Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering

Major: Construction Engineering
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Why I Chose ISU: Born and raised in Chicago, I began thinking about a career in engineering during my freshman year in high school when I had the chance to visit an Illinois university. Immediately after I returned home, I decided that although that school was a little too close to home for my comfort, I would work hard to attain a high GPA that would ensure my place in the Class of '09. But once senior year arrived, I had a complete change of heart and applied to schools all around the United States, hoping to find a school that was not only far enough away from home, but one that made me feel that I wasn't just going to school for an education, I was going to school for my well-being. Luckily, my high school counselor had already thrown Iowa State’s brochure into my hands and had pushed me to apply.  After I was accepted, I came to Iowa State for Preview Day, a program aimed at bringing minority students to campus and showing them all they have to offer. Once again I returned home after the trip, but this time I knew I'd found the school I wanted to go to.

Favorite Thing About ISU: Iowa State has provided me with so much—from good friends and colleagues to a great education and a paid research opportunity as freshman. I am giddy with excitement to see what the next two years Iowa State has in store for me.

Read Nimota's blog about her experience studying abroad in Egypt.

Major: Construction Engineering

Hometown: South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Why I Chose ISU: I knew after coming to visit ISU during the spring of my junior year in high school that Iowa State was the school for me.  Iowa State’s construction engineering program is #1 in the nation and has lots of great faculty with actual industry experience.  Another factor that played into my coming to Iowa State is the people; they were so nice and willing to talk with me and answer my questions. They never seemed rushed or disinterested. The campus also played a key role because all the buildings are bunched together and that the population of the school is smaller than those of Big 10 campuses, being 26,000 students instead of 40,000.

What I Like About ISU: I love all the opportunities students have on and off campus a student. When I first came to ISU, I was excited about meeting new friends and having a fresh start. I enjoy being able to meet new people each semester and in every class. I find it interesting how there is so much to do here and students get huge discounts and good rates for all different kinds of events. I also like the closeness in the construction engineering department and how about half of my friends are in my classes, have been through similar situations, or are involved with activities like me. 

Most Enjoyable ISU Experience: The friends and relationships I have made and the skills I have developed have made my experience at Iowa State an unforgettable one. I've been able to do anything I want, whether it's singing in a choir, mentoring students, having leadership roles in different organizations, traveling abroad, or recruiting for the university. There are endless opportunities for a student on campus. I have been very fortunate to be in several leadership roles and meet all kinds of friends from all over the world and United States, attend the world’s largest indoor career fair and be on committees that are part of the largest student ran event – VEISHEA!  I also enjoyed being in the learning communities and then being a peer mentor.  It was a wonderful way for me to get to know other students and form study groups as well as make new friends easier. I definitely would recommend it to other incoming freshmen.

Most Rewarding Academic Experience: In the fall 2006 semester, I faced a difficult challenge. In my construction engineering 351 (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Design) class, I hadn't done well on the first exam. But I took that as a sign that I wasn’t putting as much time into my studies as I should have been. So I decided I to take advantage of my professor’s office hours. I went to his office every Monday and Wednesday before class and just asked questions on homework or what we had gone over in the prior class. This all paid off as I aced the next two exams and ended up with an A in the class.  It just goes to show that you can achieve anything in a class (going from a D to an A) and that the professors are willing to help you if you put forth the time and effort to ask questions and do your work!
 

Major: Construction Engineering

Hometown: Hollandale, Minnesota

Why I Chose ISU: I chose Iowa State because of the campus and the engineering program's reputation.

What I Like About ISU: I like the big campus reputation with a small campus feel, division I sports, and the strength of the programs.

Most Enjoyable ISU Experience: I've enjoyed the friends I've made and the experiences I've had, such as tailgating at football games—not to mention the industry contacts and experience I've gained.

Most Memorable Academic Experience: During my junior year, I took an 8-month project management internship in Phoenix, Arizona. It was the most challenging yet rewarding experience I've ever had. They had me managing the design and construction of a two-story office building. I learned more in those eight months than I ever thought I could. Living in Phoenix and working for a large developer really helped me broaden my skills.

Major: Civil Engineering

Hometown: Roscoe, Illinois

Why I Chose ISU: I knew I wanted to study engineering and I had heard about the reputation of Iowa State's College of Engineering. When I came to visit the campus, I loved it and decided to come back.

What I Like About ISU: I like the campus and how close everything is. I also like being in a small town like Ames. It's safe and there's not as much to distract you from studying.

Most Enjoyable ISU Experience: I've enjoyed meeting so many new people. This is a large school, but once you are here for a couple of years, it feels smaller because you start to recognize people as you pass them on campus.