Emma Aoueille - Academic Engagement Award
CBEN
Post-graduation plans: Application and Program Analyst with Deloitte Consulting
"This award recognizes undergraduate students engaged with academics to an extent that elevates their own and/or others' learning experiences."
What is your favorite memory from your time at ?
One of my favorite memories from CU was going to Estes Park freshman year on the global engineering retreat. I was with all of my new friends, and it was the first time I felt like Colorado was home.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, either academically or personally?
I feel proud of my role as a peer academic coach. It has really been impactful to give back to the engineering community in this position, and to form meaningful connections with students I have been able to mentor. This accomplishment has been a huge part of my college experience, and I will really miss my supervisors and the other peer coaches who have taught me so much in this job.
Tell us about a moment (or moments) when you felt like you hit your stride or felt like you were “officially” an engineer.
I think I felt like I hit my stride in engineering after Calculus 2. Having not taken Pre-Calculus in high school, I felt really behind in Calculus 1. By the time I took Calc 2, it was really gratifying to see the progress I could make by committing myself to the course, and taking the time to dive into the material. I also really enjoyed getting to know the professor and utilizing office hours for the first time.
What was the biggest challenge for you during your engineering education? What did you learn from it?
My biggest challenge was feeling overwhelmed by academics during freshman year. The transition from high school can be really tough for a lot of people, but I think the challenge helped me understand how important it is to surround yourself with supportive and loving friends. The friends I made during this time have been a huge part of my college experience, and I feel lucky to have found a community like this at CU.
What is your biggest piece of advice for incoming engineering students?
My biggest piece of advice for incoming engineering students would be to savor the moments in college, and to not take school too seriously. It is so important to find balance and community within engineering. The academic side matters, but it is equally important to prioritize your own happiness and well-being, and look for other passions outside of school.