Honors Computer Engineering Student based in Cincinnati, Ohio

At the beginning of my journey in the University Honors Program, I understood a global citizen scholar as someone who simply engaged with diverse communities and pursued academic excellence. However, over the past year, my definition has evolved into something much deeper: a global citizen scholar is someone who not only seeks knowledge but uses it to create meaningful impact, fosters inclusive communities, and continuously grows through collaboration, leadership, and reflection.

This year, I made significant strides toward embodying this definition through a blend of technical, leadership, and community-building experiences. Professionally, I worked as a Firmware Engineer over the summer and a Software Developer in the fall. These roles challenged me to think critically and solve real-world problems. I developed tools like an SD Card Log Generation Application and a PAMv3 Cellular Testing Tool, both of which enhanced testing efficiency and data analysis. I also got to contribute and work on a project where I rehauled the methods of receiving and transmitting data, working on both the front and backend of a view stack project which led to a more robust and scalable system. These experiences sharpened my technical skills and taught me the importance of building tools that serve broader teams and communities.

Beyond the technical realm, I embraced leadership roles that allowed me to foster connections and growth among my peers. As the Social Events Chair for two semesters, I organized over 15 events that brought engineering students together, from boat competitions to trivia nights. These events weren’t just fun; they built a sense of belonging and camaraderie that’s essential in a rigorous academic environment. In the spring, I transitioned to Career Development Chair, where I organized UC’s biannual Career Fair and hosted resume workshops. These initiatives empowered students to take charge of their professional journeys and encouraged the creation of opportunities for others to succeed.

Joining Phi Sigma Rho, a STEM sorority, and becoming a Social Media intern with the Society of Women Engineers further expanded my understanding of community and advocacy. Through SWE and RevolutionUC’s marketing team, I contributed to outreach efforts that amplified student voices and promoted inclusivity in tech spaces. These roles helped me realize that being a global citizen scholar also means using your platform to uplift others and create equitable access to opportunities.

Looking ahead, I aim to continue growing as a leader and engineer. Academically, I plan to deepen my knowledge of full-stack development and embedded systems. Professionally, I aspire to secure a co-op or internship that allows me to work on impactful and technological projects. I also hope to mentor younger students through UHP and Peer Mentoring this coming fall, sharing the lessons I’ve learned and encouraging them to pursue their goals with confidence.

This year has shown me that becoming a global citizen scholar is not a destination, but a continuous journey. One that blends technical excellence with empathy, leadership, and a commitment to community. I’m excited to continue walking that path.

As Social Events Chair for CEAS Tribunal, the undergraduate student government for CEAS students, I had the opportunity to contribute in organizing and executing a variety of events. These included trivia nights, attending sporting events such as Reds and FCC games, summer canoeing trips, and ice skating in downtown Cincinnati. Through these experiences, I was able to engage with my peers, foster a sense of community, and create fun and inclusive events for fellow students. I also stepped up in leadership roles, taking charge of specific event planning and ensuring a successful execution of every event.

My personal values, such as collaboration, inclusivity, and leadership, played a key role in how I navigated this experience. I value building connections and fostering strong relationships, which made organizing social events especially meaningful. My values and identities as a student and as someone who enjoys community engagement helped me relate to my peers and understand what kinds of events would appeal to a diverse group of students. Additionally, my top character strengths—teamwork, adaptability, perseverance, and leadership—helped me thrive in this role. Working within a team to plan events required me to be flexible and think outside the box when faced with challenges, such as last-minute logistical changes or working around communication issues. I took initiative in guiding my peers, delegating tasks, and making crucial decisions when needed.

Initially, I took away several key lessons from this experience. First, I learned that successful event planning requires strong communication and collaboration. Coordinating with interns, senior members of Tribunal, and external organizations made me realize how important it is to be proactive and organized. Second, I gained confidence in my ability to step outside of my comfort zone, whether that meant networking with new people, leading events, or taking on more responsibilities within the team. Lastly, I understood the value of student-led initiatives in creating an engaging and supportive college environment. Being part of this organization allowed me to see firsthand how a dedicated group of students can positively impact their peers.

Moving forward into college, I plan to apply these lessons in various ways. First, I want to stay involved in student organizations, whether through CEAS Tribunal or other leadership opportunities, as I now recognize how valuable these experiences are for personal and professional growth. I will also continue honing my teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, ensuring that I contribute meaningfully to other important subjects such as group projects and extracurricular activities. Additionally, I want to take initiative in organizing events, whether for clubs, academic groups, or social circles, to help build community and foster connections among students. Most importantly, I aim to remain adaptable and open to new experiences, knowing that stepping outside my comfort zone often leads to the most rewarding outcomes.