International Paper, Mansfield, LA, Summer & Fall 2019
Why did you choose Paper Science and Engineering (PSE)?
What drew me into PSE was definitely the scholarship opportunities coupled with low student indebtedness and a 100% job placement rate! I really like to overthink decisions that I make, so the statistics backing the program made it a no-brainer. Coming into college, I knew I wanted to do engineering and thought I would enjoy something “bio-based” with a focus on sustainability so the PSE degree was a perfect fit.
What is your favorite thing about Paper Science and Engineering?
My favorite thing about PSE is the familyaspect that such a small program can offer. I started feeling like the staff truly cared about me as a person, not just a student, before I even started taking classes at NC State, and I can’t even begin to explain how comforting that feeling is. Additionally, all of the students having to take the same classes and working together in the summers makes the group super tight-knit, which is all you could ask for out of a college experience.
What is your favorite thing about NC State?
My favorite thing about NC State is the community. Whether it be a football game or a chemistry test, you can count on someone from the NC State community to help make your experience better. I felt like I was always able to ask people in my classes for help, and there wasn’t the toxic competitive atmosphere you hear about at other universities.
What advice would you offer to an incoming freshman?
If I could give any advice to an incoming freshman, it would be to not be afraid to be outgoing and reach out of your comfort zone as soon as you set foot on campus. The more connections you make early in your college experience, the easier things will be. I don’t want to scare anyone, but college will challenge you and you will want a good support group to help you get through it!
Who has been your favorite professor?
My favorite professor is Dr. Jameel because of his witty jokes and interactive teaching style.
What is your favorite extra-curricular activity?
My favorite extra curricular activity is the Chi Alpha bible study! This is my favorite extra curricular because it has surrounded me with like-minded individuals and truly pushed me to grow in my personal relationship with Christ, which was one of my main goals of my four years in college. Additionally, the events that we frequently had were a springboard to fun memories with great friends! The people I met were a great support system immediately after joining.
What has been the biggest obstacle you faced so far?
The biggest obstacle that I have faced since coming to college has been attempting to maintain my mental health. I have always tried to come off as the person who has it all together at school and at home, but the truth is I rarely had both at the same time, and trying to save face often left me being neglectful of myself. Outside of cramming the dual degree into 7 semesters, which is already enough to drive a person insane, I have had a lot going on with my family that has shaped how I have had to navigate college. My mom has been in and out of the hospital leading to me taking time to help her and the family. My dad suffered an injury and can’t work, so I started working part-time to send money back home. I had a major back surgery. I had family taken away. I had lots of things happen where I really needed to take a break, but I felt the need to show to everyone that I could be strong and didn’t need help and that I could still push through classes without it. Going through this thinking I was a failure if I slipped up was the hardest thing I think I will ever do.
