SanJuana is an Honors College student and she participates in the Engineering Career Awareness program.
Why did you choose the U of A?
I was born and raised in Dallas but I moved to Fayetteville for my last two years of high school. I originally wanted to go back to texas for college but I fell in love with the campus here. The summer before my senior year of high school, I attended the Engineering Summer Academy, ESA. It sparked my interest in engineering and pursuing it at the University of Arkansas.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose chemical engineering because it has a really diverse field. You can go into energy, consumer products, and much more. i like having so much to choose from. I don’t have to make a decision now and I can change my mind later in life if i want to.
What are your future plans and how did your college experience shape them?
I think i want to work in sustainability and I know I want to go to graduate school. I’m not sure what I want to get my master’s in yet but I want to continue my education.
Have you had an outstanding faculty member influence your time here?
The assistant dean, Thomas Carter III, has helped me and everyone else in the ECAP program a ton, whether it’s with homework, real life issues, and finding research opportunities throughout the year. He’s like the father of the ECAP program. If we have anything on our minds, he’s there for us. He’s been through what we’re going through so he gives great advice.
Do you have any words of wisdom for your fellow students?
I would say, take the time to appreciate the small things. Sometimes it gets crazy with school and you’re sleepy and have tests but take a moment to appreciate those that help you out, enjoy campus, and take a breather. It’s important to stop and count your blessings. Also, get involved because the people you meet here will be your friends for a lifetime.
Tell us something unusual, surprising, or fun about yourself
I went to both the engineering national conferences – SHIP in baltimore and NSBE in Boston.