My name is Arriea Bonds, and I am the first in my family to pursue a bachelor’s degree, making me a first-generation college student. I am currently a rising junior studying Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Nanotechnology at Lawrence Technological University, while also completing a Quality Science Micro Credential through Pathway for Patient Health.
How the High School Years Helped Me Find My Path
Inspiration for My Next Steps
Upon entering high school, I initially thought I would be a lawyer. I joined Law Club, participated in Teen Court, and took AP U.S. Government and Politics. I also enrolled in my high school’s Engineering Academy and through continuous exposure to coursework, workshops, projects, field trips, and career exploration I began to grow increasingly interested in engineering, ultimately completing two engineering internships before graduating high school.
Opportunities That Prepared Me
In 2021, I completed my first internship in Chemical Engineering at Wayne State University, working in the Eranda Nikolla Lab on Solid Oxide Electrolyser Fuel Cells research. I was able to apply my AP Chemistry knowledge and the experience helped me develop problem-solving skills and gain insight into engineer research.
My second internship was in Biomedical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University, where I conducted tissue engineering research on organic scaffolding for artificial organs. This was the experience that truly solidified my passion for biomedical engineering. Working alongside faculty and researchers, I saw firsthand how engineering could directly impact healthcare and medical advancements. This experience also allowed me to build connections with professors before college, which made my transition much easier.
I also explored many clubs such as Law Club, Teen Court, Model UN, HOSA, FIRST Robotics, Medical Mentorship, National Honors Society, and GIDAS. Not all of them were for me, and that’s okay! Extracurriculars are an excellent resume and college application component, but the most important thing is to use them to fine-tune your niche and understand what interests you most.
Mentors Along the Way
I had a teacher named Mr. Muylaert who taught Project Lead the Way and the Engineering Academy courses. He taught me many fundamental principles and engineering skills, guided me through application processes for my Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Internships, wrote letters of recommendation for me, and was always happy to contribute to the success of his students — even after high school graduation.
My College Years
Leadership and Campus Involvement
I have involved myself in many leadership positions on campus; I have been part of the Honors Program, Student Government Senate, and Biomedical Engineering Society, and I was elected as Vice President for Student Government (2024-2025). I also reinstated the National Society of Black Engineers at LTU alongside Dasia Jackson, opening doors for more opportunities and networking.
Beyond student government, I serve as a Student Ambassador with the Detroit College Access Network’s Graduate 313 program and as a Young Leader Mentor to high school students at Southfield Arts and Technology High School through the Detroit Economic Club’s Career Readiness Academy. Being involved in leadership roles has helped me grow professionally and connect with students who share my passions.
Future Plans
So, What’s Next on My Journey?
As an engineer, I hope to collaborate with professionals from various fields to tackle complex healthcare challenges, and support and inspire the younger generation to become critical thinkers and innovators to create a better future for all.
Shaping the Future of the World
Engineers contribute to our society’s innovation and continuously work to solve problems. I believe that engineers are important to the future of the world as this profession works to address global challenges and drive technological advancements.
My Advice for High School Students
Explore what interests you so you can find out what you don’t like early. Trial and error are inevitable, and they will exist within any career or academic path that you choose to take. Create meaningful experiences for yourself and use them to fine-tune your preferences and your niches. This will help you to both find and strengthen your talents — which will naturally make you a distinguishable candidate for whatever experience lies ahead.
Consider every opportunity that is presented to you, but don’t be afraid to say “no” and keep looking to pave the path that’s best for you. When faced with failure or rejection, it’s important that you don’t forget to ask for feedback and do the necessary work to improve yourself and learn from it.
Make the most of your network. Share your aspirations with them for advice, guidance, and even potential connections and opportunities. Make sure to inquire about their journey and interests as well. It’s always a great idea to find someone who has experience with something that interests you. They will be able to provide you with invaluable advice, connect you to opportunities, and help you create an efficient path to reach your goals.
Resources and Opportunities I’d Recommend
I would highly recommend that high school students look into online free certificate programs for developing skills like computer-aided design in their free time. This is something that can be added to their resume or used in projects.
Here are a few programs that I recommend:
- Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
- Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT
- FIRST Robotics Competition
- Science Olympiad
- ONSHAPE Fundamentals (Computer-Aided Design)
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
- Autodesk Certified User (ACU)
- MIT OpenCourseWare - Website
- Harvard University Online Courses
Final Thoughts
College has been a transformative experience, shaping both my academic and personal growth in ways I never imagined. The rigorous coursework has honed my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while my involvement in student leadership and professional organizations has helped me build confidence, resilience, and a strong network of peers and mentors. One of the biggest ways college has changed my life is by providing a platform for me to take on leadership roles and advocate for others.
