Why UC Merced?
Honestly, if you had asked me this a few years ago, I probably would’ve had a completely different answer or none at all. Over time, I realized that fit and opportunity mattered more to me within a university, which ultimately led me to choose UC Merced. Compared to other institutions, UC Merced stood out as a place where I could get involved early, whether through research, student organizations, or hands-on projects in my major. The smaller campus and class sizes make it easier to connect with professors and take on meaningful roles, rather than competing for limited opportunities at a larger, more established school. I was also drawn to the fact that UC Merced is still growing. Being part of a developing campus gives me the opportunity to contribute to its culture while taking advantage of experiences that may be less accessible elsewhere.
Why Your Major?
Throughout my early academic journey, I’ve always had a strong knack for mathematics and science. They became a space where I felt most confident, especially since I tended to struggle more in subjects outside that field. With that realization, I knew coming out of high school that my path would likely lead me either into engineering or the medical field. However, after some reflection, I realized that the medical route wasn’t the right fit for me, especially given my discomfort within clinical settings. At the same time, my growing interest in problem-solving, design, and understanding how systems function naturally drew me toward engineering. Given the wide range of fields within engineering, such as aerospace, automotive, and energy, I saw an opportunity to explore multiple interests. Mechanical engineering felt like the best fit, as it provides a strong foundational understanding across core engineering principles while allowing me to branch into a variety of industries after graduation.
Inspiration and Mentors
I’ve been fortunate to have many inspiring figures throughout my life. One of the most important has been my parents, as they have been the foundation of who I am today. Both sacrificed, leaving behind a life in Nigeria to allow my siblings and me to have a better future. Watching them adapt to a new environment at a young age, while continuing to push forward despite challenges, has taught me the importance of perseverance and discipline. Because of their sacrifices, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to succeed not just for myself, but to honor everything they’ve done for me.
I also want to acknowledge the faculty and teaching assistants who have supported me along my academic journey. I am especially grateful to Dr. Diaz for the opportunity to learn from him both in the classroom and in a research setting. His guidance strengthened my understanding of engineering concepts and pushed me to think more critically and approach problems with greater depth. I would also like to thank Dr. Lee for his consistent support throughout the courses I took with him. He was always willing to answer questions, whether course-related or beyond the classroom. All in all, they have been the most down-to-earth professors I've been fortunate enough to meet and work with during my time here. I’d also like to acknowledge TAs Ehsan Ameri and Isaias Teran, who created a welcoming learning environment and were always willing to clarify concepts or offer advice on both coursework and life after undergrad.
Lastly, I’m grateful for mentors within clubs and friends who have grounded me throughout my years here. In particular, NSBE alumni who once stood where I am now have offered guidance, shared experiences, and helped me navigate both academic and professional paths.
Memorable Academic Experience
I believe there have been countless experiences I would like to call on, but most memorable would be during my second year, when I took both Math 023 (Vector Calculus) and Math 024 (Linear Algebra and Differential Equations) at the same time. For both classes, the instructor I had was Professor Haik, whom I immediately knew was going to be a challenging semester ahead due to stories I've heard before enrollment. From my close friends in both courses talking about dropping the class every other day, to the tedious amount of homework that was assigned weekly, it quickly became one of the most demanding academic periods I’ve faced. What made this experience meaningful is how the outcome turned out. Due to the amount of homework assigned, I found myself practically living in the STEM Center. Luckily enough, I found a supportive group of tutors who aided me throughout the hurdles I faced in both courses. Amongst those tutors, Professor Haik would volunteer some days, so he was instrumental in expanding on in-class topics that I never fully grasped.
So, despite how grim it looked from an outsider’s point of view, when explaining it to some friends not enrolled in the course, it ultimately became one of my most memorable academic summits I've climbed. Looking back, would it be something I’d do again? Maybe not, but it’s one of those experiences that shows how resilient one can be if you put your mind to it.
What's Next?
After graduation, I plan to decide between starting my career in the med-tech field or the power management field of engineering. I aim to study for my Fundamentals of Engineering exam as I begin to shift gears into becoming a licensed professional engineer in my prospective field. I also have ambitions to pursue a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering after gaining three to four years of industry experience.
