When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.

Paulo Coelho

As an avid reader, I believe people always have something to share. To accomplish anything in life requires shared wisdom across communities and the selflessness of those who are knowledgeable. Let me introduce myself.

My name is Jason Orr, and I am going into my final year studying Mechanical Engineering at Gonzaga University. Before starting my freshman year, the Engineering program at Gonzaga seemed like a great fit. Solving problems was always fun and working hands-on felt more engaging. As I continued through my initial semesters, there was an internal conversation with the malice of a 2016 Presidential debate happening in my mind. Is this what I want to do? Do I love this? Questions led to discontinuity and confusion. The only thing I knew was I wanted to have an impact.

We were all made by the same hand, and we have the same soul.

Paulo Coelho

The curriculum was undeniably tough: calculus, statics, physics. There was no point in asking what the “hard” classes were because there were multiple every semester. Eventually, I would ask a professor for his perspective and opinion. He offered me sound advice and incredible wisdom on how to persevere your way to excellence as an individual and an engineer.

An aside: my mother has always had a way of doing things at the right time. Both of my parents are hard workers who have generously donated much of their lives to my sister and me. When at home last summer, my mother handed me a book titled “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho. I had heard good things.

Every search begins with beginner’s luck. … Every search ends with the victor’s luck being severely tested.

Paulo Coelho

Back at school, I continued plugging along. New and novel experiences continued to pop up, including (but not limited to) skiing adventures, a trip to the Dominican Republic and joining a band. My happiness and contentment felt like the Thermodynamics law of disorder: always in the increasing direction…until my career became a topic for discussion.

There was no clear direction. Over time, McKinstry had wiggled their way into my life. At Gonzaga’s career fair, I spoke to a few representatives briefly and walked away feeling surprisingly at ease. McKinstry’s reputation of great culture, work, and results were impressive. When the number one priority is “Our People,” it’s hard to imagine that the company wouldn’t be excellent.

Today I understand something I didn’t see before: every blessing ignored becomes a curse.

Paulo Coelho

Speaking with Bri Kastning, the director of McKinstry’s B.L.U.E. Program, over winter break invigorated me. She showed me McKinstry’s Seattle headquarters and explained the expectations for an intern in my desired position. I would end up speaking with McKinstry engineers Kristina Sing and Sarah Moore, both of whom tested me then and continue to inspire as I work under their supervision today.

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.

Paulo Coelho

I love to participate and be active. My youth was filled with team sports and constantly trying new things, encouraging relationships and growth from birth. Any learning or novel experience is exciting and riveting. Becoming a better son, friend, and employee has always been a personal priority. However, much of my life has been centralized around my own personal development.    

In “The Alchemist,” the main character seeks solutions to his life problems. He is forced to make decisions along the way that are testaments to his character. The above quotes are all taken from the novel at critical moments. Oftentimes, who we are is reflected by the trivial decisions we make on a consistent basis.

McKinstry has a tremendous reputation because of the decisions the company makes every day in favor of people. Whether it relates to employees or customers, the priority truly is human satisfaction. In my short stint with the company, it’s become obvious that striving for excellence is contagious; doing so for others genuinely makes the world a better place. This mindset brought me into the company, and I look forward to continue learning from these people who have so much to share.