Phillips Academy, 2019 Graduate
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Major: Mechanical Engineering
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Phillips Academy graduate Sean Waight is headed to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to study mechanical engineering. He said he was inspired to go to college and study engineering after participating in the annual AUSL STEAM Fair and winning.
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One experience that got me nailed on the idea of college was the AUSL Science fair. After a month of planning and designing my electric skateboard, which won me first place, I realized I had a passion for building things.
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Sean is also passionate about helping his community. His favorite memory from high school is getting permission to start up Team TACTICS. TACTICS addresses school disciplinary practices and is meant to strengthen relationships between the community and law enforcement by developing workshops and a curriculum for their school. In 2019, Team TACTICS was awarded a Youth Impact Award from Chicago Public Schools and the Obama Foundation for their work.
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Sean second from left.
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Sean third from left.
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While he says all of his high school teachers are like family, he does highlight one that was especially impactful in his life. “After losing my best-friend to gang violence, I wanted to just float through high school. But Ms. Fleming made it clear that I couldn’t do that, she stressed that wimping out wasn’t a choice at all. She explained to me how important graduating would be to me. I had a responsibility to do so. I was sittin’ on a winning’ lottery ticket. And if I didn’t cash it in I would be doing a dishonor to everyone who’s gotten me to this point.”
To other students, he says:
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Sean on right.
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