Hometown: Sparks, Nev.
Biomedical Engineering major (class of 2023)

What got you interested in engineering?

Growing up I was always really interested in mathematics and science classes. I enjoyed stem classes and knew that's what I wanted to work with when I was older. When I graduated high school, I was not entirely sure as to what I wanted to study in college. I chose engineering because I have always liked a challenge and believed it was something I could use to make an impact on the world. More specifically, I chose Biomedical Engineering because the idea of using engineering concepts towards medicine and the human body is exactly what I want to do.

What impact do you hope to have through your engineering career?

One thing that I know for sure about myself is that I want to help others. With engineering, I hope to help the lives of others or make it easier for those in need. I hope to help create solutions towards health issues we have in the world but more importantly help make it more affordable for those who need it. Another impact I wish to have is to help inspire minorities to show that being an engineer is possible.

What does the CREATE program mean to you?

The CREATE program means everything to me. As a first-generation student, I had no idea what I was doing when I began college. CREATE helped make me feel so much more comfortable and showed me that I am capable being an engineer. This program also provides me with information about internships and research opportunities that I would have never known about. Create has also surrounded me with some of the most intelligent and talented people I have ever met. I am big on the saying that "You are who you surround yourself with" and being in this program motivates me to work even harder.

In what ways has your peer mentor helped you?

Steffany Yang has helped me immensely! My Freshman year when I was struggling with some classes, she helped calm me down. She was a huge part in helping me adjust to the switch from high school to a university. Not only that, she helped me get involved in some extracurriculars that I would have never even thought about doing. She checks in on us all the time and it's not always about school, sometimes we just talk about life and all the stuff we have going on outside of our academics. She's become more of a friend than just a mentor.

What advice would you give someone looking to follow in your footsteps?

My advice would be to dream big, that's what dreams are for. If you need any sort of inspiration; I grew up from nothing. My parents came to this country as immigrants with nothing besides the clothes on their backs. Neither of my parents graduated high school. Growing up my dad worked two jobs--working in a factory and cleaning offices--to barely be able to afford bills. I wasn't as fortunate as other kids and I was never the best at anything. But what I do have is a drive. One thing my father did teach me was that I was going to have to work hard for what I want. I've gotten to where I am by working hard and having faith in myself. So, believe in yourself as that's the only opinion that matters.