In eighth grade the first engineering related course was introduced at my middle school. The year-long project was to design a city and the idea itself seemed simple. Yet, throughout the year I realized how many things civil engineers have to do and the impact they make. It was then that I realized I enjoyed civil engineering because it is not flashy nor does it call attention to itself. Nevertheless, if it wasn’t in place, it would be abundantly evident. Civil engineering impacts us in ways that often are taken for granted. The building I enter everyday at my university was engineered by civil engineers. There were precise calculations made to determine the concrete and rebar needed. The stormwater system in place in the building was designed by civil engineers. Methods of designing the building to be environmentally friendly could have been developed by a civil engineer. Civil engineering has a wide range of applications and has existed since the beginning of time. Even more interestingly, civil engineering will always exist. Populations continue to grow, new developments are needed, and thus new buildings will be needed. I have had the opportunity to explore different sectors of civil engineering. My experience in high school and beginning years of college were in the land development sector of civil engineering. In past internships I have worked on layout of restaurants, grading, construction sheets, SWMP reports, preparing onsite construction binders, and further developing my Civil 3D skills. Due to exposure to the hydrology side of civil engineering I have developed a passion for stormwater management. I enjoy fluid mechanics and being able to do hydraulic problems. Stormwater management is essential to our society, yet it is discrete. No one appreciates their drainage system working well until it isn’t. I love being able to make day to day impacts on communities through innovative solutions. Although I have always had a love for civil engineering, the pathway to become an engineer has not been easy. I come from a low-income community in which my high school did not have the resources other high schools do. Coming to college I believed I was well prepared for college since I was a good student in high school. I was stunned when I failed the first exam I took at my university. I experienced severe imposter syndrome and began to doubt if this was truly my calling. I knew the passion was there, but I was not sure my skills and knowledge were at the expected level. Nevertheless, even though I did not have the resources other peers did, I worked twice as hard. I would attend office hours daily and spend all my time being dedicated to my studies. Eventually, I developed a system that worked in allowing me to be successful in my courses. Difficulties are inevitable, but it is our perseverance and mindset that define us. I am proud to say I have worked hard in developing my knowledge and skills in order to support my passion of pursuing civil engineering.

The challenge that most resonates with me is the restoring and improving of urban infrastructures. I come from a community where homelessness is a significant issue. Due to the pandemic of COVID-19 over the course of this past year, this problem has begun to grow due to the loss of jobs within my community. Aurora, Colorado is a city filled with minorities who have suffered great injustices. Most of the homeless individuals we see are of color. There are individuals in my community who have to be outside under bridges in temperatures below freezing because there is no other place for them to go. Shelters are far away, and therefore are inaccessible to them. Furthermore, those who do stay at these shelters have to face problems of degradation, sexual assault, and overcrowding . My vision for the future of my community consists of creating infrastructures which will protect individuals from needlessly dying in freezing temperatures. These would be bridges with new advanced heating or cooling technologies that can detect when individuals are present. Or the simple fact that bathrooms and water fountains can be included to be at the service of these homeless individuals. Homelessness is a massive issue that is often neglected because there is no one to advocate for these individuals. Nonetheless, this is one of changes I wish to see in my community and society as a whole.