Alok Sharma, President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, said that “Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. It improves access to basic services such as clean water and electricity, creates jobs and boosts business.” To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until 2 summers ago when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. Unlike other STEM camps I have attended, this program consisted of real-world engineering experiences, and we were accompanied by a team of Georgia Tech professors and alumni. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. They also deal with storm and drainage sewers. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs rebuilding and repair. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Two years ago, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just over a year ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. And, just last week, the Baltimore Bridge collapsed. Although the Baltimore Bridge collapsed as a result of a ship strike, the incident still highlights that city planners and engineers must plan to mitigate risk and build infrastructure resilience. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change and safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the new legislation proposed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment repairing and reconstructing our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, like in most major cities, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city (even though most of the people who work in the city live in the metro suburban area). Almost every newer vehicle has to have an annual emissions test, but the emissions is still awful. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues, and the reason why I am now majoring in civil engineering at Kennesaw State University. Civil engineers to create positive change and economic opportunities in their communities. Less than 5% of civil engineers are African American. As a person of color, I want to break barriers and help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.

Alok Sharma, President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, said that “Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. It improves access to basic services such as clean water and electricity, creates jobs and boosts business.” To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until 2 summers ago when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. Unlike other STEM camps I have attended, this program consisted of real-world engineering experiences, and we were accompanied by a team of Georgia Tech professors and alumni. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. They also deal with storm and drainage sewers. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs rebuilding and repair. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Two years ago, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just over a year ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. And, just last week, the Baltimore Bridge collapsed. Although the Baltimore Bridge collapsed as a result of a ship strike, the incident still highlights that city planners and engineers must plan to mitigate risk and build infrastructure resilience. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change and safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the new legislation proposed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment repairing and reconstructing our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, like in most major cities, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city (even though most of the people who work in the city live in the metro suburban area). Almost every newer vehicle has to have an annual emissions test, but the emissions is still awful. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues, and the reason why I am now majoring in civil engineering at Kennesaw State University. Civil engineers to create positive change and economic opportunities in their communities. I want to help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.

Alok Sharma, President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, said that “Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. It improves access to basic services such as clean water and electricity, creates jobs and boosts business.” To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until 2 summers ago when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. Unlike other STEM camps I have attended, this program consisted of real-world engineering experiences, and we were accompanied by a team of Georgia Tech professors and alumni. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. They also deal with storm and drainage sewers. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs rebuilding and repair. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Two years ago, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just over a year ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. And, just last week, the Baltimore Bridge collapsed. Although the Baltimore Bridge collapsed as a result of a ship strike, the incident still highlights that city planners and engineers must plan to mitigate risk and build infrastructure resilience. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change and safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the new legislation proposed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment repairing and reconstructing our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, like in most major cities, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city (even though most of the people who work in the city live in the metro suburban area). Almost every newer vehicle has to have an annual emissions test, but the emissions is still awful. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues, and the reason why I am now majoring in civil engineering at Kennesaw State University. Civil engineers to create positive change and economic opportunities in their communities. I want to help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.

Alok Sharma, President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, said that “Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. It improves access to basic services such as clean water and electricity, creates jobs and boosts business.” To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until 2 summers ago when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. At this STEM camp, I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, and sewers. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. One challenge that I have had is securing financial funding for college. I received our state’s Zell Miller Scholarship because of my GPA and ACT score. However, Zell only pays for tuition but not student fees or room and board. My mother is a single mom of 2. Both of us are now in college. I do work part time on campus, but that provides very little as far as paying for college costs. I’ve almost completed my first year of college. As far as hands-on experience, I’ve participated in a few bridge activities in summer camp, and this year, in college, I joined the Steel Bridge Competition Team. Soon, I want to participate in a co-op or internship for civil engineering, and I know that will take up a lot of time and resources. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs rebuilding and repair. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Two years ago, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just over a year ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. And, just last week, the Baltimore Bridge collapsed. Although the Baltimore Bridge collapsed as a result of a ship strike, the incident still highlights that city planners and engineers must plan to mitigate risk and build infrastructure resilience. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. While the legislation passed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment repairing and reconstructing our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system is inefficient and doesn’t go very far outside of the city. Almost every newer vehicle has to have an annual emissions test, but the emissions is still awful. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues, and the reason why I am now majoring in civil engineering at Kennesaw State University. I want to help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.

Alok Sharma, President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, said that “Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. It improves access to basic services such as clean water and electricity, creates jobs and boosts business.” To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until 2 summers ago when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. Unlike other STEM camps I have attended, this program consisted of real-world engineering experiences, and we were accompanied by a team of Georgia Tech professors and alumni. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. They also deal with storm and drainage sewers. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. One challenge that I have had is securing financial funding for college. I received our state’s Zell Miller Scholarship because of my GPA and ACT score. However, Zell only pays for tuition but not student fees or room and board. My mother is a single mom of 2. Both of us are now in college. I do work part time on campus, but that provides very little as far as paying for college costs. I’ve almost completed my first year of college. Soon, I want to participate in a co-op or internship for civil engineering, and I know that will take up a lot of time and resources. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs rebuilding and repair. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Two years ago, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just over a year ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. And, just last week, the Baltimore Bridge collapsed. Although the Baltimore Bridge collapsed as a result of a ship strike, the incident still highlights that city planners and engineers must plan to mitigate risk and build infrastructure resilience. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change and safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the new legislation proposed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment repairing and reconstructing our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, like in most major cities, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city (even though most of the people who work in the city live in the metro suburban area). Almost every newer vehicle has to have an annual emissions test, but the emissions is still awful. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues, and the reason why I am now majoring in civil engineering at Kennesaw State University. Civil engineers to create positive change and economic opportunities in their communities. I want to help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.

Alok Sharma, President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, said that “Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. It improves access to basic services such as clean water and electricity, creates jobs and boosts business.” To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until 2 summers ago when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. Unlike other STEM camps I have attended, this program consisted of real-world engineering experiences, and we were accompanied by a team of Georgia Tech professors and alumni. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. They also deal with storm and drainage sewers. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs rebuilding and repair. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Two years ago, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just over a year ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. And, just last week, the Baltimore Bridge collapsed. Although the Baltimore Bridge collapsed as a result of a ship strike, the incident still highlights that city planners and engineers must plan to mitigate risk and build infrastructure resilience. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change and safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the new legislation proposed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment repairing and reconstructing our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, like in most major cities, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city (even though most of the people who work in the city live in the metro suburban area). Almost every newer vehicle has to have an annual emissions test, but the emissions is still awful. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues, and the reason why I am now majoring in civil engineering at Kennesaw State University. Civil engineers to create positive change and economic opportunities in their communities. I want to help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.

In the fall, I will be a civil engineering major in the Honors College at Kennesaw State University. To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until this summer when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. This program consisted of real-world engineering experiences, and we were accompanied by a team of Georgia Tech professors and alumni. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. This experience not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The most pressing societal problem we have today is crumbling infrastructure. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs major rebuilding and repair. Investing in infrastructure is good for economic development; it reduces costs and creates jobs, improves the supply chain, as well as improves public services and the environment. For me, civil engineering offers a career that is the opportunity for the perfect trifecta: creativity, problem solving, and community service. Since the camp this summer, I’ve researched civil engineering, environmental science, and America's infrastructure strengths and weaknesses. Particularly, I am interested in developing green structures and public works projects to minimize air, soil, and water pollution. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Last year, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just a few months ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. Additionally, Flint, Michigan’s water system is still inadequate. How do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? This is my passion. I want to use my knowledge and skills to help improve the human condition and create jobs. The Viola Natural Lifestyle Scholarship would be a tremendous help to my family and my education. My mom is a single mom. She works sometimes 2-3 jobs to support us. My sister is currently a psychology major at Kennesaw State University. She attends full time. Mom has struggled helping my sister through college while also trying to guarantee that my sister doesn't overload with student loans. I know that having two kids in college is going to be a lot for my mom. I've worked pretty hard for my grades, and I hope to take some of the burden off her by applying for scholarships and working. With the constant rising costs of tuition, I know that working part-time will not be enough to relieve the financial pressure and allow me to focus time on my studies. This scholarship will help by lowering the costs of college and the amount of hours I’ll need to work throughout my studies. This scholarship would help me and my family so much.

My career goal is to become a civil engineer. However, it is not just a career to me; it is a commitment to creating better infrastructure in America and living a better, more sustainable lifestyle. As the prices rise and conventional materials become more difficult to come by, it makes more sense to innovate and transition to using renewable resources. Of course, I have started with myself, but here are some ways that I will create a positive environmental impact on both my local and global communities within the next 5 years. I’ve committed to reducing my energy consumption and encouraging my family and friends to do so as well. By reducing your carbon footprint, you can decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. My mother recently bought a new car, and I’ve encouraged her to purchase a hybrid vehicle (we do not live in the city, so there is no public transportation). However, I will be attending college soon, and my college and town have public transportation (which I will use instead of driving) as well as riding my bike. As a civil engineering major, I am particularly interested in studying how wind energy, solar power and hydropower can be used as sources of energy, as opposed to electricity and fuels. More than 40% of global CO2 emissions are emitted from electricity generation through the combustion of fossil fuels. Burning these fuels results in the production of carbon dioxide responsible for global warming. As a civil engineer, I want to encourage and work on projects that promote alternative sources of energy. At the university that I will be attending in the fall, I have already looked at conservation and sustainability efforts on campus and around the city. For example, I plan to join Green Ambassadors, a student-led organization that provides in-person sustainability education for students and faculty. Also, they table different events around campus and in the community such as the weekly Farmers Market, which sells fresh produce grown at the university. Green Ambassadors petitioned the university to purchase more trash cans and recycling bins around campus, which gave me the idea to petition my local school administrators and school board to do the same. At my high school, we have very few trash cans and recycling bins around campus,when there should be some on each hall way and outside all over campus. However, I think that it takes more than just the trash can, so we’ve taken to making daily announcements about recycling and trash pickup around the school, and holding one another accountable by encouraging other students to put things in their place. My mother is a member of an organization that adopted a local street. They participate in picking up trash along the road 3 times a month. I want to extend this project to include all roadways. I’ve noticed an increase in littering the last couple of years. While it’s great to encourage organizations to adopt roads, I want to advocate for change by lobbying our local politicians to create larger initiatives to prioritize environmental changes. For example, more advertisement at board meetings, more signs, and marketing to encourage citizens to conserve energy and recycle more. I think that educating others about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices is key. By spreading awareness and knowledge, you can inspire others to take action and make a positive impact on the environment.

To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until last summer when I attended a STEM camp. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The most pressing societal problem we have today is crumbling infrastructure. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs major rebuilding and repair. Investing in infrastructure is good for economic development; it reduces costs and creates jobs, improves the supply chain, as well as improves public services and the environment. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Last year, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just a few months ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change and safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the legislation passed last year will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment to repair and reconstruct our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, like in most major cities, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city (even though most of the people who work in the city live in the metro suburban area). Almost every newer vehicle has to have an annual emissions test, but the emissions is still awful. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues. Civil engineers create positive change and economic opportunities in their communities. I’ve chosen my college because it is close to home, I have been accepted into the Honors College, and their civil engineering program was the best. I can also minor in environmental studies, whereas other nearby engineering programs did not offer that option. To help with my goals, I have secured a summer job with a local civil engineer so that I can gain practical knowledge and learn more about the field. The students at the college participate in several competitions (namely, Concrete Canoe Competition and Steel Bridge Competition) which I also plan to participate and compete in. Additionally, by the time I am a junior, I want to have an internship or co-op opportunity to connect with industry professionals and ultimately gain valuable work experience. Through my studies, career, and community involvement, I plan to help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.

To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until this summer when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. This program consisted of real-world engineering experiences, and we were accompanied by a team of Georgia Tech professors and alumni. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The most pressing societal problem we have today is crumbling infrastructure. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs major rebuilding and repair. Investing in infrastructure is good for economic development; it reduces costs and creates jobs, improves the supply chain, as well as improves public services and the environment. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Last year, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just a few months ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change and safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the new legislation proposed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment to repair and reconstruct our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, like in most major cities, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city (even though most of the people who work in the city live in the metro suburban area). There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues. I have been accepted to the engineering schools at Kennesaw State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, Mercer University, and University of Alabama at Birmingham. I choose Kennesaw State University because it is close to home, I have been accepted into the Honors College, and their civil engineering program was the best. I can also minor in environmental studies at Kennesaw, whereas other nearby engineering programs did not offer that option. To help with my goals, I have secured a summer job with a local civil engineer so that I can learn more about the field. The students at Kennesaw State participate in several competitions (namely, Concrete Canoe Competition and Steel Bridge Competition) which I also plan to participate and compete in. Additionally, by the time I am a junior, I want to have an internship or co-op opportunity to connect with industry professionals and ultimately gain valuable work experience.

My mother lives by the Bible verse “To whom much is given, much will be required.” She taught me that if a person has been blessed with talents, gifts, skills, or knowledge, then we have a responsibility to help others. She has always taken my sister and me wherever she goes: school, work, community service, business meetings, etc. My mom regularly volunteers with our local food pantry and women’s shelter. I gained empathy and passion for working with people who experience food and housing insecurity. As I’ve gotten older, I began volunteering more with the food pantry and helping my mom organize and deliver canned food drives. I will continue to do this. I live in the Atlanta area, and there are so many people who struggle with food insecurity and homelessness. In the richest nation in the world, no one should be without housing or food. We waste so much here in the United States. There is no reason that those who have, should not give and share. Next month, I will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity works with communities to revitalize neighborhoods and improve living conditions. Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing solutions for families in need. This enables families to have a safe and stable place to live, which is essential for their overall well-being. I want to be a civil engineer, and I am very interested in sustainability. Habitat for Humanity is committed to sustainable building practices and uses materials and designs that are environmentally friendly. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint of homes and promotes a cleaner, healthier environment. At my high school, I volunteered with Beta Club to create shoeboxes of hygiene products for a local women’s shelter. Until then, I did not even realize that we had a women’s shelter nearby, nor did I know that there are children there. The SHARE House provides meals, clothing, counseling, and temporary housing to women and children who need it. Through my mom, I met one of the social workers and asked how I could help. We went to a location one weekend to take food and clothing, and we helped sort all the donations. I would like to continue to do this. Since I am a musician (percussionist in the marching band and concert band), I am also interested in volunteering at local elementary schools for music education. I was fortunate enough that my 4th grade music teacher started teaching us how to play instruments. He actually assists my high school band instructor (the elementary school and high school are next door to each other). But, many elementary students are not so lucky. Often times they don’t get to participate in band until middle school. I would like to coach and mentor younger students so that they can start playing instruments sooner. "To whom much is given, much is required" reminds us that we have a responsibility to use our blessings and advantages in life for the greater good. I know that I have certain gifts and privileges that others do not have, and I feel that I have a moral responsibility to share those gifts and skills with others. By doing so, I can help to make the world a better place and create a positive impact that can be felt by others.

My mother lives by the Bible verse “To whom much is given, much will be required.” She taught me that if a person has been blessed with talents, gifts, skills, or knowledge, then we have a responsibility to help others. She has always taken my sister and me wherever she goes: school, work, community service, business meetings, etc. My mom regularly volunteers with our local food pantry and women’s shelter. I gained empathy and passion for working with people who experience food and housing insecurity. As I’ve gotten older, I began volunteering more with the food pantry and helping my mom organize and deliver canned food drives. I will continue to do this. I live in the Atlanta area, and there are so many people who struggle with food insecurity and homelessness. In the richest nation in the world, no one should be without housing or food. We waste so much here in the United States. There is no reason that those who have, should not give and share. Next month, I will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity works with communities to revitalize neighborhoods and improve living conditions. Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing solutions for families in need. This enables families to have a safe and stable place to live, which is essential for their overall well-being. I want to be a civil engineer, and I am very interested in sustainability. Habitat for Humanity is committed to sustainable building practices and uses materials and designs that are environmentally friendly. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint of homes and promotes a cleaner, healthier environment. At my high school, I volunteered with Beta Club to create shoeboxes of hygiene products for a local women’s shelter. Until then, I did not even realize that we had a women’s shelter nearby, nor did I know that there are children there. The SHARE House provides meals, clothing, counseling, and temporary housing to women and children who need it. Through my mom, I met one of the social workers and asked how I could help. We went to a location one weekend to take food and clothing, and we helped sort all the donations. I would like to continue to do this. Since I am a musician, I am also interested in volunteering at local elementary schools for music education. I was fortunate enough that my 4th grade music teacher started teaching us how to play instruments. He actually assists my high school band instructor (the elementary school and high school are next door to each other). But, many elementary students are not so lucky. Often times they don’t get to participate in band until middle school. I would like to coach and mentor younger students so that they can start playing instruments sooner. "To whom much is given, much is required" reminds us that we have a responsibility to use our blessings and advantages in life for the greater good. I know that I have certain gifts and privileges that others do not have, and I feel that I have a moral responsibility to share those gifts and skills with others. By doing so, I can help to make the world a better place and create a positive impact that can be felt by others.

My favorite subject has always been math. Currently, my favorite class is AP Calculus. When I tell people this, they usually look at me like I’m crazy. I love the challenge of solving difficult problems. I have an awesome teacher who combines the theory of math and it’s practical applications. Math gives me a sense of achievement. I actually find satisfaction in numbers, mathematical problems, and finding the correct solution. The feeling of accomplishment that comes with solving a challenging problem is so rewarding! One thing I love about math is that math involves logical thinking. Some people enjoy the process of using logical reasoning to solve problems. Even though a lot of people don’t think so, math is a precise subject, with clear rules and definitions. Learn the rules, follow the rules, solve the problem. The most appealing thing about math is it’s universality. Math is a universal language, and its principles and concepts apply across cultures and languages. You can take two math-inclined people from two different continents who don’t share the same language, but give them a math problem, and they will find common group. This makes math a powerful tool for communication and understanding, especially in today’s fields like architecture, computer science, business, and engineering. Which brings me to the final reason I love math: applications. Math has many practical applications in fields like engineering, physics, computer science, economics, and finance. Some people are drawn to math because of its potential to solve real-world problems. Numbers never lie. I want to be a civil engineer, and I will have to take 6-7 math classes as well as several classes that use practical math. Math will allow me to create sustainable solutions to help improve America’s infrastructure and environment. Overall, the reasons some people love math are varied and personal. However, the sense of achievement, logical thinking, precision, universality, and applications are some common themes for me.

To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until this summer when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. This program consisted of real-world engineering experiences, and we were accompanied by a team of Georgia Tech professors and alumni. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The most pressing societal problem we have today is crumbling infrastructure. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs major rebuilding and repair. Investing in infrastructure is good for economic development; it reduces costs and creates jobs, improves the supply chain, as well as improves public services and the environment. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Last year, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just a few months ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change and safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the new legislation proposed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment to repair and reconstruct our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, like in most major cities, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city (even though most of the people who work in the city live in the metro suburban area). Almost every newer vehicle has to have an annual emissions test, but the emissions is still awful. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues. Civil engineers create positive change and economic opportunities in their communities. Through my studies, career, and community involvement, I plan to help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.

To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until this summer when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. This program consisted of real-world engineering experiences, and we were accompanied by a team of Georgia Tech professors and alumni. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The most pressing societal problem we have today is crumbling infrastructure. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs major rebuilding and repair. Investing in infrastructure is good for economic development; it reduces costs and creates jobs, improves the supply chain, as well as improves public services and the environment. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Last year, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just a few months ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change and safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the new legislation proposed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment to repair and reconstruct our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, like in most major cities, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city (even though most of the people who work in the city live in the metro suburban area). Almost every newer vehicle has to have an annual emissions test, but the emissions is still awful. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues. Civil engineers create positive change and economic opportunities in their communities. I want to help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.

To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until this summer when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. This program consisted of real-world engineering experiences, and we were accompanied by a team of Georgia Tech professors and alumni. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The most pressing societal problem we have today is crumbling infrastructure. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs major rebuilding and repair. Investing in infrastructure is good for economic development; it reduces costs and creates jobs, improves the supply chain, as well as improves public services and the environment. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Last year, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just a few months ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change and safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the new legislation proposed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment to repair and reconstruct our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, like in most major cities, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city (even though most of the people who work in the city live in the metro suburban area). Almost every newer vehicle has to have an annual emissions test, but the emissions is still awful. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues. Civil engineers create positive change and economic opportunities in their communities. I want to help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.

I plan to major in civil engineering, with heavy concentration in environmental studies. As I’ve researched the field, I’ve learned that less than 30% are people of color, and less than 5% of civil engineers are African American. Diversity in the workplace, and in entire work fields, is important because representation is important. Sometimes, goals and careers seem inaccessible because young people do not see people who look like them in those careers. It is crucial to have diverse representation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers for several reasons. First, it is important to have diverse representation in STEM for increased innovation and creativity. Diverse teams bring together different perspectives, experiences, and ideas, fostering innovation and creativity. This can lead to the development of new and exciting technologies and solutions that may not have been possible without a diverse team. Second, Increased innovation and creativity also fosters improved problem-solving. Diverse teams are better equipped to address complex problems and find solutions. When people with different backgrounds work together, they can draw upon a broader and more varied range of skills, experiences, and viewpoints. This also allows for teams that are more likely to make informed decisions that reflect a range of perspectives and considerations. This can help ensure that decisions made in STEM fields are fair and equitable. Since all STEM fields use technology, it is very important to have reduced biases in technology. Diverse representation in STEM careers can help reduce biases in technological solutions. This can help ensure that technology is developed with a broader set of users in mind, making it accessible and usable by everyone regardless of their identity or background. All of these reasons lead to increased economic growth. Access to diverse perspectives and talent pool can attract more investment and funding to STEM industries. In turn, more diverse and innovative technologies and practices can emerge, which can fuel economic growth and stimulate job opportunities. Overall, diverse representation in STEM careers is crucial to fostering equity, innovation, and economic growth. Most importantly, when different races, cultures, identities, and socio-economic backgrounds are represented in the workplace, that encourages others and helps them realize that it is an attainable goal for them. Another reason that diversity is important in the workplace, I believe, is that it increases effectiveness and the climate of the business. It can lead to more inclusive and better-designed technology and solutions for everyone.

My goal is to be a civil engineer. I love math, science, and problem solving. For me, civil engineering offers a career that is the opportunity for the perfect trifecta: creativity, problem solving, and community service.

I want to be a civil engineer. Until recently, I didn’t know what my major was going to be in college. I knew that it would be something STEM. I love math and science. I thought about computer science and then mechanical engineering. My mom found a summer STEM camp at Georgia Tech that was sponsored by Boys’ Scout of America. It was AWESOME. We got to stay on Georgia Tech’s campus in the dorms. It wasn’t the typical camp where you did projects and experiments. Every day for one week, we visited 3-4 companies and sites. We visited places like Google Labs, Delta Airlines, Lockheed Martin, Choate Engineering, Novelis, and MARTA. Several engineers and Georgia Tech professors traveled with us. It was a life changing experience for me. I was so glad that my mom found this program. Of all the careers that we talked about and observed, the career that stood out to me the most was civil engineering. For me, civil engineering offers a career that is the opportunity for the perfect trifecta: creativity, problem solving, and community service. Since the camp this summer, I’ve researched civil engineering, environmental science, and America's infrastructure strengths and weaknesses. Particularly, I am interested in developing green structures and public works projects to minimize air, soil, and water pollution. Just a few weeks ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. Additionally, Flint, Michigan’s water system is still inadequate. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? This is my passion. I want to use my knowledge and skills to help improve the human condition and create jobs. As I’ve researched the field, I’ve learned that less than 5% of civil engineers are African American. Diversity in the workplace, and in entire work fields, is important because representation is important. Sometimes, goals and careers seem inaccessible because young people do not see people who look like them in those careers. When different races and cultures are represented in the workplace, that encourages others and helps them realize that it is an attainable goal for them. Another reason that diversity is important in the workplace, I believe, is that it increases effectiveness and the climate of the business. When different cultures and social backgrounds are represented, they bring different perspectives that can improve the way a project is approached or solved. For example, if I am designing and marketing a product, then I have to think whether that product is usable, marketable, and practical for different demographics. If I only see one perspective, and everyone else is like me, then that project or product is unlikely to be successful. Also, I think that diversity in the workplace is important because it helps to dissolve biases. When people live, play, and work only with people who are like them, then they are more likely to stereotype and have biases against people who are not like them. Most of the time people do this unconsciously, but the more diverse their work circle, the more tolerant and unbiases people become. While I enjoy math, science, and projects and I believe that I will be successful as a civil engineer, the major and the field needs more diversity. My presence in higher education and in the employment field helps to create representation and diversity at the university level and in the work place.

Understand the Vine 1 Open eyes see trees, the world They see leaves of vein and ridged teeth Color is unfortunate Dark and neutral under streaks of sun 5 So much time, yet moment after another, I lunge Open eyes reveal the vine, man vine Influence in time, induces inevitability Wrapping weeds, mysterious and mischievous chivalry Exponentially I see how quickly color turns 10 Life stolen, reaching above the foundation, stunting the ecosystem.. to selfishly better itself A world of such life I see… my eyes open, but am I true? Am I one to judge? Am I not one to hold rue? 15 Humanity and earth.., nature, hearth.. Bring me to nurture the minds of others, as this home is no longer true I join the vine, I partake in selfishness, I grow in knowledge! Know the pain of college as I am just as selfish! Man dirties the sight of those who open their mind. 20 Constructs of man are unknown to the tree of earth Innovation destroys and infects home A vine of genius covers life.. blinding it from streak of nourishment Unable to see, breathe, keep me Keep me in understanding of the tree.. 25 In understanding of the vine

To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until this summer when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. They also deal with storm and drainage sewers. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs rebuilding and repair. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Last year, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just a few weeks ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, what needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the new legislation proposed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment repairing and reconstructing our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city limits. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues. Civil engineers to create positive change and economic opportunities in their communities. I want to help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.

Alok Sharma, President of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, said that “Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. It improves access to basic services such as clean water and electricity, creates jobs and boosts business.” To be honest, I did not know much about infrastructure or civil engineering until this summer when I attended a STEM camp at Georgia Institute of Technology. Unlike other STEM camps I have attended, this program consisted of real-world engineering experiences, and we were accompanied by a team of Georgia Tech professors and alumni. I had the privilege of visiting a civil engineering firm that involves the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. They also deal with storm and drainage sewers. This experience that not only changed my major, but changed my perspective and my life. The United States is the most advanced industrial nation in the world, yet our aging infrastructure needs rebuilding and repair. In 2018, a bridge collapsed over I-85 in Atlanta. Last year, another bridge collapsed into the Yellow River in Covington, Georgia. Just a few weeks ago, heavy rains in Jackson, Mississippi have caused the already beleaguered water treatment system to fail, causing widespread water and sewer outages. Additionally, many of our cities and suburbs do not have adequate transportation to support population growth. So, how do we correct this? What needs to happen to improve the United States’ infrastructure? One of the first things that needs to happen is that the United States, both its citizens and its government, have to commit to investment in repairing and building infrastructure. Citizens often worry about their taxes increasing, but the long-term effects of crumbling bridges and water structures will cost much more. Once citizens encourage candidates who support better infrastructure, and they put pressure on policy makers to commit to and invest in infrastructure, it will begin to be a priority. Another solution is to repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change and safety for everyone. Many of the interstates, major roads, and bridges are in poor condition. While the new legislation proposed by President Biden will support funding to repair our roads and bridges, there needs to be more ongoing investment repairing and reconstructing our country’s bridges. Speaking of transportation, like in most major cities, traffic in Atlanta is awful! There are too many cars on the road, and the subway train/bus system here is inefficient. It doesn’t go very far outside of the city (even though most of the people who work in the city live in the metro suburban area). Almost every newer vehicle has to have an annual emissions test, but the emissions is still awful. There needs to be legislation to build safe public transit and help reduce emissions. These are just some of the solutions to some of America’s infrastructure issues. Civil engineers to create positive change and economic opportunities in their communities. I want to help create cities and communities that are easier for people to live in and promote more efficient living.