Kyle Blessing ’24’s path to becoming a mechanical engineer is one marked by curiosity, perseverance and the unwavering support of family. Blessing's fascination for how things worked began in childhood.
"Ever since I grew out of eating every small object, I was obsessed with LEGOs (still am to this day)," Blessing recalls. This passion for building and disassembling everything from flashlights to CD players was the beginning of a journey that led him to Texas A&M University’s Engineering Academies program.
This love for engineering runs deep in the Blessing family. His grandfather, an electrical engineer with several patents to his name, played a pivotal role in fostering Blessing’s early interest in the field. "He was someone I always looked up to, and though he passed before I finished college, I believe he helped me in ways I don't fully understand," Blessing shares. His father, a mechanical engineer and Texas A&M former student, also provided valuable guidance as a sounding board throughout Blessing’s academic journey.
Blessing’s involvement in high school robotics further solidified his decision to pursue mechanical engineering. As a founding member of his school's For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics team, he spent four years on hands-on engineering work, ultimately leading the team’s research and development efforts during his junior year. "Participating in FIRST really expanded my understanding of various engineering concepts and real-world applications," Blessing says, reflecting on the impact of that experience.
The Academies were a perfect fit. They allowed me to stay close to home at Dallas College, save money, and still pursue the same classes I would have taken in College Station.
When it came time to apply for college, Blessing had his heart set on Texas A&M’s mechanical engineering program. Despite being admitted at other universities, he was disappointed to receive the PSA (Program for System Admission) from Texas A&M, which did not offer a path to mechanical engineering. However, his college advisor suggested the Texas A&M Engineering Academies program as an alternative route. "The Academies were a perfect fit," Blessing says. "They allowed me to stay close to home at Dallas College, save money, and still pursue the same classes I would have taken in College Station."
Blessing’s time in the Engineering Academies was transformative. From the close-knit community to invaluable opportunities for growth, the program exceeded his expectations. One opportunity for growth was peer teaching for Professor Leonel Alvarado, associate professor of practice for the Engineering Academy at South Texas College. Alvarado’s mentorship left a lasting impression. "Professor Alvarado was the best [Texas] A&M professor I’ve had," Blessing reflects. "He gave me the chance to become his peer teacher, and our relationship grew from there."
As a remote peer teacher, Blessing held office hours over Zoom, graded assignments and even wrote a "crash course" textbook on Python programming for students learning the language for the first time. This role allowed him to support his peers while refining his own technical and leadership skills. “I even made a few friends through those office hours,” he says, highlighting the strong connections he built within the program.
After transitioning to Texas A&M’s College Station campus to major in mechanical engineering, Blessing became an Academy Ambassador, representing the program at events and sharing his experiences with prospective students. "Being an ambassador led to countless incredible experiences," he says. From speaking on panels to hosting virtual tailgates, Blessing’s advocacy for the Engineering Academies reflects his belief in the program’s ability to provide opportunities and foster lasting bonds.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. The Academy community is there to support you, and there’s no shame in reaching out when you need it.
Blessing’s engineering journey also included hands-on industry experience. After a retracted internship offer during his sophomore year, he found work as a reconditioning assistant at Texas Cars Direct, gaining practical knowledge in automotive repair. The following summer, Blessing secured a quality engineering internship at Lockheed Martin, where he gained experience in database analysis and corporate workplace culture. "Lockheed offered me a full-time position after graduation, contingent on me finishing my degree," he proudly shares.
Blessing started his career in June at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth as a quality engineer associate. He also has plans to pursue an MBA and possibly return to Texas A&M for a master's in engineering.
Reflecting on his time in the Engineering Academies, Blessing offers this advice to future students: "Don't be afraid to ask for help. The Academy community is there to support you, and there’s no shame in reaching out when you need it."
Kyle Blessing’s journey from curious child dismantling electronics to a mechanical engineer graduating from Texas A&M is a testament to his passion, resilience and the supportive network he found in the Engineering Academies. His story is a reminder that with the right opportunities and a strong community, students can achieve their dreams while making lasting connections along the way.