Cumulative Reflection

I have always been interested in technology and its endless possibilities. My asperation

has led me to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering with a minor in Cyber Security.

Iowa State has provided me with countless opportunities that shaped me into who I am today.

Over my time at Iowa State, I have developed lifelong friendships, had exposure to incredible

work opportunities, been a part of influential clubs and organizations, and developed skills to

prepare me to excel in my career as a computer engineer. My journey has been full of ups and

downs that have all shaped me into the engineer I am today.

Over the past four years, I have been challenged with many sleepless nights working on

projects and assignments tailored to leave me the perseverance and problem-solving skills

needed to be an engineer. I have been able to utilize university tutoring, supplemental

instruction, and office hours in order to be a successful student. I have been taught the

importance of working in teams and doing project work. My support system of fellow students

and professors has immensely helped me get through the degree program and left me with

lifelong connections from across the globe.

The computer engineering curriculum has provided me with the opportunity to take

courses in all of my areas of interest. Going into college I was interested in cyber security

however, I was not sure if I wanted to commit to it being my major. I was able to explore my

interest by pursuing a minor in Cyber Security. I now am able to have a better understanding of

the security needed for the code I produce. I have been able to learn and grow as a computer

engineer by taking these courses.

I was able to be involved both in and outside of the classroom. I have been able to

participate in clubs such as Critical Tinkers, PrISUm Solar Car, Digital Women, and Kairos.

These clubs have provided me with countless opportunities. For example, through my

participation in Solar Car, I was able to learn how to design and develop several PCB boards. I
had not had any prior experience with electrical engineering so it was interesting to learn the

design process and use tools such as Altium designer. The experiences I had helped me to do

better in the electrical engineering classes I took. I was given the opportunity to attend the

Grace Hopper Celebration through my involvement in Digital Women. The conference was an

amazing opportunity to network and learn from incredible women in tech.

It would not be a cumulative reflection without noting some of the difficulties. There is

clearly a gender gap with less than ten percent of computer engineers being women at Iowa

State. Unfortunately, this did have an impact on my time at Iowa State. There were several

times I found myself to be the only girl in my class. It was not uncommon to hear remarks about

gender such as “You only got the job because you’re a girl”, “women can’t code”, or “You must

be at the wrong club. This is for engineers”. These experiences make it clear that change needs

to happen for women in engineering. I hope that one-day female engineers will be respected the

same way men are. I believe my time at Iowa State has prepared me to be a part of leading this

change.

The past four years have been full of challenges and experiences that have shaped me

into the person I am today. I have made lasting friendships, been able to find and pursue my

passions, and have had incredible work opportunities. I will always treasure my four years of

college at Iowa State. As my journey comes to a close I feel I am at the best pace I can be to

enter my career.