Why UC Merced?
I chose UC Merced because it was a smaller campus but was growing at a fast pace. The opportunity to get involved into ones area of interest is very easy here at UC Merced. Also, the people who are here are just like me, so it feels like home when I am here.
Why Your Major?
Since I was a little kid I always had an interest in cars. Movies like The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift made this interest grow even more. I though cars looked and sounded cool from the outside, but I would always be confused whenever I would look at the engine bay, and furthermore understanding how the car worked. Mechanical Engineers are the people who design these vehicles and have and active role in that, so for this reason I chose Mechanical Engineering.
Inspiration and Mentors
My immediate family are my biggest motivation and inspiration. My father is the most hardworking person I know without a doubt, and NEVER complains. My mother never fails to remind me what is important in life and never stops when it comes to providing for my sister and I. My sister has always had my back and has been my mentor since I can remember. Since my sister was a Senior when I was a first year, she helped me get acclimated into college life very quickly. Despite not knowing the flow of life of the US, my family made it happen under any circumstances, so I know that I can too.
Memorable Academic Experience
I made many friends who are also Mechanical Engineering students. Staying up late to study or work on homework in the SRE building will always be a good memory to look back on. In addition, I enjoyed my time as a Resident Assistant where I got the opportunity to help incoming student or 2nd years with things I wish I would've known at that time.
What's Next?
This summer I will be working as an Intern for PepsiCo as a Supply Chain Engineer Intern. After, I hope to get hired on by them or look for an industry job in the automotive space. I believe at some point I will want to pursue a masters or a PhD, so we'll see where life takes me!
Anything else?
I feel like I have grown a lot here at UC Merced. Through the different events, jobs, classes, etc. I have been able to challenge the way I think and have changed the way I act as a result. Experiencing a year without people due to COVID put into perspective what life is like, which made me appreciate the opportunities when they are there. I say this because once COVID hit many clubs on campus and other activities were halted and some have not made a comeback, so it is important to take advantage of the opportunities when they are there.
