2025-2026

This past year challenged me in ways I did not expect, but it also gave me confidence in myself that I had been missing. There were times during the fall semester when I felt like I was barely making it through. Balancing difficult classes with everything else I had committed to was overwhelming, and I found myself questioning whether I was capable of keeping up. Looking back now, I am proud that I continued to push forward even when it was difficult. That semester taught me resilience and reminded me that growth often happens during the hardest seasons.

One of the most impactful experiences this year was my co-op with Messer Construction. Working on an active job site gave me a completely different perspective on architectural engineering. In school, it is easy to focus on calculations, drawings, and technical knowledge, but my co-op showed me that the profession is just as much about people and communication. Every day required coordination between engineers, superintendents, subcontractors, and owners. Seeing how successful projects depend on clear communication reinforced why these skills are just as important as technical ability. This experience also strengthened my desire to become an Air Force Civil Engineer, where technical knowledge and leadership go hand in hand.

Outside of work, I had the opportunity to participate in the Global Technical Workforce program in Ghana. Visiting universities, communities, and local organizations gave me a greater appreciation for how people adapt to challenges using the resources available to them. The experience reminded me that engineering solutions are never one-size-fits-all and that understanding people and their communities is essential to creating meaningful, sustainable solutions.

This year also gave me the opportunity to step into new leadership roles in AFROTC. Being selected as Cadet Wing Commander was an honor, but more importantly, it showed me that others saw leadership qualities in me that I was only beginning to recognize in myself. It gave me the confidence to trust my judgment while continuing to seek input from those around me.

Looking ahead to the coming year, my biggest goal is to focus on quality over quantity. I have a tendency to become involved in as many opportunities as possible, but I have learned that being fully invested in a few meaningful commitments allows me to make a greater impact than spreading myself too thin. I want to continue learning from the mentors around me, become a more accountable leader, and further develop the communication and technical skills that will prepare me to serve as both an architectural engineer and an Air Force officer.