An Interview With Meramec student Shane Davis.
BY: DAKOTA FAYE
Staff Writer
College has not been the same since COVID-19 began restricting normal ways of life. Many students made the decision to take the semester off. For many, college has become a difficult task to manage due to so many unique circumstances. For example, some classes are predominantly online and a lack of technology could pose a problem. While some have decided to forgo college altogether, many are persevering despite the pandemic, including 19-year old Shane Davis.
Davis graduated from Rockwood Summit and is currently a freshman at STLCC – Meramec. He has lived in the area for his entire life and said he enjoys looking at the sunset and sunrise in the parking lot of Twin Oaks. He learned about Meramec through his high school and living in St. Louis and is attending through the A+ program.
After finishing his two years at Meramec, Davis said he is looking into transferring to Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, University of Central Missouri, or Missouri University of Science and Technology.
When he is not working or doing school work, Davis is creating things on his 3D printer. He taught himself how to 3D print his junior year of high school and hasn’t stopped since. The very first thing he learned how to print was a V-6 engine assembly. One of his favorite things to make is a mechanical octopus with movable legs; It takes 15 ½ hours to complete. Over time he has made many things including: rings, balancing birds, and even a miniature Dalek from the TV show “Doctor Who.”
Davis is pursuing a major in engineering — specializing in mechanics — and a possible minor in computers or electrical. When asked why he chose engineering out of over 80 possible programs of study, Davis said, “I have always loved designing things and solving problems, which is a very big part of engineering.” Requiring skill in math and physics, engineering could be considered a challenging degree to pursue, he said.
This challenge is magnified by COVID-19, he said. Davis said he has learned that virtual learning takes good time management skills and consistent self-discipline. His go-to study snack is Goldfish Crackers. One tip that has gotten him through his first year of college is remembering to check his email and blackboard regularly for changed due dates or important notices from professors.
“If you have enough dedication and are willing to put in the work, it’s worth it in the end,” he said, on how challenging school can be. He said he sees engineering especially as a versatile discipline.
Overall, engineering can be a rewarding path once you have found your niche, said Davis. “Your engineering degree does not promise that exact work. You will learn many different disciplines over time. And when you find work, it will be a combination of all of them. Your degree will only be what you specialize in.”
