[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”19901″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]I had never been to Auburn before deciding to make a visit to the campus my senior year of high school. I remember driving on Highway 280 and getting excited as I saw the paw prints on signs as we approached. Once on campus, I was hooked and knew it was the place for me. The hometown feel, friendly people, and beautiful campus were what I had dreamed of for my college experience.
Encouraged by my father, who was a mechanical engineer, I went into civil engineering. After four years of studies, I had never been more proud to walk across that stage and receive my diploma. Being a woman engineer and being fortunate to have wonderful mentors myself , I feel it’s my duty to encourage girls to explore STEM careers, particularly engineering. Visiting area schools, being a resource on the Engineer Girl website, participating in E Week activities, and hosting “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” are some of the great ways me and several co-workers connect with students in our community.
Auburn was more than a school to me, it was the place where I grew up, found great friends who helped shape me into the person I am today, and will forever hold a place in my heart. When I walk back on campus now, I still get those same feelings I did as a high school senior visiting for my first time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]