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Gabriel Cooks has always had an interest in fixing and tinkering with things. That desire led him to ��Ӱֱ�� State and the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.

“��Ӱֱ�� State allows students the opportunity to get a more hands-on knowledge-based knowledge set. We get to do a lot more hands-on based things and I think that is more applicable to working in the industry.”

Gabriel likes that he gets one-on-one time with his professors and that his professors know his name. “Not only are the professors easy to talk to in class, but they also make themselves available to you. They are industry professionals as well. All the professors have worked in industry, so they are giving us actual anecdotes of their experiences.”

Working in labs with machinists has allowed Gabriel to see his work come to life. “We went to the machine shop, and we got to learn about the specifications and the different torques of the machine. All the little nitty gritty details about what the people we are directing need to go through.”

During his time at ��Ӱֱ��, Gabriel has been able to enjoy new experiences. He has been on the woodsmen team, been a part of the SAE Baja Club, and pledged a fraternity. Probably the most life changing experience he has been a part of is joining the local fire department, AE Crandall Hook & Ladder.

“Coming from New York City, I didn’t realize that volunteer firefighters were a thing. I joined the volunteer department here and went through the training. It is amazing to be part of something that’s bigger than me. To be able to help someone to make their day better is awesome to do.”

His passion to help others has been recognized and Gabriel was named a Newman Civic Fellow. With that experience he traveled to Boston and met with students from all across the country. 

“I got to meet people from all over the country and I learned from them and find out how they impact their community.”
Gabriel’s experiences at ��Ӱֱ�� State have him excited as he wants to continue to help others. “I know that helping people feels good. It is great to see a smile on people’s faces or even just a thank you from someone that maybe changed their life. It is really humbling.”

He encourages others to get out there and meet people. “It will open doors for you. It makes the college experience more enjoyable.”
��Ӱֱ�� State has helped Gabriel answer the call to the future he has always wanted.