Andrew Mcavoy, a 23-year-old from Okeechobee, Florida, has achieved his dream of earning a degree from Georgia Tech, one of the top engineering schools in the country. Mcavoy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering on Dec. 11, 2023, and plans to pursue a career in the aerospace industry.
A passion for engineering since childhood
Mcavoy’s interest in engineering started when he was a young boy, playing with Lego sets and building rockets with his father. He always enjoyed math and science, and excelled in those subjects at school. He attended Okeechobee High School, where he was a member of the robotics team and the National Honor Society. He also participated in several academic competitions, such as the Science Olympiad and the MathCounts.
Mcavoy said he chose Georgia Tech because of its reputation and its strong programs in engineering and technology. He applied early and was accepted with a scholarship that covered most of his tuition. He said he was thrilled to join the Yellow Jackets, the nickname for Georgia Tech students and alumni.
A challenging but rewarding journey
Mcavoy admitted that studying at Georgia Tech was not easy, and that he had to work hard to keep up with the rigorous curriculum and the high expectations of his professors and peers. He said he faced many challenges and obstacles, such as adjusting to a new environment, coping with stress and anxiety, and balancing his academic and social life.
However, he also said that he had many memorable and positive experiences at Georgia Tech, such as making new friends, joining clubs and organizations, and exploring the city of Atlanta. He said he learned a lot from his courses and projects, and that he gained valuable skills and knowledge that prepared him for his future career. He also said he had the opportunity to participate in internships and research programs, such as working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and collaborating with faculty members on developing a novel propulsion system.
A proud moment for his family and community
Mcavoy said he was grateful for the support and encouragement he received from his family and his hometown community throughout his college journey. He said his parents, John and Mary Mcavoy, were his biggest inspiration and motivation, and that they always believed in him and his potential. He also said he appreciated the guidance and advice he got from his teachers and mentors, who helped him pursue his passion and goals.
Mcavoy’s family and friends attended his graduation ceremony, which was held at the Bobby Dodd Stadium on the Georgia Tech campus. They said they were very proud of his achievement, and that they were happy to see him walk across the stage and receive his diploma. They also said they were excited for his future, and that they hoped he would continue to follow his dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
