There is no one like me, but I am still like everyone else. I have goals, aspirations, and passions just like my peers. At the University of Arkansas, I am a Junior Civil Engineer major with a minor in mathematics in the College of Engineering. I am expected to graduate in May 2024. My current focus in undergrad is in transportation engineering. I am currently an Undergraduate Research Assistant for Dr. Sarah Hernandez, a transportation civil engineering professor in the College of Engineering. Education and STEM are two of my passions, so through the years I’ve had to figure out how to incorporate these passions in the development of my future. I have goals that align with both, and I plan to fulfill them through my life’s journey.
My goal after obtaining my bachelors of science in civil engineering is to earn my masters degree in a masters research program. I hope to participate in a graduate program directly after my undergraduate studies. After I obtain my masters of science in civil engineering, I hope to find a position in either roadway construction, aviation, or land development. So far, I have civil engineering internship experience in private and public sectors; the Arkansas Department of Transportation in Jonesboro and APAC-Central in Fayetteville. During the duration of both internships, I was able to exercise valuable skills such as critical thinking, professionalism, and communication. I was also able to expand my competence in surveying, roadway design, material quality control, project management, etc. I feel as though part of my purpose in life is to serve black youth as a face of representation. As an African American female in civil engineering, we are very few. I want to show other black girls and boys that it is possible for them to pursue careers in these spaces that are so white and male dominated.
Outside of my education career, I enjoy hobbies such as spending time with my family and friends, going on walks and drives, reading, listening to music, and watching movies. I am very family oriented. Not only do I value education, but I also value God, family, and mental health, among other things. I aspire to apply my values in order to make lasting change in the world.
