The Engineering Experience

When I was getting ready to start First-Year-Engineering at Purdue University, I was excited but also nervous. I wondered if I was smart enough, if I would make friends, and most importantly if I would choose the right engineering major. As a sophomore in BME looking back on my first semester, there are some things I wish I would have known then. Grace Ready to Take on FYE Your Major Choice Isn’t Permanent Coming into FYE, I thought that I had to know exactly what engineering discipline I wanted to pursue. I thought that I needed to have my whole plan figured out, but that turned out not to be the case. The beauty of FYE at Purdue in West Lafayette is that you get to explore before committing to a specific major. I had the chance to learn more about all of the engineering disciplines before I chose the one that was right for me. Through classes, projects, conversations with upperclass students, introductory meetings with different engineering departments, and other experiences, I was a...

This spring semester, I am studying abroad at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) in Madrid, Spain. The classes I am taking abroad directly transfer to equivalent Purdue courses, and by completing this semester abroad, I am one step closer to earning my minor in Global Engineering Studies through the Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) Program. While I am absolutely loving my time abroad and having a very culturally enriching experience, life in Spain looks much different than life in West Lafayette. I want to reflect on and compare how my academic and daily experiences abroad differ from those I have grown used to at Purdue. Alicante, Spain Classes and Academics At Purdue, most of my classes are 50 minutes long, and they host office hours daily. Class grades typically consist of weekly homework and lab assignments, class participation, and two or three midterms followed by a final exam. I only have to walk 15 minutes from my dorm to reach my farthest cla...

There’s no doubt that college can feel overwhelming at times. With midterms, projects, and daily assignments, things can quickly become busy and stressful. Luckily, Purdue has plenty of resources to help you out! The Corec One of the best ways to manage stress is to burn it off! Whether you like to run a few miles on the treadmill or track, lift weights, or even play some pickleball with friends, the Corec has it all. Located conveniently on campus, the Corec has something for everyone and can be a great place to get in your workout or do a fun social activity. Nothing says stress management like a free sunrise yoga class or getting to the top of the climbing wall! The Corec also offers well-being programs, including light therapy, nutrition and cooking, coaching, mindfulness, and more. I personally enjoy putting in an hour on the treadmill during the day at a walk, jog, or running pace, just to get myself moving. It helps remind me that if I can finish that workout, I can definitely o...

The Women in Engineering Program (WiE) offers a wide range of resources designed to support current students throughout their engineering journey. In this blog, we will highlight the programs and opportunities available through WiE that help students grow academically, professionally, and personally. Undergraduate Courses WiE offers several academic courses to help strengthen current students’ skills and support their growth as engineers. ENGR 19400: Women in Engr Seminar – Offered in the fall, this 1-credit seminar is designed for First-Year Engineering students. The course welcomes Purdue alumnae who share their career journeys and professional experiences. It provides a valuable opportunity to learn from successful women engineers while building professional skills through activities such as resume reviews and elevator pitch practice. ENGR 29600: Gender in the World – This course is a Spring Break study abroad available to all engineering students. The curriculum explores gender d...