im Buchert has truly designed the pen of the future.
Not only does it allow the user to record things on paper, it also conveniently stores computer data.
‘I figured it’s a utility that most people use a lot and it’s something you usually carry around with you everywhere,? said Buchert, who graduated Sunday from Oxford High School.
Those curious about Buchert’s special pen, which includes a built-in USB mass storage device, can check it out at www.industrialdesignserved.com.
The pen design was originally posted on Buchert’s on-line portfolio on the Behance Network (www.behance.net), a invitation-only platform for those in the creative professional community such as architects and designers.
It was then selected to be featured on one of the network’s ‘Served sites,? which only showcases ‘top quality creative work? from people and teams around the world.
‘It feels pretty good (to be recognized),? Buchert said. ‘I woke up one morning, checked my e-mail and there was a congratulations note.?
Buchert designed the
mechanical pen as part of
a school project in his Computer-aided Design (CAD) class at OHS.
With a $45,000 scholarship to Kettering University in Flint and a job lined up at the Troy-based Behr America, he’s truly one of the CAD program’s success stories.
‘I really like that we have this program in the district,? said Buchert, who’s taken three years worth of CAD classes. ‘I’ve gone through every level . . . The skills that I’ve gained in this class are incredible and I use them everyday of my life. I’m sure I will continuously use them in the future.?
Buchert, who’s father, Norbert, is an engineer with Continental Automotive Systems in Auburn Hills, was drawn to the CAD program because it gives you ‘the ability to create something that’s your own.?
‘There’s unlimited possibilities with CAD,? he said. ‘You can create something and see it come to life.?
Buchert will put those CAD skills to use as he majors in computer science at Kettering and does Information Technology (IT) work for Behr America, which specializes in making automotive air conditioning and engine cooling systems for passenger and commercial vehicles.
The company found Buchert’s resume posted on Kettering’s website and liked what it saw.
Because Kettering is a co-op institution, he will spend the next 4? years doing three-month rotations ? attending class full-time for a quarter, then working full-time at Behr for a quarter.
While he’s gaining valuable workplace experience, Buchert will also receive a paycheck.
‘You get paid as if you were already out of college,? he said.
When asked where he sees his future career headed, Buchert replied, ‘Hopefully, I’ll be a CEO someday. That would be nice.?
David Okasinski, CAD teacher at OHS, wasn’t at all surprised by Buchert’s achievements. ‘Tim is a model student who works above and beyond my expectations,? he said.
In addition to having a ‘curious mind? and being a ‘natural problem-solver,? Okasinski described Buchert as ‘self-motivated.?
‘He wants to figure things out for himself and doesn’t need the grade for the incentive,? he said.
Okasinski hopes Buchert’s story will motivate all those kids who ‘just want to do the minimum to get by? during their high school careers.
‘Tim’s got a nice portfolio on-line, a job offer, scholarship, and all he had to do was try a little bit,? he said. ‘He represents what a student with a little ambition can achieve with the resources available through Oxford High School and the CAD department.?
Given all the different OHS classes designed to help students prepare for careers, Okasinski said the opportunities are almost limitless if kids start choosing them early on, instead of going to college with no clear direction.
‘I think too many kids don’t have any sort of plan other than they say they’re going to college and that’s not really a plan,? he said. ‘College is mechanism to get there, not a goal.?