This Marine Engineering Technology major is confident of his future career ambitions and thankful for less stress from financial school debt.

Do you have a career track in mind at this stage of your college career?

Yes, I’d like to sail as a third assistant engineer (3 A/E) aboard a tanker or a containership. This past summer, I did cadet shipping with Overseas Shipholding Group, a provider of energy transportation services, and hope to work with them upon graduation.

Beyond that, my hope for the future is to become a chief engineer and successfully balance family and work life.

Describe your student activities with MMA.

As a member of the Regiment of Midshipmen, I was a member of the training staff and a regimental yeoman for the 2018 training cruise. I also worked as a tour guide and a member of the Admissions Open House team.

What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned at MMA?

I’ve learned the importance of teamwork and the value of a good education. I am confident I made the right decision when choosing schools; MMA is the perfect combination of hands-on work and in-class work. I’ve learned hard work pays off in the classroom and the maritime industry.

How are you managing the cost of attendance?

Through student loans, generous scholarships from the school and alumni, and through direct payments. The financial help that generous scholarships provide relieves the stress of the costs of higher education.

What has receiving the J. Scott Searway Regimental Scholarship meant to you?

The Searway scholarship means a lot to me. The financial security that this generous donation provides allows me to focus more on my academics and less on the financial stress of paying for higher education.

What are personal values that guide you?

Each day I work hard because many people work hard to allow me to have the benefit of attending MMA. I try to maintain the utmost integrity in all my interactions, whether they be with teachers or fellow students. And I do what I can for the betterment of the people around me.

Given the opportunity to speak to an alumnus, what would you say are the best reasons to give to the campaign?

If I was given the opportunity to speak to an alumnus who might be considering making a contribution to the scholarship fund, I would ask them to think back to when they were a student and how they would feel receiving a scholarship and the financial security it brings. Donations from alumni are a huge part of how MMA can continue to teach future mariners.

In the future, would you consider giving back to MMA?

I want to set up a scholarship fund tailored to help students in need who are unlimited license majors at MMA and ensure that the maritime industry receives educated and capable workers for years to come.

What sets MMA students apart from others?

MMA’s curriculum and experienced teachers set our graduates apart from other colleges and academies. The professors at MMA are extremely knowledgeable and bring energy to the classroom that helps me engage with the material and have a great learning experience.█

—By BILLY R. SIMS

Photos: Billy R. Sims & courtesy of Scott Searway

This is the second in a series of profiles of scholarship recipients and campaign donors and volunteers involved in the goal of raising $20 million for an endowed scholarship program. Currently, $17.8 million has been raised.

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