Caleb Beard

Meet Caleb

Hello! I am Caleb! I have been described as an easy-going guy and I rather enjoy learning about new people and new views of the world. I am a Mechanical Engineering major with no current minor, but I do plan to go into the Aeronautics minor program that has just been introduced. This is my first stint back into college after my 6-year military career. I was a nuclear reactor qualified machinist mate for the US Navy. I attended 2 elite schools and passed rigorous training with an attrition rate (at the time) of 25%. I served from coast to coast of our country and have had a lot of experience with people of many nations and walks of life. The lessons I learned through my career and my subsequent transition to civilian life is a point of pride for me and I take that responsibility seriously.

With my degree I plan on applying to as many industries as I can. My strategy is to 'cast the net wide' and I am not very picky about where I live. My goal is to make it through my coursework and to separate myself from the pack during internships and opportunities through the engineering job fair  and serving my fellow students.

My favorite memory so far has been the TLI course, it has been undeniably positive for me and my transition into civilian life. I have met many interesting kids and fellow non-traditional transfers in the program, and I would highly recommend everyone give it a shot.

My proudest moment so far was my acceptance to Texas Tech. I did not do well in my previous schooling experiences which is why I went into the military. Once I was out though I told myself I'd do what I wanted to do from now on and the first thing I wanted to do was go into college again and redeem my past failures. I can confidently say I have been doing that at this point and TTU has allowed me to show up and wipe the slate clean by not only encouraging but helping me put my best foot forward into a very new chapter of my life.

My advice for first semester me is that I made the right choice and that I can do what I set out to do. Now I can continue to not let complacency and hesitation get in the way of leading my own life. Every step I have taken since I arrived has not only worked out but has gone perfectly well! That has reminded me that continuously pushing myself out of my previous shell has paid off.

Life as a Red Raider