This past year has been full of changes. With beginning co-op, each semester has been vastly different. I was in classes in the Fall, working at KLH Engineers in the Spring, and am in classes this Summer. Even my extracurricular activities have changed since last year. Through these changes I have learned where my passions are and have begun to reach toward new goals.
Working full time at an engineering firm has taught me aspects about engineering that time in the classroom could not. I learned how to deal with real life problems like figuring how to stop a turbine from vibrating, how to effectively work with coworkers who have been in the industry way longer than I, and how to utilize my time wisely to simultaneously finish various projects on time.
Trying to stay involved on campus while working full time was a new challenge for me. I had a meeting for either Navs or Phi Rho four times a week after work, and most weekends included some sort of event for either or both groups. I switched out of both campus organizations I was in last year, into two new ones. The main reason for this change was because I wasn't feeling connected or a part of either group. People didn't know my name, and I didn't participate in many of the group activities or projects. This was not necessarily the fault of the organization; I just wanted to start fresh in a new environment.
My goal last year was to become more involved in campus organizations and I did achieve this goal. In the Fall I joined Phi Sigma Rho, an engineering sorority, and met some amazing female engineers who have supported and encouraged me in my career path. I started going to Navigators, a Christian campus ministry, in the fall and went through leader training in the Spring. At Navs I met some more amazing people who have supported and encouraged me in my faith. I hold both these groups of people very close to my heart, and the two girls who are involved in both organizations with me have become two of my closest friends. While both these organizations take up a lot of my time, I feel more fulfilled to be making meaningful friendships and to be making an impact in my community.
Along with my stride for academic excellence, my passions at this point in my life are my faith, friendships, and career. My time at UC has helped me realize these passions and helped shape my goals. I believe God has called me to work my hardest in school and at work while still leaving room in my life to cultivate meaningful relationships and help those around me. Wherever I study, work, or play I want to make a positive impact on the people I interact with.