Aaron Gilson-Bond
Mechanical Engineering
From Midwest City, Oklahoma
Two years ago, on the deck of an aircraft carrier in San Diego, California, then-OU-sophomore Aaron Gilson-Bond decided how he would use his mechanical engineering degree: continue his military service and become a nuclear surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy.
Now, Aaron’s dreams are already fully realized. After graduation, he will report to the USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), a Navy warship homeported in San Diego, as a nuclear surface warfare officer.
The OU Family doesn’t stop caring after your first month, first semester, or first year.
It doesn’t ever stop. Everyone is welcome and supported here.
I didn’t come from a family that attended OU or lived in Oklahoma. My mom moved my family to Oklahoma when she left the U.S. Army. In high school, I was fortunate to have a mentor who told me that OU had the only program for Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) in the state. It seemed like destiny to come to OU and it’s a decision I will never regret. I might not come from a Sooner background, but I hope to leave a Sooner legacy.
It isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, however, the program gives you so much. Physical training on Tuesday and Thursday mornings can be difficult, but there is a special appreciation knowing that less than 100 students on campus understand exactly what you are going through and what you hope to accomplish. NROTC gives so many resources to students — academically, physically, and even from a career perspective. We get access to a 24/7 computer lab, a private gym, and the ability to gain more confidence, which doesn’t just help with a military career, but also with internships and jobs.
During Camp Crimson, I met one of my best friends. During the Involvement Fair at the beginning of the semester, we saw a table for the OU Student Government Association. Both of us applied and were accepted in the club as associates, which is essentially part-time membership. After a year in the sustainability committee of the Undergraduate Student Congress, I became the committee’s vice chair and then chair. Eventually, though, I became the vice chair of congress for a year and a half. Baby steps like that are how you get involved. It’s important to just take it one step at a time.
I might be getting a degree in mechanical engineering, but I like to say my degree is in perseverance. It was an amazing journey and I’m so happy to be at the end of it because with this degree from OU, I will always have the support of my OU Family, personally and professionally.
Something I love about mechanical engineering is the ability to literally do anything. I have learned everything from electrical systems and design to material science and chemistry. Because so much was covered, I have gained the ability to critically think and understand concepts easier than before. This is important in the Navy because I won’t always be doing the exact same thing every single day. And, if a time comes when I want to transition into the civilian world for work, this degree will allow me to cross that bridge.
Yes! My specific job can change day to day, but what is exciting is that I will be able to work with those under me and help them get where they want to be professionally. That is what is most important to me.
My freshman year, I was told: “Don’t let others say no to your dreams for you.” I believe you can be the only person who gets to say no to your dreams. This means you must take risks and know it’s okay to fail, because it is all about how you bounce back from it.
