I grew up always wanting to build and make things with my dad, a mechanical engineer. Over the years, I found more and more opportunities that fueled my passion for engineering. One summer in high school, I built and tested robots at LU’s College of Engineering “Project Engineer” camp. The week full of friendship and learning opened my eyes to the possibilities waiting for me at LU.  

My name is Luke Sodolak, a Mechanical Engineer and Presidential Scholar. I admit that, initially, being part of the Reaud Honors College seemed like a chore, something I had no interest in doing. However, after I took time to look into what the Honors College had to offer, I found a world of benefits waiting for me.  

Through my time in the Honors College, I have met lots of peers through social and service events, led teams of athletes into battle by being the Intramural Sports co-chair, and I even got a summer research internship from Texas A&M that took place in Aix-en-Provence, France, which I don't think would have happened if I didn't have Honors in my curriculum.  

Yes, Honors courses can be challenging. Yes, it can be easy to mistake Honors as another chore to add to your list of things to do. BUT, if you are patient and persevere, the rewards in the end will be worth it. 

To my engineering peers, I encourage you all to attend Honors events, sign up for service projects and intramural sports, and everything else. Give yourself a chance to be open to the possible ways Honors can be great for you. You never know what kind of wonders you might find. 

~ Luke Sodolak