Why UC Merced?
Out of all the campuses I applied to, UC Merced stood out to me because of its strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and student success. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to be part of a university that is still evolving. As the newest campus in the University of California system, I felt that I could grow both personally and academically while actively contributing to its dynamic and collaborative culture.
Why Your Major?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in engineering, but it wasn't until I saw my father working on his classic car
that I realized mechanical engineering was the path for me. Watching him rebuild the engine and transmission with the goal of restoring the car sparked my fascination with the intricacies of machines and systems. Mechanical engineering offers the perfect blend of creativity and technical expertise, allowing me to apply problem-solving skills to design, build, and optimize mechanical systems. The hands-on experience in this field is invaluable and can be applied across a wide range of industries, making it both a challenging and rewarding area of study.
Inspiration and Mentors:
My parents have been my greatest mentors because they have instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. Through their actions and guidance, they showed me the importance of education and giving back to the community. They taught me that doing my best is the most anyone can ask of me, and that dedication will take me far in life. Their emphasis on approaching challenges with a positive mindset and always striving for excellence has shaped my approach to both personal and academic pursuits, and has been a key foundation for my success.
Memorable Academic Experience:
One of my most memorable academic experiences was a project in my Computer-Aided Engineering course, where we were tasked with designing an impact press. It felt like I was stepping into the role of a design engineer, working within specific constraints to explore different alternatives and bring our design to life using SolidWorks. The challenge of balancing creativity with technical requirements, along with the satisfaction of seeing our design come together, made the experience both rewarding and intellectually stimulating.
What's Next?
After graduation, I plan to enter the industry to gain practical experience and explore different areas of engineering. This hands-on experience will help me identify a specific specialization that aligns with my interests and strengths. In the future, I hope to pursue a graduate program to deepen my expertise in that area, further enhancing my skills and knowledge in the field.
