Michael Ries Blog

I am from La Verne, California, and I come from a large, close-knit family with two brothers. Growing up in a family environment that emphasized support and accountability shaped the way I interact with others and approach new challenges. Being surrounded by family taught me the value of communication, cooperation, and maintaining strong relationships, all of which continue to influence how I engage in academic and collaborative settings.

I am pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, with the long-term goal of working in Formula One racing. My interest in this field comes from a lifelong passion for cars and motorsport, as well as a curiosity about how engineering principles translate into real-world performance. Formula One, in particular, represents the cutting edge of innovation, precision, and problem-solving, and it inspires me to push myself academically while developing a strong technical foundation.

Athletics have also played an important role in shaping who I am. I have played water polo since the age of ten, competing at both the high school and club levels, and I also participated in swim during high school. These experiences taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork. Balancing demanding training schedules with academic responsibilities helped me develop strong time-management skills and a resilient mindset. Water polo, especially, emphasized trust and collaboration, as success in the sport depends heavily on collective effort.

Overall, my background, academic goals, and athletic experiences have shaped my work ethic and student perspective. I value commitment, collaboration, and growth, and I am excited to learn alongside my classmates and contribute positively to the class throughout the semester.