erformance plastics play a vital role in enhancing many aspects of our daily lives. For me, they have made a significant impact. My mother has lived with type 1 diabetes for thirty years and managing her condition is a constant challenge for our family. The fear of her having a dangerous blood sugar spike or a life-threatening low blood sugar crash consumes us. We are always on edge, knowing that one moment of forgetfulness could lead to a life-threatening emergency. The moment she forgets to take her insulin, takes too much, or fails to bring her medical supplies with her.

As a family of five, living with type 1 diabetes has placed an immense burden on us, financially, mentally and physically. The cost of supplies being over $12,000 a year to keep my mother alive. The emotional toll of constantly worrying about her health. The physical damage to her body. Performance plastics have given us a crucial lifeline. Without these materials, the technology that helps us manage my mom’s diabetes would not be as advanced as it is today. Her insulin pump allows us to more effectively manage her blood sugar levels. The tubing for the pump ensures that the pump system functions efficiently, delivering the right amount of insulin at the right time. This is all because of the advancement in performance plastics.

This transition from daily injections to insulin pumps has been a great switch for my mom’s type 1 diabetes. The advancements in medical technology, made possible by performance plastics, have fundamentally changed how type 1 diabetes is managed. These innovations have not only made my mom’s life more manage able, but they have also significantly improved the quality of life for our entire family.

The impact of performance plastics on my life is profound. Thanks to these advancements, I am able to experience things I could have missed. I now cherish full nights of sleep, no longer waking up in a panic in the middle of the night to check on my mom. I can see her being the mother she has always wanted to be, living her life more freely and without the constant fear of an emergency hindering her. I can finally enjoy being a kid again, without the constant worry that one day, I might lose my mom due to a preventable health crisis.

In the end, performance plastics have not only transformed the way we manage my mom’s diabetes but have also restored a sense of peace to our lives. By enabling life-saving medical advancements, these materials have given us the opportunity to create lasting memories, strengthen our bonds as a family and embrace the future with renewed hope and confidence.

n a typical day I drive to school, to practice and then back home with occasional stops in between. My car is a bridge between all of my activities that I need to go to. I rely heavily on my car in order to safely get to where I need to be.

In early October, I had a half day of school, so my soccer team decided to go out to breakfast at the local diner, Misty Moonlight. The team wanted to get together before our game later that night, which was also my senior night. This was an easy drive from the school, because it was just a few minutes away from my house. I have driven on these roads hundreds of times, so there was no need to worry about a five-minute drive.

I was driving with a younger teammate, Armando, who I typically picked up for practices and games because he did not have his license yet. We were on the main road, where Misty Moonlight was located, when I saw the brake lights of my teammate Kyle’s car in front of me as he screeched to a quick stop. Out of my view, a driver had slowed down in front of Kyle to make an illegal u-turn. I instinctively slammed on my brakes, but that couldn’t stop my car from colliding into the back of Kyle’s car. My airbags deployed instantaneously into Armando’s and my face, protecting us from face planting into the dashboard. We both pulled off to the side of the road and we got out of our cars unharmed. Armando, Kyle and I were free of injury at the expense of totaling our cars.

Plastic is one of the main materials in every car on the road. The plastics in the fenders and airbags allowed the three of us to walk away unharmed. Plastic allows parts such as airbags, fenders, seatbelts and even seats to give a safer ride because of the absorbing properties. Most importantly, the fenders and outer panels can absorb impact from other cars, people or objects, which allows accidents to be less destructive to the driver, pedestrians and cars. Plastic is a versatile material that can be used for safety in our everyday lives, especially in maintaining structural integrity of cars. In addition to safety, plastic is a very lightweight material which allows cars to be more fuel efficient, to save on gas and carbon emissions.

After this accident I have not felt scared to drive, because I know I am reasonably safe in my car. Safety is one of the most important feelings we need in our lives and performance plastics ensure we have the luxury of safe automobiles throughout the world. These plastics built into our cars allow for safer transportation on our roads, while also reducing emissions.

s a civil engineering student, safety is always at the forefront of my academic and professional experiences. Whether I am visiting a construction site during a co-op assignment or participating in a field trip for one of my courses, one item is always by my side: my hard hat. Constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), this essential piece of equipment exemplifies the safety, durability and innovation central to my education and the engineering field.

The hard hat’s primary role is protection. Construction sites are filled with potential hazards, such as falling debris or low beams; and my hard hat offers vital protection. HDPE, the material used in its construction, is lightweight, yet strong, designed to absorb and distribute the impact of any accidents. This reliability allows me to engage fully in my site visits, analyze ongoing projects and ask questions without the constant concern for my safety. It enables me to focus on learning, understanding and growing as an aspiring engineer, knowing I am well-protected.

Beyond safety, the hard hat is designed for practicality and comfort. Its lightweight structure reduces fatigue, even during long hours of fieldwork The internal suspension system, often made of flexible plastics, ensures a secure and comfortable fit, making it easy to wear for extended periods. This thoughtful design shows how performance plastics can balance both functionality and comfort, two qualities that are essential for maintaining focus and productivity during site visits.

The hard hat also represents a larger responsibility in civil engineering. It’s not just a tool; it’s a symbol of the commitment we make to safety. As engineers, we must always prioritize the protection and well-being of others, whether we are designing buildings, roads or bridges. Every time I put on my hard hat, I’m reminded of the trust that people place in us to build safe, reliable infrastructure. This is a responsibility that guides my actions, influences my decisions and defines the essence of my work.

In addition to its protective qualities, the hard hat is a reflection of the growing push for sustainability in engineering. Many modern hard hats are designed to be recyclable, showing how performance plastics can contribute to environmentally conscious practices. This innovation inspires me to think critically about the materials I will use in my future projects, ensuring that I consider both functionality and sustainability in every decision.

The hard hat is more than just a piece of safety equipment; it’s a symbol of the values I strive to uphold as a civil engineering student. It represents the principles of responsibility, safety and innovation that are crucial to our profession. Each time I wear it, I am not only reminded of these principles but also driven to push beyond my boundaries, to learn and grow continuously and to become the kind of engineer who makes a meaningful impact on the world.

ince my mom works in plastics, I have always been aware of plastics in my environment. Looking back, the plastics with the largest impact on my life are found in the sports arena. My earliest memories involve arenas, first watching my siblings play and then stepping onto the floor myself. I started playing lacrosse at only three years old and as I grew, sports became an important part of my life. My three siblings and I played hockey and lacrosse, meaning we spent nearly every day inside arenas for ten months of the year. The arena, which is full of plastics — boards, glass, viewing areas, benches — quickly became more than just a place to play, it was a second home. The sounds of skates cutting through the ice, the echo of a ball hitting the boards and even the unique smell of the rink, all became deeply familiar and comforting.

Then, with COVID-19 everything changed, the arenas that had always been my safe haven, were shut down. The break from sports was unexpected and difficult and once restrictions eased, I found myself unable to return, due to lost momentum and a shift of priorities. Even though I no longer regularly play, I still find myself drawn to the rink. Any opportunity, I am there, watching my family and friends play, reliving my memories. The sound of a puck hitting the glass and skates scraping on ice, still spark passion deep inside me.

Now, my connection to the arena has taken a different form. While I no longer play, my interest is in the science behind the arena. Growing up in a household that values performance plastics, I was curious about the materials around me and that curiosity led me to love chemistry. An essential performance plastic in arenas is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is the material of the boards. HDPE is a polymer of ethylene (C₂H₄), created through addition polymerization. This is the breaking of the double bond between carbon molecules, which allows the carbons in the ethylene molecules to link together to form a long chain, polyethylene. HDPE is lightweight yet incredibly strong, resistant to impact and durable against moisture, all qualities that make it perfect for withstanding the fast-paced, high-contact nature of hockey and lacrosse. Learning about the role of materials like HDPE has only increased my appreciation for the unseen elements that make these sports possible.

Even though I no longer lace up my skates or grab my lacrosse stick, hockey and lacrosse will always be a part of who I am. These sports shaped my childhood, teaching me discipline, teamwork and resilience. I watch from the stands, still feeling connected to the game through my family and my love for the science behind it. Performance plastics like HDPE have made these sports safer, more efficient and more accessible. Every time I hear the ball or puck hit the boards, I am reminded of the countless hours I spent in arenas, and I am grateful for the impact sports and the materials that make them possible have had on my life.

n today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in daily life and one performance plastic item that significantly impacts my routine is my laptop keyboard. While it may seem like an ordinary component, the use of high-performance plastics in its construction enhances my efficiency, comfort and durability in ways that greatly enrich my academic and professional life.

As a student pursuing a degree in supply chain management with a minor in health promotion, my laptop is essential for coursework, research and communication. Whether preparing for a complex supply chain analysis or conducting research for my health promotion projects, the ability to type efficiently and comfortably is key to my success. The keys on my laptop are made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a high-performance plastic known for its durability, lightweight properties and resistance to wear. This material ensures that my keyboard withstands frequent use, preventing premature fading of key labels and maintaining a tactile, responsive feel that enhances my typing experience. The combination of ABS with polycarbonate (PC) materials also improves impact resistance, meaning my keyboard remains functional even after accidental drops or heavy usage.

Beyond durability, performance plastics contribute to my overall productivity and comfort. The ergonomic design of modern keyboards, made possible by lightweight and flexible plastics, helps reduce strain on my hands and wrists, allowing me to work on assignments, analyze data and write reports for extended periods without discomfort. As a student who often spends hours working on detailed reports, such as supply chain models, the importance of comfort cannot be overstated. Additionally, the integration of silicone in the keyboard’s structure provides a quieter typing experience, making it easier to concentrate in shared spaces like libraries or study lounges, where silence is crucial for focus.

The use of performance plastics in laptop keyboards also supports advancements in sustainability. Many manufacturers now incorporate recycled or bio-based plastics in their designs, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high performance. As someone passionate about sustainable practices, I am acutely aware of how innovations in material science can promote eco-friendly solutions without sacrificing functionality or quality. This aligns with my academic focus on supply chain management, where I continuously seek ways to optimize processes that are both efficient and environmentally responsible. By integrating sustainable materials into technology, performance plastics help address the growing need for responsible consumption in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Ultimately, my laptop keyboard, though a seemingly simple object, is an indispensable tool that enriches my life daily. Its durability ensures that I can rely on it for academic and professional tasks, its ergonomic design enhances my comfort and efficiency and its evolving sustainability aligns with my values as a student focused on optimizing systems for long-term success. Performance plastics have transformed this essential device into a reliable, long-lasting and adaptable tool that supports my growth and success both in the classroom and beyond.

y life was changed because of a very simple performance plastic, the disc golf disc. Disc golf has formed into one of the biggest parts of my life. A simple activity that is a recreational activity for many people has grown into something a lot more to me. As a soon-to-be collegiate disc golfer at Emporia State University with dreams of turning professional, performance plastic is something that I use and rely on every single day. A disc is more than just something that I throw around, it represents a future, better mental health, and a way to connect with others.

The heart of disc golf is the disc itself, made from durable performance plastic and varies in stiffness, grip, weight, feel and flight characteristics. It can range from a shallow and thin driver for long-distance throws or a deep and thick putter for putting, with every type of disc in between. Each disc is made with precision to make sure it meets the expectations of the players whose hands it lands in. The durability of the plastic gives me something that I can rely on, no matter how many trees I hit, how many times I throw it or what weather I am facing.

Disc golf has given me a chance to be active, spend time outside, get my steps in and overall move my body. Using performance plastic has increased my strength and endurance and will only continue to do. Each disc that I carry in my bag during every round serves a specific purpose and fills a unique role. Some plastics when thrown are designed to respond to the use of angles whereas others have more resistance to angles and are more applicable for distance throwing. Figuring out a disc’s characteristics, analyzing which disc would be best for specific holes, and constantly thinking about what I can do better, has improved my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The biggest impact that this performance plastic has had on my life is my mental health. Disc golf gives me a purpose, a future and continued improvement of myself. Disc golf is an outlet for everyday stress, something to look forward to and has released a significant mental burden off my life. Holding a disc in my hand knowing the possibilities that it can hold is a euphoric feeling. It encourages me to continue perfecting my form to be the best player I can be. Throwing a perfect drive or landing a long putt is a feeling that is hard to describe. It is beautiful, flawless, empowering and impossible to do without the performance plastic. My success on the disc golf course has led to my confidence to be successful in every area of life, especially school. When I face rough and questionable times in my life, I know that if I have a disc in my hand, I’ll be alright

There are many testaments in the disc golf community of how something as simple as a disc has changed people’s lives. Because of disc golf, there are former addicts who have turned their lives around, individuals with depression who have found a source of hope and self-conscious people who finally found a place they can belong. The stories of the beautiful nature of disc golf are countless. A simple plastic disc brings us together into a space where we can encourage, relate, love, and improve alongside each other.

Performance plastic discs have improved my life much beyond their physical function. They are a symbol of personal growth, social connection and improved mental health. As I continue my education, disc golf career and hopefully fulfill my dreams, the disc is something that sits at the heart of it all. A simple performance plastic in the form of a disc has changed my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

have always been academically driven, staying up late to get my assignments done and waking up early to get a head start on others. For most of my academic career, I have been motivated by the need to succeed, always wanting to do my best because of the privilege I have to study. I was diagnosed with migraines in fifth grade and while new medications have proved to reduce this challenge in my life, there are still days where I wake up and all my surroundings are blurry with a stabbing pain in the back of my eye. This creates many challenges for me within school environments, constantly on computers or looking at projections on the boards. Over time I have noticed how each onset of a migraine leaves my vision entirely blurry and reading words on a screen is hopeless.

I went to the eye doctor this past year, and she said it was time to get glasses. When they first arrived, I did not like the idea of needing assistance to see, but over several months and hours of studying on a screen I realized they were very helpful. Rather than squinting each time I open my computer, I can allow my eyes to relax because my glasses are doing the hard work. It has made completing my assignments and reducing my migraines a much better journey.

It has always been strange to me that a single piece of plastic could change the entire way someone sees the world. Personally, everything used to be distorted; others cannot read the small words on a restaurant menu; and some cannot see what is happening across the street. Sight is one of the core senses humans use to navigate through life and connect with others whether it is a baby laughing in a stroller, or a couple getting engaged in the spot of their first date. Our sight provides us with memories and overcoming difficulties with this sense has provided a better quality of life for people all over the world. Two plastic pieces, while fragile, can distort the entire world so someone can see it clearly. Similarly, those same lenses may make everything blurry for the next person. Other glasses minimize the brightness of the sun, allowing people to clearly see what is directly around them. Glasses are now able to provide a person with colorblindness to see the vividness of the world.

My glasses provide me with the ability to continue studying every day, pursuing my dreams despite a diagnosis of migraines that tries to prevent me from going about my daily activities. Two pieces of plastic, so small, yet so impactful. Two pieces of plastic so small, yet they can provide you with years of improved living.

I never felt overly connected to my dad’s world of plastic. He would mention ABS and polypropylene in the car, and I would put my headphones on. I have since come to learn that glasses are the way to bring my world of science and his world of plastic into the same sphere, connecting us in a new way.