“Living in the moment means letting go of the past and not waiting for the future. It means living your life consciously, aware that each moment you breathe is a gift.”
-Oprah Winfrey
Transportation Research Board
In December of 2022, I was invited to attend the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting in Washington DC. I, alongside other graduate research students and Civil Engineering professionals, had the opportunity to learn more about the exciting direction in which the transportation profession is going. I had the privilege of being one of the two undergraduate students in the department of civil engineering selected to attend this all expenses paid trip. It was a great learning experience for me. I took away so much valuable information, as well as expanded my outlook on the various fields within civil engineering.
Arkansas Department of Transportation
My freshman year at the University of Arkansas, I was offered an internship with the Arkansas Department of Transportation in a Resident Engineers office in Jonesboro, Arkansas. During this internship, it being my first, I learned many valuable skills from the basics to asphalt pavement to site management. It is not often that a first-year engineer major lands their first internship, however with the guidance of so many faculty members at the university, I was able to network and earn this opportunity. This internship also allowed me to learn more about myself and delve more into the goals I have within the civil engineering profession.
APAC – Central
During the Summer of 2022, I was a Civil Engineering Intern for APAC-Central, a materials and construction company in Fayetteville, Arkansas. During this internship, I was able to oversee and develop skill pertaining to project management, estimating, scheduling, crew leadership, etc. This was my first internship with a private sector company, and it helped me recognize just how much work even a small group of people can do. I left this internship with not only more knowledge on skill sets related to civil engineering, but also knowledge on people and forming relationships will all workers in all positions. I am positive that the social, professional, and work skills that I took away from this internship will aid me throughout my entire career path.