the past and is looking forward to doing the same in college and as a future mechanical engineer. “My confidence in my ability to balance my academic, professional and personal life reassures that I can manage in this field,” he stated.
