Every year since 1st grade there has been some sort of, “Do YOUR part to save the planet” presentation. It was always; take shorter showers, recycle everything and carpool or bike to your destinations. Ever since my family started these small changes, I realized that it would never be enough. While taking Environmental Systems, it came to my attention that the largest problem was coming from factories and huge corporations’ lack of awareness of our delicate environment.

I want to make a change, my goal is to commit myself to being part of the solution.

Becoming an Environmental Engineer is the most critical way to solve any environmental crisis. Due to this matter, it is vital that I find a college that offers that specific degree plan. Throughout my college search it has become increasingly clear that Environmental Engineering is not a common Bachelors degree plan, especially when attempting to stay within my home state of Texas. After my research I have found 2 public schools and 2 private schools that offer the program. During further investigation, no school had a strong environmental based program. As a result, I am looking out of state, which doubles the cost of in-state tuition.

A major component of college selection for me personally is whether the tuition is affordable. The vast stories of student loan debt is horrifying, many people taking decades to pay off student loans or only getting it excused through specific fields. For instance, if a person becomes a teacher for 5 years in a low socioeconomic area they will get all loans forgiven. Where does that put me as a future engineer? My hope is to pay part of it off throughout college with part time jobs, and the rest of my first 8 years of working toward debt. It may seem impossible that it would take such time, but with the rising prices of housing across the country, it makes it incredibly difficult to find affordable rent. The high interest rates confirm the difficulty to get housing and loans. Not only is having a roof over your head an issue but one must also account for paying for gas, health insurance, car insurance, groceries, water and gas bills. All of these future aspects combined account toward my current decision. I firmly believe it is better to set myself up for success with the least amount of debt.

Gaining real world experience and credible connections in the corporate world as soon as possible is necessary in order to be successful in my career. I want to attend a university that provides me with the opportunities to network and expand my horizons. A school that offers many intern options to well known companies is imperative to gain experience within my field. A school with strong Alumni will positively contribute to conversing and creating bonds with successful engineers. Following this, graduating from a prestigious university will give me grounds to prove my validity as an Environmental Engineer. Through a strong environmental program and connections, I will help to change the path of our planet. Learning the key tools to help change the world is paramount to success and the success of our collective future.

Choosing the correct path for myself is not an easy feat, it is mind boggling. It seems as though considering every potential option will drastically change my future, but hopefully with guidance from those I love and trust as well as a clear goal in mind, the correct choice will meet all of the following criteria.