Joseph Van Ess ’22

Hometown: Mechanicsville, VA
Major: Vessel Operations Technology
Extracurricular involvement: Cross Country

What has been your favorite class at MMA?

So far, my favorite class at MMA has been Vessel Operations. I loved it because it was very interesting and made me really excited about my first summer co-op. Also, the labs were great! As students, we got to drive many different types of vessels and get really good hands-on experience.

What do you love about the MMA community?

What I love about this community is that you end up knowing most people here because it’s so small. You get to know your professors really well and they’re always available to help and will answer any questions that come up. It’s also great that the school’s majors are specifically aimed towards working in the industry that we want to go into!

What are your hopes for the future?

My hope is to get a job on a tug boat in Norfolk, VA, after graduation. Eventually, I’d like to become a captain and help bring new people into the industry.

Why did you pick MMA

I chose MMA for many reasons. I liked the campus, community, people, and the town. I also picked MMA because my dream company – the one that I hope to work for after graduation – recommended MMA specifically as the best school for what I want to do.

What would you say to a prospective MMA student?

Come visit and see how awesome this school is. It’s different from a traditional college and I think that makes the experience something to be even more proud of.