This year, I believe I grew in humility, accountability, and perseverance. 

 

This past year was quite rewarding in a few ways. Part of the reason why is because I know that I could not have done what I did if I was the same person as I was my freshman year, or even last year. My growth has been evident and I have also found lots of desire to continue improving.

 

To be specific, last summer I successfully completed my third co-op term and earned an A in my technical writing class so I could replace the grade I earned the summer prior. In the fall, I victoriously defeated the notorious “hell-mester” which is commonly called the hardest semester for chemical engineers at UC. During that difficult semester, I also stepped-up to fill a vacant spot on the UC National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) executive board, where I took on a commitment to be the Finance Chair for the academic year. This past spring, I completed my fourth co-op, which was probably the hardest but most rewarding co-op term thus far. That term was also my last at the company I had been with since my first term in 2023, since I was able to find a new opportunity for my fifth term. As I write this, I am in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, completing an exciting experience as an Environmental Engineering Intern. 

 

Looking back, I recall accepting the fact that I could not be successful by myself and “go solo”. Instead, I humbled myself and remembered that I needed a team. From my parents and academic coach to my study group and NSBE family, I collaborated and willingly took advice and help when needed, while also helping others too. With my personal responsibilities and my NSBE leadership, I knew that I had to own my decisions and get my work done, otherwise I would hurt myself and those that depended on me. And when things got rough, which they did pretty consistently, I had to dig deep and commit to not giving up, even when the thought crossed my mind many times. 

 

Renewing my faith in Jesus Christ has also been a consistent source of strength as I have navigated the ups and downs. Knowing that I am using the gifts God has given me to fulfill His plan for my life, whatever that may be, is comforting. When I have frequent moments of doubt and wish that I had not gone into engineering, I am reminded that God has a plan for me and that I cannot give up now because He has given me everything that I need to be successful. Even when I have doubts and uncertainty, there is always a bright future that I can look forward to, and this gives me joy and hope to keep pushing and to spread a little bit of that hope with others. 

 

Going into my last year of undergrad, I am not quite sure how it is all going to end or what’s next.  Whatever happens, I am going to give 100% effort and encourage my senior class members to do the same. I am going to stay tapped into my resources, like my academic coach, my professors, and my family and friends. Ultimately, I have faith that I can overcome whatever obstacles come my way, through Christ who strengthens me.