Rather than simply celebrating with cake, balloons, and a party on his birthday, senior Mason Myers spent his birthday constructing a computer. 

Mason went online to purchase all the materials necessary to build the computer. This birthday endeavor was the first true experience he had involving engineering.

But building the computer wasn’t just for fun; Mason was in need of an entirely functioning device—there was no room for mistakes.

“I wanted something I could do school on this year and also something to play games [on],” Mason said.  “[Building it] is where I really learned more about all the computer parts and wanted to be able to make them myself and even develop software.”

Building computers may be new for Mason, but he has already had quite a few coding projects. He took AP Computer Science last year in addition to helping code a website for his dad’s business. 

Mason hopes to merge these two concepts in his future by seeking a career in computer engineering. Computer engineering is the branch of engineering that integrates electronic engineering with computer sciences. 

Mason’s involvement in coding and, as of this past summer, software development, has helped push him to future goals involving computer engineering.

“I want to be fluent in software development,” Mason said. “My dream job is to develop software for Tesla.”

To help him be in reach of his dream job, Mason will be attending the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a college dedicated to science, engineering, academics, and research which fits perfectly with  Mason’s objectives.

Mason was set on attending the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He applied there before applying to any other school and got accepted. He didn’t apply to any other schools after his acceptance, because he knew that was where he wanted to go. 

“It’s a really good school with really good programs,” Mason said. “[They have] internships and such. Eventually, my dad will be moving out [to South Dakota] while I’m in college [which helped my decision].”

While his dad moving to South Dakota may have influenced Mason’s choice of college, other reasons and people led him to pursue computer engineering. 

“I’ve just always been fascinated with technology and computers,” Mason explained. “I have some family friends that work in that field [which] is what brought me to my decision.”

Although he had always been fascinated by his future profession, it took him several years to figure out he wanted to go after it.

“I’ve always known I wanted to do something technology-related,” Mason said. “I didn’t know to what extent until about two years ago when I decided I wanted to be hands-on working with computers and coding them.”

It may have taken Mason a somewhat long time to figure out what he wanted to do, he won’t be regretting his decision. It’s always been something on his mind and he didn’t even need to have a monumental moment for his realization to hit. 

Mason may have grown up since his love of computers and technology blossomed, but he has never truly strayed from it.

“I love technology,” Mason said. “I think it’s really cool. I wanted a job that was more hands-on than sitting at a desk. [Computer engineering] was just the best of both worlds for me.”