Major: Computer Engineering
Hometown: Joliet, Montana
What made you choose engineering?
I really enjoy spending my time trying to figure out how certain things work. When I was younger, I would go around looking for old electronics to take apart in an attempt to understand them better. I also enjoy the process of taking a cool idea and spending time building and perfecting it until it’s a tangible object in front of me. It’s exciting when that thing is so complex that I previously thought it was well beyond my understanding, but now I can look at it and think, “I built that.”
Where do you like to hang out on campus?
The outdoor spaces on campus like the Plant Conservatory or Centennial Lawn are some of my favorites. They’re great places to study or just relax with friends between classes.
What are your hobbies?
Making music is one of my favorite things to do in my spare time. I’ve been playing the saxophone since I was in the fifth grade, which also happens to be the instrument I play in Mustang Band. I enjoy trying to learn new instruments and making music with friends. At the same time, I’ve been playing ice hockey with my family since I was a kid and look forward to it every time I’m home for winter break.
What has been your favorite class and why?
I think that would have to be digital design. It was the first class I took that felt like “computer engineering,” and it really helped me get a grasp on some of the basic understanding of how computers work. Not only was it interesting to see how our everyday devices work on such a low level, but it was also exciting to get the chance to take what I learned in the class and have the freedom to make whatever I wanted for the final project.
What do you think engineering’s biggest impact on the world will be in the future?
I think that the greatest impact on the world will come from a choice to use engineering to prioritize sustainability. We’ve seen the power of using engineering to solve short-term problems in the past few decades; engineering could have an even more powerful impact with more sustainable solutions, especially as we start to see the long-term effects of our choices as humans.
Describe your experience in the Cal Poly marching band.
Joining Mustang Band has been a super positive experience for me. It’s been a lot of fun, and it helps to keep music an integral part of my life. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by hundreds of people who all just want to make good music, which means I always look forward to it.
What are the challenges of being in band while balancing your school courses, and how are you overcoming them?
Choosing how to spend my time is definitely a challenge. Both engineering and Mustang Band are time consuming, so it can be difficult to strike a balance between the two. However, I’ve been able to do that by being mindful of how my time is spent and setting aside dedicated time for everything I need to do. It’s also helpful that the band leadership and directors understand that and are willing to work with us as band members to allow us to succeed in both our courses and extracurriculars.
