How to become a mechanical engineer?

How difficult would it be to become a mechanical engineer for someone who has been out of school for 3 years?

• I graduated from high school 3 years ago. I wasn't the hardest worker in school but I was quite smart. I had a few problems at home that stopped me from going to college. Now that I have the opportunity to go back to school, I'd like to become a mechanical engineer. Today, I use a lathe machine and work on metal shafts all day. I've never been to school to become a machinist, I pretty much just learned from a very old Hispanic gentleman who was willing to teach me. I realize that I want more in life. I've turned into a hard working, responsible man and I'd like to go back to school while I'm still young. I plan on enrolling in a community college and then transferring to Cal-Poly Pomona. I guess my question is, what steps should I take to become a mechanical engineer? what does it take to become a M.E. ? what to expect? is it too late for me now that I'm almost 21 and been out of school for 3 years? Any little information on becoming a mechanical engineer would really be helpful...Thank You !!!

• Answer:

  You should be able to do it. Just expect community college to be a somewhat dreary experience, and grind through all the math, physics and chemistry classes you can there.