Why UC Merced?
My decision for choosing UC Merced was brought by both familiarity and growth. Growing up in the Central Valley, I feel connected to the region, understand its communities, and am able to stay close to home. Seeing my older sisters attend UC Merced, and hearing their individual experiences gave me a firsthand perspective on what a student attending UC Merced could grow into. UC Merced’s focus on sustainability and community impact made it appealing, as I knew I could both contribute to and benefit from that environment while staying rooted in a region that has influenced my goals.
Why Your Major?
I chose civil engineering for my want to help and build communities. Civil engineering as a field is incredibly broad, but most aspects involve positively impacting people’s daily lives though infrastructure and sustainable design. Coming in undeclared, I was drawn to civil engineering and its emphasis on sustainability and working towards a brighter future for small communities along with a larger world. Learning more about the world while it is constantly changing and continuously discovered is why engineering interests me.
Inspiration and Mentors
My inspiration throughout my educational journey has been my family. My parents have always stressed the importance of education and my sisters have shown me that it is possible to succeed. My eldest sister has acted as my mentor the last four years, and I could not thank her enough for answering all my questions and doubts with unwavering love and support. Every day I was inspired by friends, colleagues, and faculty at UC Merced to continue my pursuit. I am extremely grateful for the level of education I have achieved so far and for the opportunity to graduate with my Bachelor’s Degree this spring.
Memorable Academic Experience
The most memorable experiences have been brought by meeting and connecting with new people. The Yosemite Leadership Program (YLP) is a leadership development program where I made close friends, met and worked alongside new people, and practiced environmental stewardship. I’ve also had the privilege of joining the BOBSAT-1 initiative working towards UC Merced’s first nanosatellite. This was especially meaningful because I decided to follow my new passion for remote sensing and spent the summer building my knowledge and technical skills related to satellites and mission science. With this project I was able to leave a lasting impact while building meaningful relationships with the team.
What's Next?
My next steps include preparing for and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam while continuing to gain experience in civil engineering. I hope to further develop technical skills and build a career while continuing to learn and grow as an engineer.
