DeAunna McDonald

        I would first like to thank you for taking the time to read this. I am DeAunna McDonald and I am currently a senior at R.L. Turner High School. I am curious about everything around me and I often find that my surroundings venture on to inspire and encourage me in various aspects of my life. With an ethnic background that varies from African American to American Indian, Hispanic, and Caucasian, my diverse family taught me at an early age that experiencing and embracing other cultures can have a great impact on an individual.
        Over time, the people around me have instilled a strong self-confidence within me that has helped me to overcome many of the curve balls that life has a tendency of throwing. Interestingly enough, I have found that these curve balls, while scary at first, often help one to discover who they are and what they desire in, and from, life. I first realized this during my freshman year of high school when I decided to join the Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science Academy (M.E.T.S.A.) that focuses on preparing students for not only college but their career and life by helping them establish 21st century skills through a project-based learning curriculum.
        To say the least, my high school experience was more challenging than the traditional but, to me, it was also more rewarding. The academy opened not only my eyes, but many doors to help me further myself and grow as an individual. Among the many skills regarding communication and community service, I also gained experience and the opportunity to leave the world of high school and enter the "real-world." From our annual homeless shelter feedings to our day-to-day group work, M.E.T.S.A. left me with a passion for continually learning, collaborating with others, and giving back to those in need. In the end, my decision to join this academy also made it possible for my first job to change my entire perspective of engineering. 
        I went into my internship with hopes of pursuing a career in accounting but I left with a love and admiration for engineering and the work that I conducted and witnessed. While the journey has been far from easy, I have always known that there are people there for me. From my choir director for the past four years to my M.E.T.S.A. Director, Mansoureh Tehrani, I have always had words of wisdom and strong individuals to steer me in the right direction and push me further than I ever expected. I cannot imagine being anything other than the person that I have grown into today, but I know that my success is due to those around me and I aspire to one day make as much of an impact in someone else's life as they have made in mine.