Looking back, my passion for engineering began around the age of seven when my grandpa bought me my first lego set. At the time, I didn't know any other girls who received legos as a Christmas gift. Even my parents thought they were toys for boys. But I loved them more than any other gift I got that year. It was around this time that my parents realized that I just really liked to build things. A couple months later they bought me two sets of k'nex, another toy similar to legos. These kits both came with motors and instructions on how to build different cars. I built the two cars just like the instructions said, but I always felt like I could create something better. For the next year I probably made twenty different cars out of those sets. I would use both motors and build the fastest car, tallest car, or even the longest car I could. I wanted to build a car that could hold the most weight, and could carry all my toy animals. So I tested where I should place the motors, how heavy I should make the frame, and how big of wheels I should use. After each car was complete, I drew a picture of it so I could remember all the different designs I created, and rebuild the ones I liked the best. Through grade school and into middle school I filled my parents house with the rollercoasters, ferris wheels, cars, robots I had built. I feel like I have been on this path to become an engineer my whole life, and finishing my bachelors degree is the next step in my journey. I love being part of the engineering program, but I have face with many obstacles to get to where I am today. Engineering is a very hands on job that requires you to work in teams to solve problems, but this can be very difficult when you have to study online for two years. Covid was a difficult time for everyone, and I especially struggled with it. During my first year of online school, I was on my computer all day, and this was very difficult for me because I have a migraine disorder. I was getting headaches constantly, passing out, and somedays I couldn't remember half of the things I had done. I thought what was happening to me was weird, but it wasn't till my last final that I knew something was seriously wrong. After I finished my physics final, I sat up from my desk walked to my door, and collapsed. I was having a grand mal seizure, and I had been having small seizures throughout my life without even knowing it. This one was by far the worst I have ever had. I fell into the corner between my wall and door, keeping my body propped up, and my head was hitting the wall and the door over and over. My roommate drove me to the ER, and I ended up bruising both sides of my face, and having a concussion. After this incident I was unable to drive for 6 months, and had to make big changes to my lifestyle. College has been much more difficult since this incident, but I have found ways to manage and still be very successful. I am now on anti epileptic medication, and although I do still struggle with migraines, I have been seizure free for almost a year. I have loved engineering for so long, and there is nothing I want more than to finish my degree.

About a year ago I was diagnosed with epilepsy and migraine disorder. I have struggled with migraines since I was very young, but I haven't let it stop me. Because of this, school, especially college has been very challenging. I have considered taking a break from school at times when my health problems worsen, but I always push through it because I know being apart of a community and involved in school is important and rewarding. I practice bravery and live boldly by pushing myself to do things out of my comfort zone. I consider myself as someone who is more quite, but I really try to push myself to become a leader. This year I was elected to be vice president and marketing director of the engineering club at my college. I am also a college athlete and play number one singles and doubles for my team. Balancing both theses activities along with studying engineering can be extremely challenging, but I always try my best because I want to set a good example for the people around me. In my free time I like to travel and try things that scare me. Last summer I went skydiving and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I was absolutely horrified to go and I considered backing out, but facing this fear and realizing it wasn't as scary as I thought really made me feel like I could do anything. I believe doing things that scare you is one of the best way to improve yourself and grow your confidence.