Growing up in Salinas, California, I was constantly reminded of the devastation that natural disasters can bring to our communities. From the frequent floods that ravaged our streets and homes to the wildfires that threatened our countryside, I witnessed firsthand the destruction and heartbreak that these events can cause. However, I also saw how these tragedies brought our community together, and how engineers played a crucial role in rebuilding and improving our infrastructure. The inspiration for my pursuit of civil engineering came from my father, who has worked at a structural engineering firm as a project manager for over 15 years. He often talked about his work and how it impacted the community, and I could see the pride he took in his profession. His stories of designing and building bridges, highways, and other critical community projects fascinated me, and I knew that I wanted to follow in his footsteps. As I began my college journey, I was drawn to the civil engineering program at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. I was impressed by the focus on practical applications and the emphasis on using engineering to make a positive impact on society. In my courses, I learned about the different types of infrastructure that are crucial to our communities, from water and sewage systems to transportation networks and public buildings. I also learned about the unique challenges that natural disasters pose to these systems and the critical role that engineers play in mitigating the effects of floods, earthquakes, and other events. As I look toward my future as a civil engineer, I am determined to use my degree to make a difference in the communities that are impacted by natural disasters. I plan to pursue a career in disaster mitigation and response, working to develop and implement strategies that will help communities prepare for and recover from disasters. I hope to use my knowledge of infrastructure design and construction to help create resilient systems that can withstand the forces of nature and minimize the damage caused by floods, earthquakes, and other events. One of the ways I hope to achieve this goal is by working with local government and community organizations to develop disaster response plans that are tailored to the unique needs of different communities. I believe that it is essential to involve community members in these planning processes, as they are often the ones who are most impacted by disasters and have valuable knowledge about their local environment and infrastructure. Another way I hope to make a difference is by working on infrastructure projects that are designed to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. For example, I hope to work on projects that involve building levees or other flood control structures, designing buildings that are resistant to earthquakes or hurricanes, or developing transportation networks that can quickly and efficiently evacuate people from disaster zones. In conclusion, my motivation for pursuing a career in civil engineering stems from my desire to use my skills and knowledge to help communities impacted by natural disasters. Through my education and future career, I hope to play a critical role in developing and implementing strategies that will help mitigate the effects of floods, earthquakes, and other events, and create more resilient communities. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to making a positive impact in the world.

As a first-generation Hispanic, my background has played a significant role in shaping the way I see the world. Growing up in a family with Hispanic roots has instilled values of hard work, resilience, and family unity within me. These values have influenced my perspective on life and shaped the way I approach challenges. My family is originally from Mexico, and we moved to the United States a little while before I was born. My parents worked hard to provide for our family, and I learned from a young age the importance of working hard and striving for success. My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic, emphasizing the value of education as a means of achieving success and upward mobility. Being Hispanic has also made me keenly aware of the social and economic inequalities that exist in our society. I have witnessed firsthand the struggles that many families face in accessing quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Growing up, I saw my parents work tirelessly to make ends meet and provide for our family, often sacrificing their own needs and wants in the process. These experiences have motivated me to work hard and strive for success, not just for myself, but for my family and community as well. As a first-generation college student, I feel a sense of responsibility to succeed and pave the way for future generations. I want to be a role model for my younger siblings and show them that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Additionally, my Hispanic background has instilled a deep appreciation for family and community. Family is an essential part of Hispanic culture, and we place a great deal of emphasis on the importance of maintaining strong family ties. I grew up in a tight-knit family, where we always looked out for each other and supported each other through thick and thin. This sense of family unity has extended beyond my immediate family and has been a part of the broader Hispanic community that I grew up in. This sense of community has taught me the importance of giving back and helping those in need. I have volunteered at local community organizations and charities, helping to serve meals and provide support to families in need. I believe that we all have a responsibility to give back to our communities and help those who are less fortunate. In conclusion, being part of the Hispanic community has shaped the way I see the world in many ways. It has instilled in me a strong work ethic, a sense of responsibility to succeed and give back to my community, and an appreciation for the importance of family and community. These values have motivated me to work hard and strive for success, not just for myself, but for those around me as well. I am proud of my Hispanic heritage and the unique perspective it has given me, and I am excited to see where my journey takes me as I continue to pursue my education and my goals.