As a Black woman who has participated in STEM activities my whole life, I’ve grown used to being one of the few Black individuals, and often the only Black woman, in the room. When I committed to USC as a Computer Science and Business Administration major, I expected the same experience and made it my goal to find a community of fellow Black engineering students.
Thankfully, just a few weeks into my first semester, I found the amazing organization that is USC’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). NSBE is a national organization dedicated to increasing the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. When I attended my first NSBE meeting, I was blown away by seeing such a large group of goal-oriented, young Black students who all share a passion for STEM. It was the first time I had been in such an empowering space.
Through NSBE meetings, I started building relationships with fellow members and had the chance to listen to speakers from top-tier companies. These interactions were super inspiring and provided a lot of practical advice.
Additionally, being in NSBE allowed me to connect with upperclassmen who have become my mentors. They have shared their experiences, offered guidance, and provided support with everything from difficult homework questions to serious career advice. For example, when I was considering switching my major to Industrial Systems Engineering, it was incredibly helpful to speak with an upperclassman who had made a similar transition. Their insights played a huge role in my decision to switch majors at the end of my freshman year.
Overall, being part of the NSBE community has made the transition to college life so much easier. I’ve developed connections and relationships that I know will last well beyond college, and I’ve found a supportive community that I can rely on today and give back to in the future.
