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Palmer grad is nation's youngest African American engineer
Posted: May 24, 2011 4:43 PM by Andy Koen
Updated: May 24, 2011 8:11 PM
When 19 year old Brittney Exline walked across the stage at the University of Pennsylvania, she also walked into the history books. Brittney is the school's youngest engineer and the nation's youngest African American engineer.
"I really don't think it's been any different, except for in the beginning people are always a little shocked to learn that but if they get to know me then they know that it's just a number."
The Palmer High graduate is spending a few weeks at home before starting her job as a software engineer in the Boston area. She says the transition to college life was easy because she'd spent so many years in class with older students.
"I'd gone through middle school and high school with that same age group so it wasn't really different."
Along with being extremely proud, her mom Chyrese is also confident that Brittney will do well on her own as she starts her career.
"I think probably the biggest thing is that she's as young as she is and can take on as much responsibility as she's been able to take on."
While she plans to one day return to academic life and get her graduate degree, Brittney says she is excited to start her career and a new chapter in life.
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