Building Connections Through Support: From Staten Island to Systems Engineering

My name is Andrew Potestivo, and I am 19 years old, originally from Staten Island, New York. I am currently pursuing a degree in Systems Science and Industrial Engineering at Binghamton University, a discipline that combines analytical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Growing up in a dynamic and diverse environment has significantly influenced my academic interests and shaped my commitment to pursuing meaningful, impactful work.

Growing Up as the Youngest of Six

I am the youngest of six children, which meant I was constantly surrounded by different personalities and perspectives. Losing my grandparents at a young age was difficult, but it also brought my immediate family closer together. Being the youngest taught me how to observe, listen, and learn from those around me—skills that I've carried into both academic and social settings.

From a young age, I was fascinated by architecture and design. Interestingly, much of that curiosity was sparked through video games, where I spent hours building and experimenting with structure and layout. That creative interest eventually evolved into a passion for problem-solving and systems thinking, laying the foundation for my pursuit of engineering.

Baseball and Learning Beyond the Classroom

Outside of academics, baseball has always been a major part of my life. It taught me the value of teamwork, patience, and communication. While I was definitely a very studious student throughout high school, I've always believed that learning isn't just about textbooks. The ability to engage with others, exchange ideas, and collaborate has always felt just as important—if not more—than anything taught in a classroom.

Family Influence on My Engineering Path

My interest in engineering was also influenced by my family. My dad works as a carpenter, and watching him create tangible, lasting things with his hands inspired me to pursue a path where I could also build and innovate. My older brother, who is now a mechanical engineer, has also been a huge influence and role model. Their examples helped me realize that engineering is not just about math and science—it's about creativity, purpose, and impact.

Growing up, my parents were definitely strict, especially when it came to respect, discipline, and honesty. But even with their structure, they've always given me the freedom to make my own decisions. Whether it was about school, personal challenges, or pursuing baseball, I've always felt their support. That balance between high expectations and unwavering encouragement shaped who I am today and gave me the confidence to follow my own path.

Why I Became a Mentor

I became a mentor because I've always believed that the most important part of learning is connection—whether it's through teamwork, conversation, or simply being present for someone else. Growth doesn't happen in isolation. It comes from sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and learning how to support one another. I wanted to be the kind of person who others could lean on, not just for academic help, but for encouragement, friendship, and honest advice. By mentoring, I hope to help others realize that building each other up is just as valuable as building knowledge.

Inspired by Those Fighting Cancer

A major source of inspiration for me has been the people in my life who are fighting—or have fought—cancer. My dad is currently going through that battle, and witnessing his strength has changed my perspective on what support really means. I think about how difficult that fight would be if he had to go through it alone, and it reminds me that no one should ever have to face hard things by themselves. Everyone deserves to have someone in their corner, and that's exactly the kind of presence I hope to be for others—whether they're struggling with school, confidence, or something much deeper.

Mentors Who Shaped Me

I've been lucky to have several mentors throughout my life, many of whom are in my own family. My older brother became a mechanical engineer while I was still in high school, and watching him go through that journey definitely sparked my interest in the field. Seeing how passionate he was about solving problems and creating real-world solutions made me want to explore that same path for myself. He's always been someone I look up to—not just academically, but in how he carries himself and supports others.

My dad has also played a major role in shaping my confidence and mindset. He's always been the type of person to fix things around the house, build projects from scratch, and solve problems with his hands. That kind of resourcefulness rubbed off on me early. I started to see challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to figure things out on my own. His work ethic and ability to make things better—no matter how small—taught me that I'm capable of more than I think, as long as I'm willing to try.

Even outside of real-life role models, I've found inspiration in unexpected places—like video games. Playing games that let me build, create, and problem-solve opened my eyes to the possibilities of what I could accomplish with the right mindset and tools. It may sound simple, but the sense of accomplishment I felt in those virtual spaces made me start thinking seriously about what I could achieve in the real world. That motivation, combined with the support and example set by my family, has helped push me forward in both my education and personal development.

Adjusting to College Expectations

One of the biggest challenges I've faced was adjusting to college life—specifically the academic expectations. There's a common misconception that doing well in middle and high school automatically prepares you for college, but that's not always the case. In high school, I was able to succeed by showing up, completing assignments, and putting in consistent effort. I graduated in the top 10% of a class of nearly 1,000 students, so I assumed I was fully prepared for the next step. But once I started college, I quickly realized that success here required a much higher level of independence and personal accountability.

In college, simply doing the assigned work and attending class isn't enough. It's up to you to stay organized, manage your time, and go beyond what's expected in order to truly understand the material. That shift was a tough adjustment for me, and I found myself struggling to keep up at first. But through that experience, I learned how to study more efficiently, how to teach myself new concepts, and how to adapt quickly when things got difficult. That growth has carried over into other parts of my life too, helping me become a more self-motivated and resourceful person in everything I do.

My Goals in This Program

My main goal in this program is to be a source of support and guidance for those who are facing difficult and relentless situations. Life is full of unexpected challenges, and I believe that learning how to navigate those challenges—whether through resilience, perspective, or simply having someone to talk to—can lead to personal growth both in and out of the classroom. I want to be someone that others can rely on during tough times, especially those who may feel like they have no one else in their corner.

At the same time, I see this as an opportunity for my own growth. I want to become someone who can lead with empathy and communicate effectively in a mentorship role. I plan to do that by truly listening to the people I work with and learning from their stories, experiences, and perspectives. Mentorship isn't a one-way street—it's a relationship built on trust, shared growth, and mutual learning. I hope to leave this program not only having helped others, but also having become a stronger, more thoughtful version of myself.

Giving Back to My Community

I currently give back to my community by assisting elderly residents who need help with daily tasks. I spend around 12 to 15 hours each week in their homes, helping with things like preparing meals, getting around, or simply offering company. It's something I genuinely enjoy—not just because I'm able to help, but because of what I've gained from the experience. The older generations have so much wisdom to share, and a lot of the time, no one takes the time to listen. Their stories, life lessons, and advice have taught me a lot about patience, humility, and perspective.

Outside of academics, I feel deeply connected through the relationships I've built during my time at school. Whether it's my fraternity brothers or my girlfriend, who I met at Binghamton, the people in my life outside the classroom have had a huge impact on me. Daily conversations, shared struggles, and personal growth through these relationships have helped me feel grounded and supported.

What really drives me to stay involved—both in my community and in my personal life—are the people I care about. I'm incredibly grateful for the strong relationships I've built with my family, friends, and mentors, and I carry that gratitude into everything I do. I want to be successful not just for myself, but so I can give back to the people who have been there for me and make them proud. That motivation is what keeps me pushing forward.