Early College Leads to Engineering Career

Alex Berry is excelling in engineering, thanks to an early college program. Alex, a native of Creston, Ohio shared his insights into his educational experience and his aspirations for the future.

Alex began school at Norwayne High School for his first two years. However, his path shifted when he enrolled in the College Now Engineering program at North Central State College. “I began taking classes on campus in August of 2022,” Alex recalls, reflecting on his journey. “Before that, I took a couple of CCP at my high school.”

Now, Alex finds himself reaching a milestone, set to graduate with an associate degree in Engineering Technology at the end of the 2024 spring semester. His choice of North Central State College was driven by the opportunities afforded by College Now. “The program offers an opportunity to graduate with an associate degree in engineering technology,” Alex explains. “This program alone has jumpstarted my early career in engineering and allowed me to progress ahead.”

Reflecting on his academic journey, Alex emphasizes the pivotal role of North Central State College in shaping his future. “NCSC allowed me to have a leg up on many other applicants when I was applying to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida,” he says. The college provided him with an early understanding of the college workload, preparing him for higher education.

Grateful for the opportunities, Alex acknowledges the importance of scholarships in facilitating his academic journey. “I received the presidential scholarship from Embry Riddle along with a scholarship for being an out-of-state student,” he reveals. “Without these scholarships, I would not be able to afford and receive the level of education that I am pursuing.”

Alex’s involvement in the Honors College at North Central State has been equally transformative. “Being a part of the Honors College has allowed me to meet and interact with some amazing people,” he shares. “These interactions helped me make connections with people that I would never have met without being a part of the Honors College.” Throughout his time at NC State, Alex has undertaken and completed three projects, with a fourth currently underway. One of his projects focused on the application of geometry to land surveying.

A highlight of Alex’s academic journey was the opportunity to present his project at the Mid-East Honors College Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2023, an experience he describes as “truly an honor.” Interacting with diverse individuals and engaging with their presentations strengthened his social skills and broadened his horizons.

Looking to the future, Alex harbors ambitious dreams of working for NASA, specializing in astronautical engineering. “I would love to work for NASA because it will make me a part of something bigger than you or I,” he shares passionately. “The work that NASA does will forever change mankind, and being a part of that change is the dream.”

Alex attributes much of his success to the exceptional faculty and courses offered at North Central State College. “Many courses that I have taken have had a huge impact on my education,” he reflects. Among these, he highlights the CAD and design class as foundational to his growth as an engineer.

“If anyone is debating or thinking about becoming an engineer, this program is perfect,” he says. “You can receive an associate degree while still in high school. The program offers a huge jumpstart to your career, and if you decide to continue to a bachelor’s degree, it saves time and money.”

As Alex gets ready to work towards a bachelor’s degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, his story shows how education can change lives. With his determination and strength, he’s ready to make a big impact in engineering.