Joshua Simmons: Personnel Statement

As a kid growing up, I was always taking toys apart and trying to put them back together,
drawing, building and designing my next space ship, plane, or military vehicle, then building
them out of toys or whatever materials I could find around the house. Prior to middle school all
I wanted to do was be in the military since my mother and many other members of my family
served. Sometime around middle school one of my mentors, who was a big part of my life
growing up, asked me if I wanted to go flying in his plane, not really sure if I was going to like it
since at the time I didn’t like roller coasters, I took a chance and said yes. This was one of the
best decisions that I have ever made, this first flight sparked my interest in flying being able to
take control of the aircraft convinced me as young boy to become a pilot. So, I decided I want
to be a fighter pilot in the military, I work at getting into military academies in order become an
officer so that I could be a pilot. Unfortunately, I didn’t meet the medical qualifications to be
one, so my 7 years of hard work and dream were crushed. Unsure if I wanted to go to college
and continue my education, I joined the United States Marine Corps serving four years. In the
last year of my contract I decided that I want to leave the USMC and continue my education so
that I could work in a field that has always peeked my interest-the aerospace industry. Now I’m
striving to get a position where I can create, design and build aircraft, knowing that I would
need an education that would certify me to do so I choose to get my Bachelor of Science
in Aeronautical Engineering. Attaining my degree in this area of expertise would allow me to
enter a career path that would open doors for me to work at companies like Boeing, Lockheed
Martin, Northrop Grumman, and many others.
Currently, I am a student at State College of Florida: Manatee-Sarasota, pursuing a Bachelor of
Science in Aeronautical Engineering. I am excited for the courses that will help me build the skill
sets needed for my future career, enabling me to become a successful engineer working at a
top company designing future aircraft that will innovate the industry.
I plan to continue to earn my Associates Degree at State college of Florida. Afterwards, I would
like to attend Embry Riddle University where I will study for my Bachelor of Science in
Aeronautical Engineering. While pursuing my career, I would jump at the opportunity to intern
or job shadow at a major Aircraft manufacturer.