My name is Ruby Atherton; I come from the mountains, from blue summer skies and unpredictable weather. I recall hiking with my mother and father, the calming sounds of the creek accompanied by the whistles of birds. Though my life resided in the city, we would go to the mountains to escape. I come from local art and music. From an early age, my mother took inspiration from the vibrant art scene of Colorado Springs; she emphasized creativity throughout my childhood and dedicated much time to doing arts and crafts. The arts inspired my pursuit of engineering; I want to create structures that incorporate simplicity and artistry, emphasizing nature and sustainability. The arts provided me an escape after my mother’s diagnosis. It makes me sad that I will never experience our painting sessions again, but through my passion, I can give back to my mom. I come from a low-income neighborhood, from violence and amiability. I live downtown, where the houses are hundreds of years old and are characterized by their sketchy foundation. I walk to school on crumbling sidewalks and live in cracked walls that are eager to collapse. I take inspiration from these foundations, from food stamps, from my community. Each morning I wake to the construction of expensive apartments that tower over my house, neighborhood, and community and cast a shadow as if we are being forgotten. Through civil engineering, I want to redefine what it means to be low-income. By focusing on low-income communities I will improve the infrastructure within these areas and develop affordable housing solutions.