Forman Scholar Vincent Esposito Envisions Technology as Key to Brighter and Better Future

Vincent Esposito has always been enthralled by robots. He’s been a member of a Bridgeton-based robotics team since his freshman year of high school. At first, Vincent viewed robotics as a hobby and a way to blow off steam. But soon, it turned into a captivating passion project. This fall, the Forman Scholar is attending York College of Pennsylvania to study mechanical engineering and take his love for robotics to the next level.

“While I’ve always enjoyed sports, and I’d like to think I’m pretty athletic, joining a sports team just wasn’t in the cards when I was a student at Salem High,” Vincent said. “I wanted to try something different and figured robotics could be a good fit. I knew of a team based in nearby Bridgeton, so I decided to go and check it out.”

At that first meeting, Vincent almost instantly knew he had found a community where he belonged.

“I spent that first day talking and getting to know the other students on the team,” Vincent said. “I also got to drive a robot for the first time. It was then that I knew this was something I could become passionate about. That first experience opened my eyes to the vast world of robotics – and I haven’t looked back.”

Vincent eventually assumed a leadership position on the team and discovered a natural ability to motivate and encourage others. Now, as he looks ahead to college, he has hopes of turning what was once merely a fun activity into a full-time career.

“I have always imagined myself building robots for some purpose in the future,” Vincent said. “I don’t know what kind of robots I would be building or how I would be building them. But I do know that I’d like to give back to my community and communities like Salem in some way through my involvement with this field.”

One area where Vincent sees an opportunity for growth in the greater robotics industry has to do with diversity and ensuring equitable representation among those involved.

“Over the many years I spent involved with my robotics team, I noticed there wasn’t much diversity present. In fact, the only person of color on the team was me. And whenever we went to competitions, people who looked like me were few and far between,” Vincent said. “I want to be a catalyst for positive change in the robotics space, and create a safe and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds to learn and grow. This kind of change won’t happen overnight, but it’s a change I want to be a part of.”

Inside the classroom, Vincent enjoyed studying chemistry, as it combined two of his favorite subjects: science and math. Outside of the classroom, he retained close bonds with a core group of six friends he met on their very first day of high school.

“Believe it or not, we never lost touch,” Vincent said. “We’ve been through all of the ups and downs you’d expect high school to throw at you, and we stayed by each other’s side every step of the way. My friends are certainly supportive of my dreams, as I am of theirs.”

Vincent is particularly excited about the opportunities York College offers to broaden his horizons and make a fresh start.

“While I have some pre-college jitters – and, let’s be honest, what first-year student doesn’t – I’m eager to meet new people and make new memories,” Vincent said.

The Forman Acton Foundation has played a pivotal role in Vincent’s life, he explains, and the organization is poised to continue making an impact as he transitions into his new role as a college student.

“Despite Salem’s relatively small size, there are plenty of individuals and organizations committed to bettering Salem, its citizens and its students,” Vincent said. “And the Foundation is one of those organizations. Not only are we Scholars challenged to be the best we can be, but we are also empowered to go out and make a difference in the world. We have the ability to do good, and it’s up to us to seize our moment and do what needs to be done.”