Michael Thompson

Michael is an alumni of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. (Graduated in June 2012)

Tell me about your first encounter with the MIT’ OME Office?
My first encounter with the OME was through Interphase.

What were your initial impressions?
My first impression of the OME was very positive. I approached someone in the office about the struggles that I was having in physics during Interphase. The OME staff member helped me set up a meeting time with my professor to review topics one-on-one.

Did those impressions change over time?
Over time I realized that the OME staff was committed to helping students of color successfully navigate through MIT. For example, during my freshman year a group of my peers and I approached Tammy Stevens in the OME about creating a campus organization focused on helping minority students learn more about business. Tammy helped us to create a structured plan for starting and sustaining the organization.

What programs did you take part in, and how were they helpful?
I have participated in Interphase and Second Summer (Momentum). Interphase was essential in preparing me for the work load at MIT. I went into my freshman year with leg up in all my courses and I developed  good study habits that I still use today. Second Summer allowed me to do some hands on engineering and interact with company representatives.

What was your most memorable or valuable experience with OME?
Second Summer (Momentum Program) was my most valuable learning experience in my freshman year. I worked with a group of my peers to develop a product in two weeks that we presented to company representatives. It was a hectic period, but I learned how to function well in a team and had the opportunity to use my creativity to create something totally new.

If you had to describe OME with one word, what would it be?
Family.

What would you want others to know about the OME?
I would want people to realize that the OME is here to help you in any facet of your experience at MIT and to encourage people to form relationships with the OME staff.