As I reflect on my freshman year, I realize how overwhelming the pressure of gaining experience, maintaining my finances, and exceling in university could be for an 18-year-old. I had no idea where to begin. I applied to numerous job openings on a website affiliated with my university, however, most applications required me to be at minimum: a junior or senior in my degree (I was a freshman) and have relevant experience in the field (I was still taking undergraduate pre-requisite courses). I realized that I was in way over my head, but I didn’t let the intimidation prevent me from reaching my success. I met with my professor, Dr. Dani Fadda, from the previous semester to aid in building my resume and interviewing skills. My professor had multiple years of experience in HVAC, and he taught me the basics of what an HVAC job would inquire. He showed me the methods most firms use, the certain software needed, and important terms. By the end of our meeting, I had a few pages of notes about what I had learned, and he even assigned me homework to do prior to my interviews. After about a month of applying, I received an offer as an intern at Sims Engineering HVAC firm. Within the first couple of months working at this firm, I became fascinated with this new knowledge and the vast industries that mechanical engineering has to offer. From the help of my professor, my research, and my confidence, I interned throughout my undergraduate journey. That was a momentous accomplishment for me, and I am so grateful for the wisdom I received from the hands-on experience so early in my career. Since then, I have remained within this industry and now contain 3 years of experience in HVAC prior to graduation in December 2022. My perseverance sets me apart from my peers as I have steadily worked hard as an employee and full-time student simultaneously. My plan upon graduation is to pass my FE exam and advance in my current position. Then, work for at least a year to save for debts and establish myself at the company. When I decide to start my own engineering firm, I will return to school to study business so that I am better prepared to run a successful company. I know there is a lot of opportunity out in the field, and even more to learn. As a young minority woman in this field, I take honor in representing the underrepresented. My hard work and determination guided me to this point, and I am eager to explore more endeavors within the HVAC industry.

As I reflect on my freshman year, I realize how overwhelming the pressure of gaining experience, maintaining my finances, and excelling in university could be for an 18-year-old. I had no idea where to begin. I applied to numerous job openings on a website affiliated with my university, however, most applications required me to be at minimum: a junior or senior in my degree (I was a freshman) and have relevant experience in the field (I was still taking undergraduate pre-requisite courses). I realized that I was in way over my head, but I didn’t let the intimidation prevent me from reaching my success. I met with my professor, Dr. Dani Fadda, from the previous semester to aid in building my resume and interviewing skills. My professor had multiple years of experience in HVAC, and he taught me the basics of what an HVAC job would inquire. He showed me the methods most firms use, the certain software needed, and important terms. By the end of our meeting, I had a few pages of notes about what I had learned, and he even assigned me homework to do prior to my interviews. After about a month of applying, I received an offer as an intern at Sims Engineering HVAC firm. Within the first couple of months working at this firm, I became fascinated with this new knowledge and the vast industries that mechanical engineering has to offer. With the help of my professor, my research, and my confidence, I interned throughout my undergraduate journey. That was a momentous accomplishment for me, and I am so grateful for the wisdom I received from the hands-on experience so early in my career. Since then, I have remained within this industry and now contain 3 years of experience in HVAC prior to graduation in December 2022. My perseverance sets me apart from my peers as I have steadily worked hard as an employee and full-time student simultaneously. My plan upon graduation is to pass my FE exam and advance in my current position. Then, work for at least a year to save for debts and establish myself at the company. When I decide to start my own engineering firm, I will return to school to study business so that I am better prepared to run a successful company. I know there is a lot of opportunity out in the field, and even more to learn. As a young minority woman in this field, I take honor in representing the underrepresented. My hard work and determination guided me to this point, and I am eager to explore more endeavors within the HVAC industry.