Where are you from? I am from Phoenix, Arizona, but have lived in Cedar Rapids most of my life. I consider myself a Cedar Rapidian.
Why did you choose Kirkwood? I initially chose Kirkwood because of its proximity to home and the free dual enrollment classes in high school, but I ultimately stuck around for the amazing faculty and staff who make Kirkwood such an amazing place.
What is your major and how did you choose it? I am currently an Engineering Transfer Major at Kirkwood, but more specifically, I am pursuing biomedical engineering. I chose biomedical engineering for how intertwined engineering and all the sciences are, resulting in an amazing blend of innovation.
What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood? My proudest moment during my time at Kirkwood was when a group of students and I were taken to a conference in Ames, where I was able to present my biomedical engineering research from Summer 2023. During that conference, I was absolutely taken by surprise when receiving the Favorite Poster Award and the Excellence in Mentoring Award.
What are your plans after Kirkwood? After my time at Kirkwood is over, I will transfer to University of Iowa this Fall of 2024 to complete my biomedical engineering degree, and ultimately enter the field as a biomedical engineer, hopeful to design revolutionary technologies to aid patients towards recovery.
What inspires or motivates you? My future and my past are what motivate me. I have always had high aspirations for myself, and even though I know that some are unattainable, I do not let that stop me from attaining what can be attained. By the same token, I have been through many things in the past, and I use that as fuel to keep me moving forward.
Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood. I am someone who loves to spend time with family and friends, especially over food, dessert, and coffee. I also enjoy many hobbies, some of which include building 3D models, reading books (I absolutely love science fiction and autobiographies), and baking.
What does being named an Outstanding Student mean to you? It means that I have attained one of my biggest goals in any place that I go to: making an impact. When I become a part of anything, I try my best to put my full effort into it while still keeping a good balance. Being an Outstanding Student shows me that my efforts in Kirkwood have not gone unnoticed, and it serves as a reminder to me to keep going and putting my best into everything.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? Thank you to all the amazing faculty at Kirkwood who have made my time here absolutely wonderful. There are many names that come to mind when I think of all the amazing people who have helped and guided me, simply because they wanted to. You are what make Kirkwood Community College the community it is.
Categories: Outstanding Students
