FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am Ellis Reid. I was born in Miami, Florida, but I am a New Jersey resident and a rising freshman at the illustrious North Carolina A&T where I will be playing baseball and majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I went to high school at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City, NJ, and took a prep year at Pro5 Academy (now known as PDG Academy) in Virginia before coming to A&T. During my time at St. Peter's, I involved myself in a variety of extracurriculars such as baseball and indoor track but also some activities off the field. I was heavily involved in my high school's community.
I appreciate how intrinsic the STEM field is in the development of the world and its technology. I want to be a part of these advancements and I am proud to be able to say that I will be graduating from my university as an engineer.
My senior year, I was voted President of our student body and of our Ebony Club, which served as a safe space for black and brown students in the community and discussed initiatives to amplify the voice of minorities at our school. I was also a part of my school's Diversity Board, which had a similar mission as the Ebony Club, but discussed different types of diversity apart from just race. I take pride in my contribution to these groups throughout my time in high school as I am very passionate about the things I do and set my mind on accomplishing.
Outside of sports and athletics, I enjoy experiencing new places, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with the people close to me. I am eager to see what the future holds and I am very excited to get on campus this fall.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
I have always had a knack for hands-on, tactical projects. This stems from building legos as a childhood hobby, which then developed into larger-scale projects. I am passionate about the STEM field and I strive to combine the world of engineering and sports on a greater level because of my love for both spaces. Although I am not completely sure what that entails, I am adamant about creating a way in which this is a reality for myself in the future. I appreciate how intrinsic the STEM field is in the development of the world and its technology. I want to be a part of these advancements and I am proud to be able to say that I will be graduating from my university as an engineer.
FOSSI: Why is receiving the FOSSI scholarship important for you?
First and foremost, this scholarship is propelling me in my journey of receiving my degree while lifting some of the financial stress off of my family. Also, to be able to accomplish this at a historically black institution is a great honor that I will forever be thankful for. Being connected to FOSSI as a scholar is a great opportunity and I am excited to take advantage of everything the program offers, including the connections, and guidance that come from this relationship. This award will keep me accountable in all facets of my college experience because I've been given a standard to maintain and as a FOSSI scholar, I am now representing more than myself.
FOSSI: Fast forward – where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I see myself as a college graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering degree. My dream as a college student-athlete is to continue playing the sport I love at the professional level after school. I strongly believe in my abilities and the work ethic I have to be able to make this dream a reality.
However, relating to my future in the STEM world, I see myself creating an engineering firm that partners with different sports teams and helps create game, practice, and physical therapy equipment; and structurally designs stadiums and other similar projects. I could also see myself working with the Paralympics and creating prosthetics for aspiring Paralympic athletes. Either way, my life has been outlined by sports and engineering. I can not see a future that doesn't incorporate these two fields.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
- I am an only child.
- I've played baseball since I was 6.
- I've lived in 5 different states in my life.
- I've been blessed with the opportunity to travel to 4 of the 7 continents.
- I spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in middle school.
Hear more from Ellis about why attending an HBCU is important to him.
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