EXPERIENCES

Leadership, applied learning, and academic experiences have all played an important role in shaping my development as a Civil Engineering student. In this field, it is important to not only understand technical concepts, but also to be able to work with others, communicate effectively, and apply knowledge in real world situations.

Each of my LeADERS experiences helped me build skills that support both my academic and professional growth. Through the Leadership Lecture Series at ODU and my involvement in organizations like NAACP, WEPA, and King In You, I developed a better understanding of leadership. I learned that leadership is not just about being in charge, but about setting an example, being consistent, and positively influencing others. One key takeaway was realizing that leadership looks different for everyone, and I can develop my own approach based on my strengths.

My applied learning experiences through internships gave me the opportunity to see how Civil Engineering works outside of the classroom. As a Field Engineer Intern and Site Designer Intern, I worked on real projects involving bridge repairs, inspections, site design, and AutoCAD Civil 3D. These experiences helped me understand how designs connect to real world construction and how important teamwork and attention to detail are on projects.

Through my elective experience, I was able to step outside of my technical courses and focus more on critical thinking and adaptability. This helped me approach problems from different perspectives and understand that not every situation has a single clear solution. This type of thinking is important in engineering, where challenges often require flexibility and creativity. Looking at all of my experiences together, one major theme is growth through discipline and hands-on learning. I realized that I am someone who stays consistent, works hard, and adapts well in new environments.

At the same time, I see that I can continue improving by building more confidence in professional settings and strengthening my technical knowledge. Overall, these experiences have helped shape my identity as a future Civil Engineer. I have developed skills in leadership, problem-solving, and communication that are all important in this field. Moving forward, I plan to apply these skills by continuing to learn, working effectively with teams, and contributing to projects that have a real impact on communities.