When I transferred to USC, one of my biggest priorities was getting involved in student organizations that would help me grow as an engineer and give me a sense of community. Over the years, I’ve been a part of two key organizations: the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
I initially joined SHPE because of my involvement with the chapter at Syracuse, where I transferred from. Joining SHPE at USC felt like stepping into a familiar environment during the newness of transferring schools. SHPE has been more than just a club: It’s been where I’ve connected with fellow students with similar backgrounds and goals and made amazing friendships. One of my proudest moments within SHPE was when I joined the New Student Advisory Board (NSAB) and later ran for the position of Transfer Student Representative in my sophomore year. I started running the committee during my junior year and I have seen it grow a lot since. I wanted to create something meaningful that would help future students navigate their journey as transfers. Now as a senior, I hope that I will be leaving behind a legacy that would benefit SHPE members after I graduate.
During my junior year, I became involved with ASCE, particularly with the Timber-Strong Design Team. I’ve always been passionate about hands-on projects and wanted an experience where I could apply my classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. Being on this design team has allowed me to do just that. There’s something uniquely rewarding about working alongside other civil engineering students to design and construct structures. Seeing our calculations and designs come to life has been an eye-opening experience, and it’s been incredible to apply the concepts I’ve learned in lectures to tangible projects. Beyond the technical skills, working with the team has introduced me to a network of peers who are just as passionate about civil engineering, and it’s been a lot of fun bonding with them after class.
Being part of these organizations has greatly enriched my time at USC. Both SHPE and ASCE have allowed me to grow academically, socially, and professionally, providing a well-rounded experience that goes beyond the classroom. Getting involved is something I would recommend to any student looking to make the most of their college years. Whether it’s academic or something just for fun, I encourage you to get yourself to go at least once, you never know what kind of lasting changes one club meeting could have on your time here at USC. Your time here goes by fast, so make the most of it, explore new opportunities, and enjoy the ride!
