I chose civil engineering because I have always been drawn to the idea that thoughtful design can make a real difference in people’s everyday lives. A road, water system, evacuation route, or safe building may seem ordinary, but each can determine whether a community has access to safety, opportunity, and stability. As I pursue my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at California Polytechnic State University, I want to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to help create infrastructure that serves people, not just on paper, but in ways that improve their daily lives. My interest in this field became more meaningful through my experiences with water conservation and engineering. While working with my local water district, I used GIS to help develop water budgets for parks and schools in Rancho Cucamonga. I learned that something as basic as water requires careful planning, responsibility, and collaboration. Later, during my engineering internship at a water agency, I had the opportunity to work with water system plans and see how many people and decisions are involved in providing a reliable resource that most of us depend on without thinking twice. These experiences made me realize that civil engineering is not only about calculations and designs; it is about protecting people and helping communities function. I have also become interested in wildfire-risk mitigation, especially because California communities face the growing effects of wildfires. Through my current project, I am developing a model that considers fire spread, structure exposure, and evacuation access. Working on this project has made me think about the fear families experience when they must leave their homes during an emergency and how important it is for engineers to plan with people’s safety in mind. In the future, I hope to work with Engineers Without Borders. I am inspired by the organization’s commitment to partnering with communities to address essential needs such as clean water, sanitation, transportation, and safe infrastructure. I want to use my civil engineering education to support communities that may not have access to the resources they need, while also learning from the people I serve. My volunteer experiences have taught me that meaningful service begins with listening, building trust, and treating every person with dignity. Engineers Without Borders would allow me to bring those values together with my engineering skills. This scholarship would have a significant impact on my ability to reach these goals. By reducing the financial burden of tuition, books, and other college expenses, it would allow me to focus more fully on my education, pursue hands-on opportunities, and continue developing as a future engineer. More than financial assistance, this scholarship would be an investment in my goal of using engineering to create safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

My long-term career goal is to become a civil engineer who designs sustainable and dependable water infrastructure for communities. As a civil engineering student at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, I am building the technical skills needed to pursue this goal. My internship with Nexus strengthened my interest in water systems by allowing me to develop infrastructure plans in MicroStation, work alongside experienced professionals, and observe how engineering designs become systems that people depend on every day. My involvement with Engineers Without Borders has also influenced the kind of engineer I hope to become. Working with the organization has shown me that engineering is not only about calculations and technical designs; it also requires understanding a community’s needs, collaborating with people from different backgrounds, and developing solutions that can remain effective over time. I hope to continue working on projects that combine technical knowledge with meaningful community service. The values that drive my goals are responsibility, collaboration, curiosity, integrity, and service. I want to become an engineer who listens before proposing solutions, asks questions when clarification is needed, and considers the long-term effects of every decision. Eventually, I hope to lead infrastructure projects that are technically strong, environmentally responsible, and centered on the people they are designed to serve.

Education, to me, has never been just a pathway to a career, it has been a means of responsibility. As a first-generation American raised in a low-income household, I learned early that opportunity is something to be earned, protected, and shared. Every academic milestone I’ve reached carries not only my effort, but the sacrifices of my family and the communities that shaped me. What distinguishes me is the way I bridge technical skill with human-centered purpose. I am pursuing engineering because I see STEM as a tool for service, not status. This belief has guided my involvement in a GIS and digital mapping internship with my local water district, where I applied calculus and data analysis to develop water budgets for public spaces in my city. Knowing my work could contribute to sustainable resource management showed me how engineering decisions directly affect communities, especially those with limited access to infrastructure and support. Locally, as a section lead tutor at Kumon, I worked closely with young students struggling with confidence, helping them see learning as something they could master rather than fear. These experiences shaped my belief that education is most powerful when it is shared. Similarly, through my work with Pratham USA, I supported underserved students in rural India by teaching English literacy and later assisting with fundraising data that helped channel millions of dollars into educational resources. These experiences reinforced my belief that education creates ripple effects far beyond the classroom. Another defining influence in my life has been my family’s experience navigating uncertainty, particularly during my mother’s battle with stage IV breast cancer. Witnessing her resilience reshaped how I view responsibility and time. I learned to balance academics with emotional presence—to show up fully even when circumstances felt overwhelming. This experience deepened my empathy and strengthened my ability to remain steady under pressure, qualities that now guide how I approach both leadership and problem-solving. It reminded me that success is not measured solely by outcomes, but by how we support others while striving toward our goals. Carrying this perspective into STEM, I aim to approach engineering challenges with both analytical rigor and human understanding. I am seeking this scholarship not only to ease the financial burden of college, but to continue investing my education back into the communities that raised me. My goal is to become an engineer who designs solutions with equity, sustainability, and compassion at the forefront. I do not see education as an individual achievement, but as a shared opportunity, and I am committed to using mine to create meaningful, lasting impact.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned through education is that growth rarely happens in isolation. The most meaningful progress I have made, academically and personally, has been guided by people who took the time to listen, challenge me, and believe in my potential. Because of this, when someone comes to me for guidance on a major life decision, I see it as both a responsibility and an opportunity to pass forward the support I have received. If a close friend were to approach me feeling uncertain about a major decision, such as choosing a college major or questioning whether they belong in a rigorous STEM field, I would begin by listening without interruption. Often, people seek advice not because they want immediate answers, but because they need space to articulate their fears. I would ask questions that help them reflect on what excites them, what challenges them, and what values they want their decision to reflect. Rather than pushing them toward what seems “practical” or “safe,” I would encourage them to consider where their curiosity naturally leads. From my experience, the most sustainable motivation comes from genuine interest, not external pressure. I have practiced this approach in my own life through mentorship and tutoring. While working as a section lead tutor at Kumon, many of my younger students struggled with confidence and often believed that difficulty meant failure. By walking through problems alongside them and reframing mistakes as part of learning, I watched their mindset shift. These moments reinforced my belief that guidance should empower others to trust themselves, not depend on someone else’s certainty. My perspective on mentorship was shaped in part by my own journey into STEM, a path that was not always intuitive or smooth. For much of my academic life, math came easily to me, which ironically led me to underestimate the effort required to succeed at higher levels. That illusion shattered when I enrolled in AP Calculus. For the first time, I struggled significantly, earning a score that forced me to confront the limits of relying solely on natural ability. I felt discouraged and questioned whether I truly belonged in a STEM field. Instead of withdrawing, I changed how I approached learning. I began coming to class early to practice problems, sought out online resources, and actively engaged with material rather than passively completing assignments. Slowly, my understanding deepened, not just of calculus, but of how learning actually works. I realized that persistence mattered more than speed, and effort mattered more than ego. This shift led me to seek real-world applications of STEM, culminating in a GIS and digital mapping internship with my local water district. There, I used calculus concepts like rate of change and optimization to calculate water budgets for public spaces in my city. Applying math to tangible problems, such as resource conservation, transformed my relationship with STEM from academic obligation to purposeful tool. It affirmed that engineering is not about perfection, but about problem-solving in service of others. Through these experiences, I learned that challenges are not signals to stop, but invitations to grow. If I were to offer guidance to others pursuing STEM, it would be this: struggling does not mean you are incapable, it means you are learning something worthwhile. Seek mentors, ask questions early, and do not let temporary setbacks define your long-term potential. RJ’s dedication to education and human connection resonates deeply with me because my own journey has been shaped by those same values. I aspire to honor that legacy by continuing to mentor, support, and uplift others in STEM, ensuring that no one feels alone in their pursuit of knowledge.

When I step onto a basketball court or a Bharatanatyam stage, I feel a sense of power, not because I’m loud or aggressive, but because I’ve learned to take up space with confidence, intention, and strength. Sports and dance have taught me how to balance discipline and creativity, pressure and poise, and above all, how to hold my own in spaces that weren’t always built for me. Basketball introduced me to the intensity of competition, especially in a world where female athletes are often overlooked or underestimated. As a freshman captain, I quickly realized that being one of the youngest on the team meant I had to earn respect not through force, but through consistency. I ran every drill with focus, encouraged my teammates during losses, and stayed late to shoot free throws when no one was watching. I led with effort and example. On the court, there was no room to be timid, I had to speak up, make quick decisions, and trust my own voice. That confidence began to translate off the court as well. I started raising my hand more in class. I began stepping into leadership roles. I realized I didn’t have to shrink to be respected. At the same time, Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form I’ve studied for years, grounded me in discipline and grace. While basketball made me sharp and strategic, Bharatanatyam taught me patience, storytelling, and the power of quiet strength. It reminded me that femininity isn’t weakness, it’s layered, complex, and deeply expressive. In a society that often tells girls to pick one lane, to be tough or gentle, to be assertive or graceful, I’ve found strength in being both. Balancing sports, dance, rigorous academics, and family responsibilities hasn’t been easy. During my mom’s treatment for stage 4 breast cancer, I became more than a student-athlete, I became a caretaker, a second parent to my younger sister, and the emotional backbone of my household. Juggling practices, AP classes, and hospital visits taught me resilience in a way no game or performance ever could. It also taught me that strength isn’t always loud, it’s sometimes the quiet decision to keep going. Through these experiences, I’ve grown into a stronger young woman, one who is unafraid to lead, to speak up, and to challenge expectations. Whether I’m advocating for others as vice president of National Honor Society, coordinating service projects through California Scholarship Federation, or just mentoring a teammate who’s struggling, I carry the lessons I’ve learned in movement, both athletic and artistic. In a world that often centers male voices, whether in engineering, athletics, or leadership, it’s easy for girls to feel like they have to prove their place. But I’ve learned that I don’t need to shout to be heard. I don’t need to choose between softness and strength. I am both the athlete charging down the court and the dancer telling a story with her hands. I’ve learned how to own my space, and I intend to keep expanding it, for myself and for the girls who come after me.

I like to think of my life as a full-court press, constant motion, strategic decisions, and pressure that tests not only your skills, but your resilience. As a student-athlete, I’ve lived this metaphor both on and off the court. Every season, every school year, every personal challenge has felt like another quarter in the game. And in each one, I’ve learned how to show up, lead, and push through. Basketball has been a core part of my high school experience. From the moment I made the team as a freshman, I knew I wanted to give it everything. That year, I was honored to be named freshman captain, an unexpected responsibility, but one I embraced with full effort. I didn’t have seniority or years of experience, but I had heart, hustle, and the trust of my teammates. Whether it was calling out plays, lifting team morale after a loss, or encouraging others during tough practices, I grew into a leader by showing that I wasn’t afraid to put in the work first. Off the court, I carried that same drive. As I advanced in high school, I took on leadership roles in National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation, planning events, mentoring peers, and leading volunteer efforts. Managing practices, meetings, and AP classes wasn’t always easy, but like in basketball, I learned to stay focused under pressure. I scheduled my days like drills, every block of time with purpose, every task part of a bigger play. But the toughest quarter I’ve faced didn’t take place on a court or in a classroom. It happened at home, when my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Overnight, my priorities shifted. I became a second parent to my younger sister, driving her to school, helping with homework, and making sure our home still felt steady. Some days, I would go from morning practice to AP classes, then head straight to the hospital. It was exhausting, but I never gave up. I couldn’t. My mom was fighting her battle with unshakable strength. The least I could do was fight for my responsibilities with the same kind of heart. That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through when things get hard, it’s about doing so with purpose. It’s about adjusting your play when the game changes. And most of all, it’s about never quitting on the people who count on you. Now, as I prepare for college, I bring with me the mindset of a full-court press: always active, always focused, and always committed. Whether I’m building connections in the classroom or working toward meaningful change in my community, I know how to be a teammate, a leader, and someone who doesn’t back down when things get tough. Because life, like basketball, is a game of pressure. And I’ve learned how to thrive in it.

As a child, I would follow my mom around her construction sites, my oversized safety helmet slipping down over my eyes as I tried to keep up. A civil engineer, she moved through the dusty roads and scaffolding with a confidence that fascinated me. While others saw her work as concrete and steel, I saw the deeper impact—she was shaping communities, turning blueprints into homes, roads, and bridges that people relied on every day. Those early experiences planted the seed of my passion for civil engineering, a field where I could merge my love for problem-solving with my desire to make a tangible impact on the world. This passion became even more personal when I visited family in India. My cousin and I, despite our close bond, often debated our differing perspectives—his shaped by growing up in India and mine as a first-generation American. But one contrast between our worlds was undeniable: infrastructure. While I walked on stable sidewalks and enjoyed reliable electricity, he carefully avoided potholes and dealt with frequent power outages. Witnessing these disparities firsthand made me realize that engineering is not just about construction—it’s about providing people with the resources they need to thrive. I want to use my knowledge of civil engineering to develop sustainable, resilient infrastructure in underserved communities. At UT Austin’s My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) program, I explored real-world applications of engineering, from water filtration to eco-friendly construction materials. However, I know that technical knowledge alone isn’t enough. True impact requires collaboration, hands-on work, and an understanding of how engineering intersects with economics and policy. That is why I plan to join Engineers Without Borders (EWB) in college, working directly with communities to develop infrastructure solutions that are both effective and sustainable. Beyond my career, I believe in the power of direct action. My leadership roles in the National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation have reinforced my commitment to service. From tutoring underprivileged students to fundraising for nonprofits, I’ve seen how grassroots efforts can create real change. In college, I hope to continue this work by collaborating with organizations focused on infrastructure development and community resilience. Engineering is more than just designing buildings—it’s about ensuring that progress is accessible to all. Whether it’s building flood-resistant homes or improving access to clean water, I want my work to create a lasting, positive impact. Just as my mom once shaped the world around her, I hope to do the same—only now, with a safety helmet that finally fits.

My parents came to the land of the free with nothing. Like many immigrants, they came in search of opportunities to live a better life and to provide my sister and I with the best possible future. They worked extremely hard, building a foundation to give two Indian girls everything and teach us the value of hard work. We learned that nothing in life comes easy and that you have to face hurdles for every good thing that happens. The biggest hurdle of all was when my mom was diagnosed with cancer – the small, everyday things seemed trivial. Doctor visits and treatment plans took over. Rather than sulking, I felt the need to do something meaningful. Taking on the role of planning committee lead for our Relay for Life walkathon became my way of channeling this need into action. I wanted to make this event a success. Our team considered many factors, such as securing sponsors, rallying volunteers, and creating an unforgettable experience. This walk was more than a fundraiser; it was a tribute to hope and resilience. The most powerful part was designing the Luminaria Ceremony. As we placed candles around the track, each light symbolized someone’s battle with cancer. We created a space for grief and healing, transforming pain into a sense of home and building collective strength and coalitions in our community. Playing a role like this for Relay for Life was more than a tribute to my mother—it was a reminder of how, even in life’s most challenging battles, we can find light in unity. I was blessed to be the planning lead throughout high school, shaping my desire to pursue a future where I can drive meaningful change and unite people to support one another. Personal development and understanding are central to my undertakings, shaping who I am and what I do for my community. As a California resident, I’ve been inspired by the state's goal to "Make Conservation a California Way of Life." Determined to contribute to this cause, I collaborated with my local water district to develop water budgets for the irrigable areas of Central Park and my high school. With the goal to include high-consumption sites, I provided my data to the water district for future use. These calculations—figures and findings penciled onto my own sheet—taught me valuable lessons in civil engineering, especially important in a state where every drop of water matters. These marks aren’t just pencil, but pen – an etching for my future. I plan on pursuing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering with a minor in business/economics at the University of California institution. I hope to travel around the world and create shelters for those less fortunate, as I have been able to witness poverty first-hand in so many countries

Basketball has been the driving force behind my growth as both an athlete and a leader. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills through countless hours of practice, pushing myself to excel on the court and contribute meaningfully to my team. Whether it’s leading in assists, improving my defensive game, or stepping up in clutch moments, I’ve embraced the challenges that come with competitive play. I’ve been recognized for my contributions through team awards, being named varsity team captain as a freshmen, and earning the trust of my coaches and teammates to guide us through tough games. But basketball is about more than personal achievements—it’s about teamwork and character. As a player, I’ve learned the value of communication, resilience, and showing up for others even when the odds are against us. These lessons extend into my leadership roles as president of the California Scholarship Federation and vice president of the National Honor Society, where I strive to inspire others with the same determination and collaborative spirit I bring to the court. Service has also been a cornerstone of my journey. Inspired by my mom’s battle with stage 4 breast cancer, I led the planning committee for a Relay for Life walkathon and fundraised for the Sukritham Girls Home. These efforts, much like basketball, taught me the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and staying focused on the bigger picture. As a child, I was always captivated by the process of creation—of building—of creating something functional out of disparate pieces. While most saw toys, I saw blueprints waiting to be realized. However, when I outwardly expressed my interest in engineering as I grew older, most responses were accompanied by hesitation. “Have you ever considered medicine or education?” The signs were there all along. In 3rd grade, I took on the daunting marshmallow-and-spaghetti tower project, analyzing how small changes significantly impacted its stability. In 7th grade, I built a bridge for my final project, exhilarated when my design held the most weight in the class. In high school, the ACE program allowed me to sharpen my technical and creative skills as I explored budgeting material usage and proposed a potential redesign for a freeway interchange. These moments cemented my fascination with civil engineering, which I see as more than a profession—it’s a responsibility. Civil engineering determines the places where we work, live, and connect. From the roads we drive on and the water we drink, I am drawn to the opportunity to solve tangible, real-world problems while encouraging equity and sustainability for future generations. Through my athletic accomplishments, service, and educational aspirations, I’ve learned that success comes from dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to growth. With this scholarship, I will carry forward these lessons to create a future defined by purpose and impact.

My parents came to the land of the free with nothing. Like many immigrants, they came in search of opportunities to live a better life and to provide my sister and I with the best possible future. They worked extremely hard, building a foundation to give two girls everything and teach us the value of hard work. We learned that nothing in life comes easy and that you have to face hurdles for every good thing that happens. The biggest hurdle of all was when my mom was diagnosed with cancer – the small, everyday things seemed trivial. Doctor visits and treatment plans took over. Rather than sulking, I felt the need to do something meaningful. Taking on the role of planning committee lead for our Relay for Life walkathon became my way of channeling this need into action. I wanted to make this event a success. Our team considered many factors, such as securing sponsors, rallying volunteers, and creating an unforgettable experience. This walk was more than a fundraiser; it was a tribute to hope and resilience. The most powerful part was designing the Luminaria Ceremony. As we placed candles around the track, each light symbolized someone’s battle with cancer. We created a space for grief and healing, transforming pain into a sense of home and building collective strength and coalitions in our community. Additionally, as a child, I was always captivated by the process of creation—of building—of creating something functional out of disparate pieces. While most saw toys, I saw blueprints waiting to be realized. However, when I outwardly expressed my interest in engineering as I grew older, most responses were accompanied by hesitation. “Have you ever considered medicine or education?” The signs were there all along. In 3rd grade, I took on the daunting marshmallow-and-spaghetti tower project, analyzing how small changes significantly impacted its stability. In 7th grade, I built a bridge for my final project, exhilarated when my design held the most weight in the class. In high school, the ACE program allowed me to sharpen my technical and creative skills as I explored budgeting material usage and proposed a potential redesign for a freeway interchange. These moments cemented my fascination with civil engineering, which I see as more than a profession—it’s a responsibility. Civil engineering determines the places where we work, live, and connect. From the roads we drive on and the water we drink, I am drawn to the opportunity to solve tangible, real-world problems while encouraging equity and sustainability for future generations.

Hello! My name is Swetha and I am currently a high school junior. As my four years are slowly coming to an end, I am in the process of planning out my future goals. I plan on majoring in Civil Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. UC Berkeley has been my dream college since I was in 6th grade and it would be such an honor and incredible opportunity to attend this university. Adversity is something that has been faced by all of us in some way or another. In forms such as difficult news or a challenging relationship. Though many view adversity as a negative experience, adversity brings out the best in us. Helping us to grow and learn, to develop new skills and strengths, and to become more compassionate and understanding people. Adversity is denotationally defined as difficulties and misfortune; however, I view adversity as a challenging experience that betters us as a whole. When I was around 10 years old, my mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, and it came as a shock because there had been no previous knowledge of cancer in our family. My parents were immigrants from India and came to the United States to create new opportunities for my sister and me. They have diligently strived to build the most perfect lives that two little Indian girls could dream of. This news had truly and utterly broken us. The moment my mom told me, my mind started racing. Anxiety, panic, and sadness entered my head before I went to bed every night. Before I even knew about the phrase mental health, I was racked with emotions that did not adhere to who I was as a person, even at a young age. We talked, we cried, it hurt but we found ways to fight it and mustered up the faith and courage to jump over the impossibly large hurdle that was placed in front of us. Adversity helped me build resilience and allowed us to bounce back from this situation. I was taught how to cope with stress, build healthy and positive coping mechanisms, and develop useful problem-solving skills. I coped with these difficulties through meditation, spending time with family, and playing basketball. This was something that I feel like nobody should have had to face at such a young age however, it led to my personal growth by clearly defining my values and goals. When faced with a challenging situation, I was forced to confront my fears and overcome my weaknesses. My mom’s diagnosis gave me a new perspective on life. I gained a new appreciation for the things that were most important to me, such as family, friends, health, and overall happiness, and this allowed me to prioritize what is truly valuable in life. In situations where we face adversity, it is very easy to give up hope and pity the predicament that we are placed in, however, it is so important that we rise and fight it head-on. I always live by and continue to live by one motto: everything happens for a reason. I feel that we have grown together as a family, and I have grown as a person. The process of supporting a loved one through cancer treatment is a transformative experience that leads to a deeper appreciation for the preciousness of life. Though for many, adversity is a misfortune, it has molded me into a better person and has taught me how to cope with stress which I carried on to other tense times.

Music has always been such an immense part of my life. It has taught me so much more about my culture as well as the differences between generations. I participate in classical dance as well as classical singing. When singing, vocal pitching is an integral part of connecting with the songs that you sing. To ensure that I am singing in the correct pitch, my music guru introduced me to an electronic shruti box 11 years ago. A shruti box is an instrument, that originated from the Indian subcontinent. It is similar to a harmonium and is used to help tune the voice. In the late 1900s, musicians utilized the sounds of a shruti box through carved instruments. Today, with a push of a button, the shruti box lets out a drone that assists the musical endeavors of vocalists as well as other instrumentalists. This device inspires me in so many ways. When I think of the morals and lessons that I have learned from music taught me, the list goes on and on. In a funny, yet true way, the shruti box taught me discipline. If I am off-pitch, the song that I am singing would lose its divinity and I would know when to restart. There will always be technical reasons as to why technology will better the world. Technology will make our lives easier, introduce more efficient ways of communication, etc. However, I feel as though we, the younger generations, do not think about how technology allows us to reach into our past and learn so much more about ourselves and the culture that surrounds us. Understanding who we are and where we come from creates our desire to spread our knowledge to succeeding generations. As a young Indian girl, I was often confused and ashamed of my culture as there was nobody around me to whom I could relate. Starting to learn music introduced me to the beauty of Carnatic music and mostly, my culture. Something as simple as an electronic box that tunes my voice taught me how technology connects us to our past, present, and future.

With both of my engineering parents, the subject is something that has permanently been imprinted on me since I was little. People have always told me to do/be something different. "Your parents are already engineers. Do something different. Be a doctor or maybe a lawyer." I listened to those people for a while, trying to find interest in medicine or debating. However, these things never struck a chord in my heart or mind. Around 8th grade, I was getting more and more questions about what my future would look like. I always knew that engineering was never an option that would disappear and I noticed more and more interests within myself that were linked to the study of engineering. Joining a STEM club was something that I always thought was nerdy and a waste of time, however, looking back I realize that this club fueled my desires and solidified what I wanted to do. On a different note, my family is from India, however, I was born and raised in California. I have visited India many times because my close relatives reside there. It is no secret that India is filled with poverty and deprivation that is beyond what we see in the US. However, many things that I have seen have stayed in my mind no matter the years that pass. While stopped at an intersection, I would see a mother with her young baby wrapped around her chest with two other children following her. She is trying to sell a cheap toy for not even 1 dollar. I cannot help but wonder, why are they in this situation? What can I do to get them out of this situation? No one deserves to be in a situation where they feel the need to beg to satisfy their basic needs. Currently, I am a high school sophomore, and after I graduate, I plan to go to college majoring in engineering and minoring in business administration and management. Last year, I took a Business course at my local community college and it brought out an interest that I never thought I had. Management was something that I knew had to be included in whatever I choose to pursue. Organization, the ability to work as a team, and leading were qualities needed to run a business and I realized that I had those qualities within myself. With my knowledge in engineering and business, I foresee myself working toward becoming an owner of an engineering company. My vision is to have a company that works in underprivileged areas and builds affordable and sustainable small shelters for homeless families. Writing this mini-essay excites me for my future and what I will be doing for people who need help getting the life that they deserve.

Growing up, I found myself to be the person and the student who yearns for a solution to every doubt in my little world or the girl to challenge every claim and try to offer a better explanation. "Are you sure we couldn't build it a little higher?" I asked my classmate as we built a spaghetti and marshmallow tower in 3rd grade. My classmate rejected my idea; however, I went along with it. Granted, the tower did fall quickly after I added my additional layer but recognizing these small memories from the past constantly reminds me of how much I want to pursue engineering for the rest of my life. I am a sophomore in high school, and I genuinely appreciate the many opportunities to showcase each person's talent. It also brings me delight to volunteer, as helping people in underprivileged societies is something that brings great joy to my life. I have volunteered at Path of Life Ministries, a homeless shelter. I have gone there on multiple occasions to cook and serve food to the residents. Also, I am a youth volunteer at an organization called "Karmodaya." It is a non-profit organization that seeks to offer services to communities so they can have equal opportunities and resources needed to attain their potential for fulfilling lives. I was also introduced to Sukritham Girls' Home in India. They are a home for girls who come from unsupportive or unlivable backgrounds. I was able to fundraise and visit them this past summer in India and felt immense happiness while talking and interacting with the children. I would love to use my passion for engineering to fuel my love for supporting underprivileged communities. My parents are engineers and work for water companies. Because of this, I have been surrounded by analytics and strategic thinking, that engineering requires. I have attended multiple events at my parents' work, guiding me on which career path to follow. An occasion, in particular, was an Earth Day event; a small booth had a miniature model of a suspension bridge with beams and cables. I was genuinely amazed and had many questions, helping me realize that I should strive for a career in civil engineering. As I grew older and took classes such as Physics and Advanced Math, I knew how much I enjoyed and had a passion for engineering.