Pledge Class: Alpha Kappa
Year of Graduation: 2017
Major: Electrical Engineering
What do you hope to do when you graduate from Cal Poly?
I have always had a deep interest in robotics and space exploration ever since I could remember. When I graduate from Cal Poly, I aspire to design and build projects with a team that either solves problems or does research and development for a company in the space exploration field. However, it’s important to me with whatever I end up doing after college that I am helping others and somehow improving our society.
What did you end up doing last summer?
Last summer, I worked for National Student Leadership Conference's Engineering Program for high school students. With four different groups of students throughout the summer, I taught basic engineering principles and introduced the different fields of engineering they could possibly go into. The program has a strong emphasis on building leaders and about the different types of leadership. I used my experience that I have gained from joining AKPsi to teach the different ways of being a leader. The most important lesson I learned this summer was that it is possible to have a job that you love and are passionate about.
What is a long term goal that you hope to eventually accomplish one day?
A long term goal of mine is to make an impact towards increasing the youth’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This is important to me because I feel that there are many people out there who could work in these fields but they are either discouraged or believe false information about these fields. I believe that there are very capable people who could major in the fields. It just takes hours of hard work, determination, and dedication. My goal is to start a program or create something that will inspire the youth to take interest in these fields.
How has AKPsi shaped your career?
Because of AKPsi, I have gained more confidence in myself. I am no longer afraid to introduce myself to other people and hold a conversation. This has greatly helped me at careers fairs and interviews because it is essential to have strong communication skills. AKPsi has shaped me into the leader I am today. I have learned more about myself regarding my personality and way of thinking which has developed my leadership style. I utilize my leadership style with class projects as well as with the job I had this past summer. I have learned numerous life lessons and skills from AKPsi, and it will continue to shape my career and future.
Favorite memory of AKPsi?
My favorite memory of AKPsi is when I attended Alumni To Go in San Francisco last spring. It was a great experience because I was able to reconnect with brothers who had graduated and meet other alumni from our chapter. We ate at a small restaurant on a pier and all sat at a long table sharing stories and memories with each other. We also visited Santa Clara University’s chapter to meet other brothers. This trip was not only great for networking, but we also had some great brotherhood bonding moments too. This is my favorite memory because it was my first AKPsi event I attended as a newly initiated brother and all my brothers were so welcoming to me.