You should try to get an early start if your goal is to be an engineer, during middle school and high school if you can. Engineers need a grounding in math and science, so plan your schedule around these subjects. Load up on the right classes and enroll in activities that will give you an edge when college admissions roll around. Make sure to take basic math courses like Algebra I &II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Take science courses like Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, too. Take as many advanced placement or honors classes as possible in these subjects. Success in honors courses will help you get into the program of your choice in college, while preparing you for the work required of engineers. Get involved in extracurricular activities, too. Go to a math or science camp in the summer, for example, or join the robotics club at your school. There are also regional, state, and nation-wide engineering competitions. Do anything that will give you a wider foundation. Most major universities have engineering programs. Demand is also fairly high, so you'll probably be able to get a good job even without a degree from a top-tier school like Caltech or MIT. Still, there are factors to consider when applying. Ideally, pick a school with a good reputation for engineering. All colleges are not created equal, and some programs are weaker than others. A degree from Western Michigan University is OK, but you'd do better at the more highly regarded University of Michigan or Michigan Tech. Some colleges perform better in certain fields of engineering. Purdue and Michigan State University have excellent agricultural engineering programs, for instance, but are weaker in fields like civil and electrical engineering. Engineers earn about $72,000 out of school, but you'll still want to keep your tuition and debt as low as you can. A solid state school like Illinois Urbana-Champaign might be a better choice than an elite, pricy college like Stanford: $15,000 in-state costs vs. $46,000. You might also look at location (i.e. are you willing to move away from home?) and which colleges offer internships and industry coops, which will give you early on-the-job experience. Just like high school, it's important to get good marks in your coursework in college and to build up your resume with an eye to the future. Take the required coursework, see what sort of work suits you best, network, and get involved in extracurricular activities. All the usual advice for school applies: attend lecture and lab, take notes, do your homework, set up a study routine, and apply yourself. Try to participate in engineering-related activities, like your university's engineering club or math and science competitions. These experiences will help you to get experience working with teams and in informal leadership roles. Consider taking a business class. Engineers don't just need to be technically proficient, but also able to navigate business relationships with clients, lawyers, and regulatory officials. It may also help you network. Keep busy all year round. If you want to be successful, you shouldn't expect to spend the summers sitting around. Use them to get practical experience, either working or as an intern.
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One-sentence summary -- Prepare early. Choose a good college. Shoot for success in college.

Article: Upon being invited, honestly and clearly state why you don't think attending would be a good idea. Your reasons can span quite a few possibilities, including running into a recent ex, not having enough knowledge of the event in question, or even that you are too tired and need a night to yourself. Some people will be offended by you honestly expressing a desire to stay home. If this is something you can handle--great. If not, you may need to use one of the aforementioned techniques. Once you've expressed your concerns, reiterate why your presence is not needed. Once you've expressed your concerns, the host might try to convince you to change your mind, or have counter-arguments as to why you should come. Explain why your presence is a bad idea, citing example scenarios. You could say, "My ex is going to be there, and I'm not ready to see her yet." You could also say, "I am exhausted, and that is my only day off." When you turn people down, they are often flabbergasted and want reasons for your reaction. While you do not have to answer any questions they pose, do try to be gracious in your responses and provide any answers you feel comfortable giving. When you answer questions, do so with respect. If you are not comfortable with the types of parties the host throws, try to phrase your reason carefully, such as, "I'm not much of a drinker, so I always feel awkward and out of place." At the close of the conversation, the person inviting you may offer a last-ditch attempt to get you to come. Many people end up caving in at this stage out of guilt and accept the invite, but be (kindly) firm in your "no." It might hurt your host's feelings, but they will likely appreciate your honesty. Do not give in, then change your mind and cancel later. If you do not want to go, say so directly. If you give in, stick to your commitment.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
State your concerns about going. Explain why you don't think going is a good idea. Answer any questions the host might have. Be kind, but firm in your decision.