My dream for college was to create a home away from home. I did not want to just go to classes and do homework but immerse myself in a new place and grow as an individual while staying true to myself. I chose Texas A&M University for many reasons, but the main three were: location, student organizations, and a good college of engineering ranking.

I am the oldest of three and my youngest brother is ten years old. He is attached to me, and it was important that I stayed close enough to visit often. I did not want to miss him growing up and lose my relationship with him. I wanted to be within a distance that allowed me to take a daytrip, come watch his piano concerts, and still be present in his life. Family is important to me. My parents always worked hard to put me in various extracurriculars, give me lot of exposure, and make sure I was developing into a responsible young adult. They have invested a lot of time and care into my brothers and I, so I wanted to repay them by working hard in school and visiting them so they could have peace of mind that I was doing well.

Additionally, having a variety of student organizations was important to me because it meant the opportunity to make friends, expand my resume and get experience in a leadership role. My schoolwork is important, but I wanted to prove to companies that I am well rounded, can work in a team setting, and am a good leader. I was sure that getting involved would bring balance to my everyday life and allow me to grow professionally. This was also crucial to building connections that would make a home in college as well as gathering the support to make it through such a rigorous major.
Finally, one of the main reasons I chose my university is because it has one of the best engineering programs in the country. Not only does it look good to companies that I graduated from one of the best engineering schools, but it also means having access to good professors, equipment and internship opportunities. I have attended career fairs, conferences and industry nights that have helped me land two internships and my on-campus job. I am receiving an exceptional education, I am being supported, and I am proud to attend my university.

Although it is only my second year, I am happy that I made the right decision choosing Texas A&M, and I am creating a home in College Station. College is more than just going to school; it is a fantastic opportunity to form your own identity. I have been able to continue dedicating time to my family, I have gotten involved with a variety of student organizations (as well as becoming an officer), and I am working hard to earn my aggie ring and the title of being an aggie engineer. With my family’s support, access to extracurriculars, and a strong engineering program, I am confident I have everything I need to be successful. These four years are a time of opportunity and growth for me that I am so grateful to have the privilege to enjoy.