Civil engineering is a field that touches almost every aspect of daily life, from the roads we travel on to the buildings that house us and the bridges that connect us. To me, civil engineering represents the blend of creativity, practicality, and problem-solving that shapes our world. It’s a discipline that isn’t just about building structures, but about creating systems and environments that enhance the quality of life for people everywhere. The significance of civil engineering lies in its direct impact on society’s infrastructure, which is essential for progress and prosperity. Roads, bridges, water supply systems, and even waste management—all of these require the expertise of civil engineers. Civil engineers design these systems to ensure safety, sustainability, and efficiency, which in turn supports economic growth, public health, and environmental stewardship. This is particularly important in today’s world, where rapid urbanization, climate change, and growing populations demand innovative and resilient infrastructure. My passion for civil engineering comes from a personal place—specifically, my dad. He is a civil engineer who specializes in designing asphalt mixes for roads and highways. Growing up, I often saw him work on projects that seemed so intricate and essential, but also incredibly practical. I’d watch him come home and talk about his day—how he solved complex problems related to materials, durability, and cost-effectiveness. He had the ability to take something as simple as a stretch of road and turn it into a vital part of the infrastructure that would serve communities for decades. I’ve become particularly interested in the field of materials science within civil engineering, especially in the area of asphalt and concrete. The thought of being able to contribute to creating stronger, more sustainable materials for infrastructure excites me. Asphalt, for example, is not just a surface to drive on—it’s a carefully designed mixture that needs to perform well under varying conditions, be cost-effective, and minimize environmental impact. I want to be involved in designing these materials that improve both the longevity and sustainability of infrastructure, much like my dad does. The journey to pursuing a career in civil engineering has not always been smooth. There have been challenges, both academic and personal, that have tested my determination. One of the main challenges has been mastering the technical aspects of engineering—especially mathematics and physics—which are critical to understanding the principles behind construction and material design. At times, I’ve struggled to grasp certain concepts, but rather than giving up, I’ve learned to tackle these challenges head-on. I realized that persistence and hard work are just as important as talent when it comes to overcoming obstacles. Every mistake has been an opportunity to learn, and each setback has only deepened my resolve to continue. Looking ahead, I know the field of civil engineering will continue to evolve. There will be new challenges, particularly in terms of developing sustainable materials and solutions that minimize the impact on our environment. These are challenges I’m eager to take on. My dad’s work has shown me that civil engineering is a lifelong learning process, and I’m ready to keep learning, adapting, and contributing to the betterment of society.

My name is Julianne Falcon, and I am an 18 years old Hispanic low-income first-generation student at the University of Alabama majoring in Mechanical Engineering with an Automotive minor. I am also a bilingual student, which I believe gives me an advantage when it comes to working with others in this field. My parents are my main inspiration, they have been able to help and support me my whole life no matter the circumstances presented to them. They motivate me to be like them and work hard so I can make my dreams come true one day. Therefore, even though I miss them daily and wish I was in Puerto Rico with them, I am beyond grateful for all the decisions they have supported like being able to study in the United States. If I could do anything in my life, I would start building up a project I have been focused on for the past 5 years. I would start developing a system in which cars would be able to work with water instead of fuel or electricity, and I believe I would do extremely well due to the technological growth we experience day by day. Ever since I first performed this experiment, I knew it was my life purpose to share it with the world and improve the current climate changes we are living with. I am a firm believer that anything is possible if you put your mind and will into it, and that is exactly what I want to do. The greatest challenge I have overcome is living alone in another country that does not speak my main language and having to adapt without anyone's help, limited money and resources. In addition to having a cultural shock when I first got to the United States from Puerto Rico. I knew I had to practice different ways of overcoming these challenges if I wanted to get a degree at the University of Alabama so during the first weeks here, I started making research on basic things such as what students do to have fun or which places they go to study at. Because I was born in a Hispanic household and know English because I was taught it in school it was easier due get used to how things were in Alabama. And, my knowledge and my desire to achieve my goals, are the reason why I have not given up and do not plan to give up on my dreams and future career aspirations. Paying down my student loans is a great way to free up some extra money in my budget. Once I've paid off my loans, I can redirect those funds toward other financial goals such as saving for retirement, building an emergency fund, or investing in the stock market. By saving for retirement, I can ensure that I have enough money to live comfortably in my golden years. Building an emergency fund can help me avoid taking on debt in the event of unexpected expenses such as medical bills or car repairs. Investing in the stock market can help me grow my wealth over time and achieve my long-term financial goals. Additionally, paying down my student loans can provide me with more freedom to pursue other personal goals such as traveling, renting a place, or even starting a business. By being intentional with my money and using it in a way that aligns with my values and long-term goals, I can create a brighter financial future for myself while also being independent of my parents monetarily.