Robert PowellRobert Powell made a decision four years ago to attend Prairie View A & M University in Texas after completing at Metro Technology Centers Aviation Career Campus. Now as a graduate from Prairie View A & M University with a Bachelors’ of Science in Civil Engineering, Powell has set his sights on some new, even more ambitious goals.

Robert had experienced research in the Engineering spectrum during his junior year of college. That experience lit a spark in him that never faded away. He joined the Massachusetts Institution of Technology (MIT) Summer Research Program that summer and has been continuing to do research for MIT ever since. “The experience and relationships I built led me to the decision to apply for graduate school,” Robert said. Today he is studying to receive his Masters of Science in Transportation at MIT.

Robert says he was inspired by the faculty at Metro Tech who encouraged him to reach beyond his imagination and create the reality he wanted to achieve. “My instructor, Mr. McCawley, was always motivating and encouraging me regardless of the circumstances,” Robert said. “He taught with passion and kept a good sense of humor.” Robert says he still keeps in touch with another inpiring instructor, Mrs. Riley. “I am reminded of the impact Mrs. Riley had on me each and every day as I look at the tattoo on my arm with the scripture, Proverbs 22:29,” Robert said. “She wrote that scripture in a card she gave to me at my high school graduation.”

Robert is a strong believer in his faith and knows that he has the power to make his dreams come true. He says his newfound love for reading has kept him motivated and helps him remember his humble beginnings. “The path I chose wasn’t always a straight one but when I set my goals, I took action to get into the position I am in today. I am proud to say I am the first to graduate college in my family, not to mention debt free and with honors.”

*Robert has been documenting his journey with his blog – Journey 2 Success