Global Awareness:
As an Asian American, I am passionate about diversity. The STEM field is predominated by males. As a female engineer, I strive to encourage women to pursue their interests regardless of stereotypes. I am an active member of the Society of Women in Engineering. We host monthly meetings and a variety of events to celebrate women in the STEM field and inspire the next generation. During my first year, I was a pen pal with a highschooler. I helped answer her questions about the STEM field, what it was like to be a women in the STEM field, and the college experience.
I hope to study abroad during my time in college.
Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment:
I have always pursued academic excellence. In the fall semester of my first year, I took three honors courses: Math 2162.2 (Accelerated Calculus II for Honors Engineers), Chem 1910H (Honors Chemistry I), Engr 1281.01H (Fundamentals of Engineering Honors). In the spring semester, I took Engr 1282.01H (Fundamentals of Engineering: Robotics), Physics 1250, and Chem 1220. In every class, I devoted myself to achieving my best performance. Engr 1282.01H was especially rigorous but rewarding. In a team of four, I led as the project manager to develop a robot prototype to carry out necessary tasks. The scenario given took place in “Carmen’s Diner”. The robot must be able to perform basic restaurant tasks. The prototype was designed from scratch and programmed using a Proteus by the team.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement:
Be an Engineer for a Day with SWE (2/8/2020)
I volunteered for the Be an Engineer for a Day with SWE. During this event, the volunteers set up booths to teach 2nd and 3rd grade Girl Scouts about the many disciplines of engineering. Station leaders decided which discipline of engineering their booth would be dedicated to, designed their own activity, ensured the activity to fit within the budget, and led the Girl Scouts and other volunteers through their booth. I volunteered to be a station leader and designed “Chemical Reactions in a Snow Globe” to teach the Girl Scouts about chemical engineering. Throughout the event, I directed my peer volunteers at my station, introduced chemical engineering to the Girl Scouts, and guided them through the activity.
This event had a profound effect on me. In college, I seize every opportunity to volunteer with the Society of Women in Engineering. I want to inspire young girls in STEM and encourage them to pursue a path that traditionally was not as accepting as women. After leading that station, I gained more insight on what it means to be a leader. Unexpected problems arose during the event and having to deal with the issue quickly and efficiently required a clear head and creative thinking. Additionally, I loved the freedom — even if it was scary at times — of being able entrusted with an entire station. I was blessed to be able to work with my peer volunteers and the Girl Scouts. The most rewarding experience of the event was when a Girl Scout said that she had really liked my activity and hoped to see me at the event again next year. I had hoped to make a difference when I volunteered but I hadn’t realized just how deeply we could inspire the next generation.