I know what you’re thinking: when is Kelly going to interview another CSU student? Well, I have a treat for you! This month, I got to talk with Allison, a senior engineering student here at CSU.

Me: Why did you decide to come to CSU?

Allison: “I came to CSU because when I visited the campus and Fort Collins, I knew I would be happy here. People were passionate and excited about life.”
Me: What is your major, and how did you decide which one to pick?

Allison: “I am a mechanical engineering major with a Spanish minor. I chose this course of study because I was good at math and science and I knew I wanted to make a difference for the environment. Applying those skills with my passion, becoming an engineer was the best way to pursue that dream and really make a difference where it will matter. Mechanical engineering is a strong foundation for a career in renewable energy, energy management, and generally power related careers.”
Me: Can you describe the engineering program at CSU?

Allison: “CSU's engineering program, as most, is rigorous. The course load is delineated such that it doesn't leave a lot of room for exploring other interests, i.e. classes not offered by the college of engineering. However, I was lucky to come in with some credits and earned a bit more flexibility. CSU's program really gets students in the teamwork attitude. I've started Senior Design this year, the capstone to the engineering experience, and CSU has done a great job of finding meaningful projects and even sponsors. As far as daily life, it includes a lot of homework, problem sets mostly, but that also means lots of study groups. I like to joke that engineers don't have a lot of free time so they mix their social and academic time via study groups.”
Me: Are you involved in any student organizations or clubs? What is it like to be a part of them?

Allison: “I have switched through a number of student orgs and clubs over the last three years, including Engineers Without Borders, Society of Women Engineers, and the Student Sustainability Center. Now I am mainly involved in Pi Tau Sigma, the Mechanical Engineering Honor Society. I am the president and in charge of coordinating our service activities which includes free tutoring for engineering classes. With the Student Sustainability Center, I used to help organize community service events and film series on interdisciplinary environmental issues.”
Me: What have been some of your best experiences at CSU?

Allison: “My best experiences at CSU have been surrounding social justice and equality. There are tons of events hosted by CSU's diversity offices, Residence Life, GUIDE, and outside organizations that have opened my eyes to issues that I was never aware about before. It has helped me better engage with diverse sides of the CSU community just through awareness and education.”
Me: What advice do you have for prospective students or incoming freshman?

Allison: “The best advice I can give prospective students and incoming freshman is make sure you do what you love when you get here. So much of my career at CSU as well as personal development has been about growing my passions and most of that happens outside of the classroom!”

I hope you guys enjoyed that interview, and good luck to Allison as she finishes her senior year at CSU!

Did you have a good weekend? I headed home for the weekend to see my family and spend some much-needed puppy/kitty-loving time. Here are some highlight pictures from the weekend: