As I reflect on my second year at the University of Cincinnati, I am amazed by how much I have grown both personally and professionally. While my first year was focused on finding my place and building connections, my second year was defined by leadership, mentorship, and taking advantage of opportunities that challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone. This year helped me gain confidence in my abilities and solidified my goals for the future.

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One of the most significant milestones of my second year was completing my first engineering co-op with AtriCure, a medical device company headquartered in Mason, Ohio. Working in a professional engineering environment allowed me to apply concepts I had learned in the classroom while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Through this role, I developed technical and professional skills, collaborated with engineers and healthcare professionals, and gained a deeper understanding of how engineering can directly impact patient outcomes. The experience confirmed my passion for engineering and gave me a clearer picture of the type of work I hope to pursue after graduation. I was honored to receive and accept an offer to return to AtriCure for a second co-op rotation in Summer 2026, which I view as both a continuation of my growth and an opportunity to further contribute to meaningful work in the medical device industry.

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This year was also marked by tremendous growth in leadership. After joining Theta Tau Iota Gamma, the professional engineering fraternity, I became deeply involved in the chapter and was fortunate to serve in several leadership positions. Throughout the year, I served as Social Media Director, Special Events Committee Head, Outer Guard, and ultimately as Marshal on the Executive Board. Each role challenged me in different ways, whether it was managing communication and outreach, planning chapter events, supporting recruitment efforts, or helping guide the chapter's operations and culture. These experiences strengthened my leadership, organizational, and teamwork skills while allowing me to contribute meaningfully to an organization that has become an important part of my college experience.

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Mentorship became another meaningful part of my second year. Through my involvement in both Kappa Alpha Theta and Theta Tau, I had the opportunity to welcome and mentor three littles. Being trusted to guide younger members through their transition into these organizations was incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to reflect on my own growth while helping others navigate experiences that I had once faced myself. Watching them develop confidence, find their place, and become involved in our communities has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my leadership journey.

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My involvement with CEAS Ambassadors continued to be one of the most rewarding ways I give back to the College of Engineering and Applied Science. This year, I gave even more tours and spent additional time sharing my experiences with prospective students and their families. Serving as an ambassador has strengthened my public speaking and communication skills while allowing me to represent a college that has provided me with so many opportunities. I enjoy helping future students envision themselves at UC and showing them the supportive and welcoming environment that helped me succeed. I am also excited and ready to step into additional leadership within this organization as an Honors Program Ambassador and to serve as a peer leader for the First-Year Engineering Learning Communities, where I hope to help incoming students transition successfully into college life.

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Academically, one of my proudest accomplishments this year was being accepted into the University of Cincinnati ACCEND Program. Through ACCEND, I will have the opportunity to earn my Master of Business Administration alongside my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Being accepted into this highly competitive program was an exciting milestone because it aligns with my long-term goal of combining technical engineering knowledge with business and leadership skills. I believe the MBA will help prepare me for future leadership positions and broaden my understanding of how engineering decisions impact organizations as a whole.

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Another experience that significantly impacted me was participating in the Student Philanthropy course. This course challenged me to think beyond technical problem-solving and consider how organizations create meaningful social impact. My team partnered with the University of Cincinnati Student-Run Free Clinic and spent the semester researching the organization, meeting with its representatives, and developing a presentation advocating for funding. During the final giving ceremony, students voted in real time among five nonprofit organizations, and our presentation helped secure a $15,000 grant for the clinic. This experience showed me the power of storytelling, advocacy, and community engagement while inspiring me to consider serving on a nonprofit board of directors in the future.

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Looking back, what stands out most about this year is the balance between professional development, leadership, service, and personal growth. Through my co-op, leadership positions, mentorship opportunities, involvement in student organizations, and academic achievements, I have gained confidence in my ability to lead and make a meaningful impact. These experiences have shown me that success is not only measured by academic or professional accomplishments, but also by the relationships we build and the ways we support others.

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As I prepare for my third year, I am excited to continue growing as an engineer, leader, mentor, and student. I hope to build on the experiences of this year, continue serving the organizations that have shaped me, and pursue opportunities that allow me to make a positive impact on those around me. My second year challenged me in ways I never expected, and because of it, I feel more prepared than ever for the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead.