Share the Dream: My Life, My Focus, My Goal Share the Dream: My Life, My Focus, My Goal: Joseph, Kyle

Share the Dream essay by Kyle Joseph

My name is Kyle Joseph, and my path to college has been shaped by my family and the values they have passed down to me. I come from a hardworking family that has always believed in education and perseverance. I am a second-generation college student. My father, who came to the United States as an immigrant, earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Growing up, I always admired his dedication to his studies and how he built a better life for himself through hard work. He has shared a lot about his college experience with me, including the ups and downs and what it really takes to succeed. That has prepared me for my own journey. His example pushed me to follow in his footsteps and major in Electrical Engineering as well. My main goal is to graduate debt-free and ready to start a career where I can use what I have learned to make a difference.

One of the biggest reasons I chose UMass Dartmouth was because of the strong sense of community here. I did not want to go to a huge university where I might feel lost in the crowd. UMass Dartmouth is the perfect size because it is big enough to offer plenty of opportunities, but small enough to make real connections with people. The campus is beautiful and full of life, and there is always something new happening. Assemblies, Corsair fairs, sports games, and culture fests make it easy to get involved and stay connected. I love that I can always find something exciting to do while also finding ways to give back to the community.

Another thing I really appreciate is being part of the College Now program. The teachers and counselors in the program truly care about our success and go out of their way to help us adjust to college life. I have already met some amazing professors and classmates who make me feel like I belong here. As an Electrical Engineering major, I am focused on building a solid understanding of math, science, and problem-solving while also looking for hands-on experiences such as internships, research, or community projects that will help me grow.

Right now feels like the perfect time in my life to be in college. I am gaining skills, knowledge, and experiences that will shape who I become in the future. My plan is to take my goals one semester at a time so I do not get overwhelmed. For this semester, my main goals are to keep my GPA above a 3.0, get an on-campus work-study job, and reach a new personal record at the gym by bench pressing 185 pounds. I also want to enjoy my college experience by going to events, spending time with friends, and making my dorm feel like home. In my classes, I plan to work closely with my professors, form study groups with my peers, and challenge myself to do well on quizzes, exams, and lab projects. I want to grow as a student and as a person, and I know UMass Dartmouth is the right place for that.

After I graduate from UMass Dartmouth, I plan to use my Electrical Engineering degree to make a difference in the world. I have always been interested in how technology can improve people’s lives, and I want to work in a field where I can help design or develop systems that make everyday life easier or more sustainable. I am especially drawn to renewable energy or power systems because they have a big impact on both the environment and our future.
Beyond my career, I also want to give back to others. I want to help students like me, especially those who might not have a lot of guidance, learn that college is possible if they stay motivated and work hard. Just like my father inspired me, I want to be that source of encouragement for someone else. I also hope to volunteer and be involved in projects that support local communities and global causes.

When I picture myself on graduation day, I imagine being proud of how far I have come, not just academically but in every part of my life. I want to leave UMass Dartmouth as someone who is confident, responsible, and ready to take on the world. Everything I am doing now, from studying hard to staying active on campus, is helping me build toward that version of myself. College is not just about getting a degree; it is about becoming the kind of person who can use that education to make a real impact, and that is exactly what I plan to do.