user profile avatar

Alex Chau

675

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I'm a civil engineering student at San Diego State University, seeking to learn something about everything and everything about something. I focus on being a team practice builder and fostering a passion for knowledge within those who work alongside me; always open to providing guidance to those who reach out and being a part of their lifelong learning experience. Looking to enhance mobility for all through transportation engineering.

Education

San Diego State University

Bachelor's degree program
2020 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Civil Engineering
  • Minors:
    • Real Estate
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Civil Engineering

    • Dream career goals:

    • Intern

      Kimley Horn
      2023 – Present1 year
    • Intern

      CR Associates
      2021 – 20232 years

    Arts

    • SDSU American Society of American Engineers

      Sculpture
      Concrete Canoe
      2020 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      SDSU Society of American Military Engineers — Chapter Treasurer
      2022 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Chi Epsilon — Initiate and Member
      2022 – Present
    • Volunteering

      SDSU American Public Works Association — Chapter President
      2021 – Present
    • Volunteering

      SDSU American Society of Civil Engineers — Project and Organization Lead
      2020 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    CEW IV Foundation Scholarship Program
    The way society responds to the issues of disadvantaged groups is inherently flawed because it disregards equity in favor of equality. Yes, we all strive towards judging individuals based on their achievements rather than their background; that is equality. Yet, the means to get to that point requires allocating resources tailored towards the specific needs of disadvantaged groups; that is equity. Treating individuals the same under the guise of “fairness” disregards their unique character and circumstance. If you were to provide bikes to alleviate transportation demands, giving a child and an adult the same one would be disastrous. But under a system that biases equality, the child would have too large of a bike, or the adult would be stuck with a small bike. It is not an efficient use of collective resources. The premise of equality of opportunity is inherently equity in solutions. These blanket solutions, such as providing temporary relief in the form of physical goods, do not target systemic issues, like a lack of education, that caused the problem in the first place. Continual investment into tangible items rather than people has historically yielded poor returns. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. So why have we devoted so much of society’s resources to the former instead of the latter? Long-term strategic investments into community programs that empower individuals to make decisions are the best use of collective funds. These investments inspire others to take action and magnify that investment into a broader community. Building these educational, cultural, and economic institutions helps diversify the skillsets of society. As we transition into a service-based economy, workforce education challenges are the hardest part of giving individuals opportunities to succeed. Tasks become specialized and complex, requiring a new way of training employees. Yet, our current framework of helping disadvantaged communities is stuck in the past, an era where manufacturing physical products drove the economy. Time is a limited resource we all have; it is the great equalizer. If we are to devote that time to developing others and building relationships, that premise of solidarity passes onto others. The world needs mavericks and innovators who follow their passion and push the envelope of knowledge to selflessly invest in others. But sometimes, those innovators need a helping hand at their low point to kickstart their passions. The contributions of one individual can only go so far; rather, the institutions we build, the norms we set, and the standard practices we establish are what endure beyond our tenure. The people who we invest in are our legacy; they are our future.