When I first started exploring engineering, I thought the magic was in the machines. But over time, I realized something even more powerful — the ability to design.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) completely transformed the way I approach problem-solving. As a high school student interested in mechanical and computer engineering, CAD has become one of my most valuable tools. It gave me the power to turn my imagination into something real — something you can hold in your hand.
For my 11th birthday, I received a 3D printer. I was instantly hooked. The idea that you could go from digital file to physical object in a matter of hours was mind-blowing. But as I dove deeper, I realized that the real magic wasn’t the printer itself — it was in the models being printed.
That’s when I discovered CAD.
My journey began with TinkerCAD, a beginner-friendly tool that helped me grasp 3D modeling concepts. I created basic objects like keychains and simple enclosures. It was the perfect gateway to CAD, and it sparked my excitement for more complex design challenges.
Everything changed during my freshman year of high school, when I enrolled in an engineering course and was introduced to Fusion 360. The transition to this more advanced software opened up a whole new world of possibilities.
With Fusion 360, I learned to:
I began using CAD in combination with my other interests — building simple machines and writing code. Whether it was prototyping a mechanical arm or designing a housing for electronics, CAD became a natural part of how I engineered.
As my skills grew, so did my desire to share them.
I started by teaching friends who were curious about engineering. Then I went bigger — hosting multiple week-long summer camps focused on the basics of 3D printing and CAD modeling. These camps were designed for younger students just beginning to explore the field, and it was incredibly rewarding to help them turn their ideas into real, functional objects.
Today, I use CAD for everything from robotics chassis to custom electronics enclosures. Whether I’m working on a personal project or teaching others, CAD remains one of my favorite tools — because it bridges the gap between idea and reality.
Learning CAD at a young age didn’t just help me make things. It gave me confidence. It taught me that if I can imagine something, I can design it, refine it, and eventually, build it.
From sketch to screen to real-world prototype — that’s the power of CAD.