[John Neun]

I'm not sure what just sucked me into reading this thread, but it is very interesting. I am a Mechanical Engineer (BSME '76 and MEngME '77, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and have been a registered PE in NY since '81. I'm a mechanical engineer because it is so much fun to work with mechanical systems and machines. I have been lucky enough to work with a wide array of them: large artillery, nuclear reactors, submarines, paper machines, tanks, gas turbines, and a host of others. My master's studies concentrated on mechanisms, but interestingly, I have been happiest working with existing machinery, trying to understand it and usually how to fix it. I think this is in contrast to what Andy Baker and Paul Capioli described as their passions. My secret is that, especially compared to my son JVN, I am a lousy designer but a better problem solver. I tend to be a linear thinker more than a creative one.

What makes an engineer an engineer? August participants in this thread have pointed out the black-and-white things. There are defined requirements and tests to legally use the title, required for public safety. I hope I am one and I know I want to be one and have for a long time, since I was in high school. That's why I became a PE. I never needed a license for my career. I needed it for me, as a personal accomplishment in a field I have chosen to be my life's work.

I knew in high school where I was going because of the Physics and Math. I actually enjoyed calculus! Mechanical Engineering sorted itself out as the logical path because of what I found to be exciting (structures, dynamics), and what I found to be difficult (circuits, chemistry). If I have anything to contribute to this thread, maybe that's it: don't worry about if you can call yourself an Engineer or not. Is what you are doing or studying fun? Is it exciting? Are you ever passionate about it? Follow your nose to what interests you. We are lucky in this profession because there is generally a living to be made in what excites us. My favorite thing about FIRST is watching the the enthusiasm and passion with which students become involved. It isn't all students, but there are always a few that it captivates.

On a personal note: John, GET YOUR LICENSE!