By Mya Snow
Grace Sturgeon is a 19-year-old sophomore at Monroe County Community College majoring in electrical engineering technology.
The path to that major was shaped by a strong interest in robotics that began when she was in middle school.
After spending her early years of her youth in the Michigan foster care system, Sturgeon was adopted at five years old. She joined a household with three older brothers.
Sturgeon, who lives in Monroe County and in addition to her studies works as a teacher paraprofessional, began her robotics journey in the sixth grade, encouraged by her oldest brother, Joe. When she was new to the activity, she had Joe as a role model. He was on the robotics team at Flat Rock High School.
Sturgeon felt her brother’s passion for robotics positively influenced her connection with her own robotics classes.
Later, she decided to help form the first robotics team at her middle school.
Sturgeon said that as a youth, she had always been into building, creating and fixing. Her affinity for design and application has only grown over the years. Majoring in electrical engineering technology allows her to use STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – to do what she loves.
Sturgeon began her college journey at Eastern Michigan University straight out of high school. She later transferred to MCCC to pursue her education closer to home.
The faculty and staff in the college’s Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology Division are very helpful and encouraging, she said, adding that Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology Martin DuBois regularly keeps students very informed about apprenticeship or internship opportunities he has available for them.
“He always says, ‘Grace, you should sign up," she said.
Even with such a dependable support system, Sturgeon explained that the most challenging part of electrical engineering technology is believing in oneself. She advises new students to stay committed when coursework becomes tough.
“You just need to be confident in yourself and what you're doing. Know that you’re doing it for yourself and not for everyone else,” Sturgeon said.
In her experience, there were times when she felt self-conscious being the only woman in the classroom. She urges women interested in electrical engineering to overcome this initial feeling through self-assurance and engagement.
Sturgeon said her early hesitance was short-lived once she and her classmates became acquainted.
“I always had my mom as a female role model," she said. "I've always seen her be really confident in everything that she does."
Today, Sturgeon is a dedicated student forging her way toward a role in electrical engineering technology and maintenance. She works enthusiastically toward her goal – a rewarding career serving the Monroe County community.