Brad Wile
	Mechanical Engineering
	Class of 2013

Hometown: Poughkeepsie, New York

High School: Arlington High School

Extracurricular Activities: Engineering Ambassadors, Habitat for Humanity, Student Programming Organization (SPA), IM Soccer

Internship/Co-op Experience: Hamilton Sundstrand

Why did you choose to come to Penn State? When I was a freshman in high school, I came to Penn State for its annual Blue White game. In one weekend, I saw the gorgeous campus, experienced the different activities, and went to a memorable football game. I saw myself coming here. I was hooked.

What has been your best memory as an engineering student? For my first year seminar, I joined the Penn State Eco Car team. It was the first time that I got to work with a team of engineers at Penn State. I was able to do real hands on work which helped me excel in a bunch of my future classes. I also met a bunch of great friends that I still keep in touch with.

What advice would you give a first-year engineer? Go to class. I've learned that just showing for lectures up can really make a difference in a person's grade. It's an great way to retain important information. It's simple, easy, and effective.

What do you plan to do after graduation? I don't have a plan for myself after I graduate. I know that I want to work for an innovative company. I also know that I'd like to try my luck living out west. But I don't know where Ill be in a couple years. I just hope that my degree can fill in the blanks.

What has been your best experience outside of engineering at Penn State? Last Spring I went to Mississippi with Habitat for Humanity. I got the chance to do a week of hands on work with 10 other students. We helped build sheds, put up siding, and did lots of painting. It was hard work, but it was worth it. At the end of the day, we were able to take a step back and see the positive impact that we made.