Local Commuter Student Finds Passion in Designing With ‘Purpose’

Long before I knew what engineering was, I was already living it, sketching ideas, building from scratch, and questioning how things could work better. Creativity wasn’t just a hobby; it was my way of solving problems with purpose. That mindset didn’t come out of nowhere. My parents were my biggest inspiration. Their work ethic, encouragement, and belief in doing things with purpose shaped how I see the world.

When I first stepped onto campus at the University of New Haven, I wasn’t just thinking about engineering equations or labs–I was thinking about how to build something that will last. As an Engineering student, I’ve come to see every class, project, and conversation as part of a larger blueprint. Whether I’m solving chemistry problems with Excel, leading a team on a jobsite, or brainstorming tech solutions such as the concept for Where2Park in a business course, I’m driven by one question: how can I make everyday life better through design, clarity, and purpose?

Outside the classroom, I’ve always been drawn to environments where I can learn by doing. Working as a foreman at my high school gave me firsthand experience managing teams, enforcing safety protocols, and making sure every detail was accounted for. That role taught me how to lead with clarity and confidence, skills I now bring into lab settings, group projects, and campus initiatives. Whether I’m double-checking calculations or helping a peer understand a tough concept, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about taking charge. It’s about making sure everyone around you can succeed too.

Being bilingual in English and Spanish has opened up more than just conversations. It’s helped me connect across cultures, collaborate with diverse teams, and explain technical ideas in ways that actually resonate. Whether I’m simplifying a complex concept for a classmate or responding to a peer’s post in a way that sparks deeper discussion, I’ve learned that communication is just as important as calculation. In Engineering, clarity can be the difference between a good idea and a great solution, and I try to bring that mindset into everything I do.

Looking ahead, I see Engineering not just as a career path, but as a way to build systems that serve people: bridges, buildings, and technologies that make life smoother, safer, and more connected. I want to design with purpose, lead with empathy, and keep learning from every challenge. And through it all, I carry the lessons my parents taught me: work hard, stay grounded, and never stop creating. This journey is for them because every blueprint I sketch and every solution I build, started with the foundation they gave me.