London Tolson ’23: ‘I Chose the College of Education Because the Professors and Programs are Considered Some of the Best in North Carolina’

During her time in the College of Education, London Tolson ’23 has helped to bring back a tradition for the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association (TEECA) and earn valuable certifications that she can apply to her work as a mechanical technician.

As she graduates with her bachelor’s degree in technology, engineering and design, with a concentration in graphic communications, Tolson is looking forward to applying the skills she’s learned in the college to one day become a leader in her field. 

Learn more about London Tolson:

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

Major/Area of Study: Technology, Engineering and Design: Graphic Communications 

Activities (Research or Extracurricular): President of the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association (TEECA), 3D modeling and animation

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

I chose the College of Education because the professors and programs are considered some of the best in North Carolina. Also, while visiting different universities, the students seemed the most happy with being here and confident in their major.

Why did you choose your area of study?

I chose to go into graphic communications because I was interested in 3D modeling and being able to create projects with my hands. I was looking for something that had a balance of technical and artisan skills. 

What’s your next step? What do you have planned after graduation?

After graduation, I plan on continuing to work full time as a mechanical technician at the company I was hired at a year ago.

How has the College of Education prepared you for that next step?

The College of Education has prepared me for my next step by teaching me the importance of collaboration and feedback.

What do you eventually hope to accomplish in your field?

Eventually, I hope to be a lead designer within my field. 

Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the College of Education?

My favorite memory from my time in the College of Education was organizing the soup and sandwich fundraiser. In the fall of 2022, the soup and sandwich fundraiser was known as a tradition, but it hadn’t been hosted by TEECA since the pandemic had begun. TEECA was able to bring it back last semester, and I was amazed by the support we received from faculty as well as students from all over campus. 

Tell us about an experience you had with the College of Education that had the biggest impact on you or your career.

An experience I have had at the College of Education that has had the biggest impact on my career is when I took the “SOLIDWORKS Associate in Mechanical Design” exam and received a certification. This has had an impact because aside from my portfolio, it shows that I am able to create simple and complex 3D models. 

Why did you choose education?

I chose education because although I wanted a job in the engineering industry, I knew the skills I’d develop would benefit my professional growth such as learning how to communicate my ideas and work with a team.