“For the optimist, the glass is half full. For the pessimist the glass is half empty. To the engineer… the glass is twice as large as it needs to be.” While I appreciate the humor in this joke, it made me consider my own worldview. The statement assumes that pessimism, optimism, and engineering are mutually exclusive concepts; however, I have found that a combination of all three ways of thinking is needed to be successful. I admit it: I'm an occasional pessimist. Even though this term usually has a negative connotation and a statement like this seems like self-condemnation, I actually believe it is one of my strengths. We are often told to look to a better future and not focus on today's problems, but how can we achieve that bright future without first solving the current complications? I analyze the world around me with a critical eye because identifying problems is the prerequisite for finding the solution. In this regard, I see many great thinkers as pessimistic in that they saw a weakness and took steps to change it for the better. For example, the builders of the Central Pacific Railroad had to overcome the monstrous obstacle of the Sierra Nevada mountains to complete the Transcontinental Railroad. It was not a simple task; it took a certain negativity to see the flaws in one route or another and expose the potential dangers that could cost the lives of both workers and passengers. Before a single rail was laid, engineers examined possible routes through the mountains, critically looking for the safest route by first evaluating the risk. Asking questions is the best way to highlight weaknesses and it is my natural tendency to ask such questions. From what I remember... middle of paper... in the 1930s, engineers were able to accomplish so much with so little. Imagine the possibilities today with our current resources and technologies. While you need to be optimistic to recognize potential, an engineering mindset is key to applying a theoretical concept to everyday life. I look forward to dealing with the problems I face in the future. The challenges still ahead will require both in-depth knowledge and ingenious methods to make them a reality. three worldviews, I will be able to live my passion to its fullest potential and do my part to improve the world around me. I see the potential of a career as an engineer, and the glimpses I've already seen make me want to pursue this field with passion. The way I think about problems is one of my favorite things about myself and I want to continue to cultivate it by pursuing higher education in engineering.