I joined the U.S. Coast Guard right after high school graduation in 2005. Once I joined, I was unaware of what I actually wanted to do, so I went out into the fleet to see what all the rates had to offer. In 2006, I attended EM A-School and graduated in 2007. I have attended multiple C-Schools: Advanced Digital and Analog Electronics, MK-27 Gyrocompass, PLC, Fiber Optics, Glide Slope Indicator, Aids to Navigation: Structure Climber and Rescue, Minor Aids and Advanced Minor Aids, Automated Lighthouse Technician. A couple other schools are Leadership and Management, Prospective Engineer Petty Officer (EPO) Afloat and factory training for the commissioning of a Fast Response Cutter: MTU (Basic electrical and mechanical), ZF, Hydraquip and Cummins Generator (electrical and mechanical).Having all this training, especially from the factory trainings, and knowledge as an Assistant EPO, has prepared me for my current EPO position, in which I assist six other EPO's when they need time off, troubleshooting to make effective repairs or for just an extra set of hands to complete tasking.