We chatted with Zebediah Zehentbauer, current mechanical engineering major, about his experience at UA and words of advice he has for incoming freshman.
Tell me about your high school experience.
I went to a very small high school in rural, eastern Ohio. Being from a small town, I had a really great, small group of friends that all collectively pushed each other to do our best at school. I like surrounding myself with equally driven people, so it was important to me to make those connections when I went to college.
What made you decide to come to UA?
UA checked all my boxes. They have an amazing campus with Division 1 sports and a small campus feel. Faculty treat you like individuals – not just numbers on a seating chart.
The fantastic co-op program gives students the opportunity to graduate with over a year of real-world experience with nationally recognized companies. Also, it allowed me to make money while I am in school. When I graduate this spring, I will graduate debt-free and I owe that to co-op.
The 300 student-led organizations on campus allowed me to not only be an aspiring engineer, but to participate in extracurriculars that I was equally passionate about, such as music, sports, and hammocking (yes, there is a club for that!).
Why are you studying mechanical engineering?
I have always been interested in the mechanical nature of our world. Everything that we use in life is engineering, from our toothbrush to the washing machine that you are inevitably going to have to learn how to learn how to use when you leave for college (shoutout to my freshman year resident advisor for helping me out with that one lol).
Engineering is the field that will drive future progress. If you want to be at the cutting edge of all the things that push us forward or be someone who uses existing technology in innovative ways, UA engineering is the place for you!
Tell us what you do when you are not in class or studying.
One of my favorite things about college is that you get to choose who you want to be. In high school, you are often pigeon-holed into certain classes or certain groups, whereas in college you get to discover who you are as an individual. I love music, fitness, and public speaking just as much as I love engineering. Our job isn’t the only thing that defines us.
Plus, getting a break from math is sometimes a really helpful thing for your mental health.
I have been a member of UA’s all-male acapella group, Nuance, for the past five years. I am also a member of the concert and chamber choirs in The University of Akron’s School of Music. In my time when I am not singing or studying, I also serve as a member of the University Ambassadors and the College of Engineering and Polymer Science Dean’s Team. Take it from me, what you spend your time on outside of class means just as much as the skills you learn in class and labs.
That is a lot! What tips do you have to incoming students to not get overwhelmed? How should they make the most of their precious time here in college?
Being overwhelmed at college is a real thing. There is so much to do here. Remember, you are an amazing person with endless potential and you will be OK! The best advice I can give you is to be comfortable making mistakes. College is the best place for this because you can learn from them here without the pressures that come with being out in the real-world.
Being a successful professional is about learning and growing. Do you think everyone who works at NASA and SpaceX is a naturally gifted technical genius? Most are driven intellectuals that started out just like you and me. They stumbled and learned along the way.
If your time at school ever becomes overbearing, know you are not alone. You are surrounded by people that feel the exact same way sometimes. Be yourself, make mistakes, know you aren’t alone, and everything else comes easy, promise!
Go Zips and Go YOU!