The Importance Of Nuclear Engineering

1096 Words5 Pages
Throughout history, desire, whether good or evil, has been a driving force for people’s actions. While desire for power and wealth brings tyranny and bondage, desire for knowledge can bring change and innovation. After World War II, the desire and motive behind nuclear progression changed dramatically from warfare to reliable energy. A major land mark in energy production occurred in December 1951 when the EBR-1 research reactor in Arco, Idaho used nuclear power to generate electricity. The scientist’s desire to harness a reliable energy source changed the world, and now “about one-tenth of the world’s electricity is produced by nuclear reactors” (Jackson et al.). As desire changes the world of science, desire must be part of my life. Without…show more content…
At the beginning of school, I was fascinated by how the world works. I soaked the concepts about chemistry from my science teachers. The structure of atoms and their interactions with each other caught my attention. However, my science classes taught enough to only introduce students to chemistry and physics. I continually wanted to know more. One day my dad told me about a nuclear science workshop in Idaho Falls designed to aid Boy Scouts in completing the Nuclear Science Merit Badge. With excitement and curiosity, I attended the work shop, and I had an enlightening experience talking to many professionals in the nuclear field. For example, one lady with a Ph.D. in physics explained how different radiation sensors detect each type radioactive particles. I was fascinated by the atomic level of…show more content…
First, the nuclear science work shop introduced me to nuclear science and turned my thoughts towards the nuclear field for a career. In Calculus, I learned the importance of math, and its relevance in careers and real life situations. However, my desire truly began to solidify when I toured the College of Engineering at Utah State University. I was able to see with my own eyes the work of engineers. Through my experiences, I have seen how desire shapes future goals, and without desires or goals, I am blown around aimlessly by the wind. To obtain reliable energy, scientists first needed desire. To become a nuclear engineer, I need desire. Simply stated, the author Napoleon Hill says “the starting point for all achievement is desire” (Hill). Works cited The Bible. Authorized King James Version, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1998. Boy Scouts of America. Nuclear Science. Irving, Texas: Boy Scouts of America, 2004. Hill, Napoleon. Think And Grow Rich. New York, N.Y.: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin, 2008. Jackson, Tom, et al. Engineering: An Illustrated History from Ancient Craft to Modern Technology. Shelter Harbor Press, 2016. Stewart, James. Calculus: Early Transcendentals. 7th ed., Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning,
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