Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be an engineer. I was fascinated by building things—whether it was Rubik’s Cubes, Legos, puzzles, or even computers. I learned to solve a Rubik’s Cube in seventh grade after a friend brought one to class and taught me a few basic steps. Instantly intrigued, I knew I wanted one of my own to practice and figure out the solution. My birthday was coming up, and I knew exactly what to ask for. For those who know me, I now have 24 different Rubik’s Cubes, a collection that speaks to my fascination with understanding how things are constructed, how they come apart and fit back together.
Every time I got a new Rubik’s Cube, the first thing I would do is take it apart to see the internal components. Some of the cubes I own have more than 1,000 internal components to make the puzzle spin and create its shape. I would immediately then put all the pieces back together and learn how to solve.
When it was time to enroll for college, I knew I had to choose a school with a reputable engineering program. I chose the University of Oklahoma for the plethora of technology for offshore drilling in the Petroleum Engineering program. While touring the campus, I was one of the first four people to operate their new drilling rig simulator on campus! Fascinated by its inner workings, I thought I was looking at my newest passion, so I enrolled in their Petroleum Engineering program.
My freshman year of school consisted of prerequisite classes with very little engineering focused classes in my schedule. Sophomore year, I enrolled in my first Petroleum Engineering class. I quickly realized I was terrible at them; so much so I thought I had made an awful decision in choosing my major and even contemplated if Engineering was for me altogether.
I had a conversation with my father about the classes on the phone. I remember explaining my struggles and how it just wasn’t sticking in my head. He reminded me that life is sometimes about learning the hard way through experiences. We aren’t going to be good at everything. Sometimes that means changing our focus or finding another way around the struggles.
My parents taught me you have to work hard for the things that you want in life, something I truly learned through witnessing their actions. Neither of my parents were able to go to college and get a degree; however, both have worked all throughout my life. They have held steady careers and have shown that ambition and perseverance can help you grow as an individual and gain the skills needed for any working position. Because of this, I was not ready to quit Engineering.
Following my father’s advice, I knew it wasn’t going to come easy, but I began looking into other Engineering-focused majors, where I found my new passion in civil engineering.
My first position out of college was a Field Engineer for Heavy Civil Construction in Oklahoma. I truly feel this position was one of the best decisions of my career. My day consisted of an assortment of tasks, and I learned a lot about how contractors read and interpret drawings. I learned the basics of field surveying, concrete pours, office calculations and hand drawings, construction timelines, inspections and so much more. Little did I know this position would immensely help with my career moving forward.
In taking that position, I knew one day I would want to design plans. When I moved back to Houston, I used this as an opportunity to switch my focus on my new goal. I had very limited AutoCAD skills, but I saw this new position as an opportunity to work hard and learn something new. Luckily, I was able to translate the skills I learned in the field to help me think out my designs more thoroughly.
How would a Contractor complete the work? Would it be better to approach the design this way? This way of thinking helped me grow as a young engineer and quickly excel.
Today as a Project Manager, I look back at my 10-year career. I look back at the engineering successes, mistakes, obstacles and lessons learned. I also think back to what my father told me in college. Life is sometimes about learning the hard way through experiences. We aren’t going to be good at everything and sometimes that means changing our focus or finding another way around the struggles.
I know that without each experience I have encountered I would not be the engineer I am today. With each challenge, I learned to shift my focus, find another way around it and put the pieces back together. It has shaped me into the professional I am today and continues to teach and grow me as a person.