I chose Illinois because I knew it was very friendly regarding international students and that it offered many resources for them. Also, having played the cello for most of my life, I needed to find a university flexible enough to allow me to participate in music while also majoring in engineering.

Participating in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers has been a very rewarding experience. Being technically an international student, I found it very helpful to belong to this organization during my first year since it allowed me to meet people with similar backgrounds and have a smooth transition to college. In this organization I got to be part of the New Member Roundtable and the Community Service Committee, which helped me develop excellent leadership and planning skills.

As an Industrial Engineering student, I'm all about efficiency, and I love how I can apply the concepts I learn in class to my daily activities. My field is very practical and has a lot of different career paths, so it allows me to explore and find my passion without having to rush.

I joined EA to be able to reach young students - particularly girls and minorities- and build a generation of engineers and scientists that is both balanced and empowered in which they feel capable and motivated to change the world.

Be authentic. Choose a field that you genuinely enjoy regardless of what careers are "needed" right now or are the most profitable. Be sure to do everything with passion and for the right reasons.

Get my Master's degree!