FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Christian Abbott, and I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I am a recent high school graduate who will be attending Prairie View A&M University in the fall. I am excited to be heading to “The Hill” and will study to become a Mechanical Engineer.
I have always been a well-rounded individual. Most of my life, I participated in sports, community service work, and in organizations outside of school. After completing a Minecraft craft camp in third grade; and taking my first two engineering courses in middle school, I knew that engineering was a field that would drive changes within our society.
I am looking forward to learning and growing within the field of engineering. I feel honored and extremely grateful to have been chosen for such a prestigious scholarship program.
My interest in engineering continued to develop throughout high school. As a robotics engineering student, receiving an invite to the Engineering National Youth Leadership Forum at the University of California Berkley, further confirmed my desire to excel in the field. My experience there was filled with learning more about specific areas of the industry, and I had the opportunity to work on a problem-solving project with other students who have similar interests.
I am looking forward to being involved in various opportunities through the FOSSI program and Prairie View A&M University. This will allow for networking opportunities, while also providing a way for me to remain active in the STEM community and inspire other minority students.
FOSSI: Why is receiving the FOSSI scholarship important for you?
Obtaining a degree is very expensive and receiving 
the scholarship will help relieve the burden on my family when it comes to their financial support and my school expenses. The STEM field can be a challenging field of study and I will be able to focus more on completing my degree.
I am also excited about all the opportunities that are available with the FOSSI Scholarship program. Being at an HBCU and having additional resources and access to mentoring, leadership training, opportunities and networking through the FOSSI program is exciting. I am looking forward to learning and growing within the field of engineering and I feel honored and extremely grateful to have been chosen for such a prestigious scholarship program.
FOSSI: Fast forward – where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I see myself with a master’s degree and working for a company as a mechanical engineer. I also see myself being involved in community service work, being a mentor, and inspiring younger minorities to enter the field of engineering.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
- I love math so much that sometimes for fun, I will calculate random numbers with a calculator.
- I enjoy watching football and listening to music.
- I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.