Industrial and systems engineering; leadership minor
2nd
Blacksburg, Virginia
Corps of Cadets (VTCC); Air Force ROTC; Nicaragua Orphan Fund (VTNOF); Student Alumni Associates (SAA); Valor Bible Study; Wesley Foundation
Corps orientation leader; worked in VT Admissions
Community
Aim to go to at least one office hour a week to get a good foundation in all of your classes.
Benjamin "Ben" Brainard (GUEST)
Ocean engineering
4th
Stafford, Virginia
Military Sealift Command, Washington, DC, summer 2011, engineering intern
Intramural flag football; innertube water polo; softball; Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)
Internship with Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Vacationed in the Dominican Republic for a week with friends.
Hokie football and community
Find a balance between your social and academic lives, be open to new experiences and opportunities, and embrace the Hokie nation.
Jasmine Brown (GUEST)
Materials science and engineering; green engineering minor
2nd
Chesapeake, Virginia
Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE); National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
I participated in summer research in the engineering science and mechanics department while managing my non-profit organization, Today's Readers - Future Leaders.
The school spirit!
Feel free to ask for help!
Carlo del Mundo (GUEST)
Computer engineering; computer science minor
3rd
Ashburn, Virginia
Intel Corporation, Folsom, California, spring 2012, graphics validation intern; SAIC, Carderock, Maryland, summer 2010 - fall 2010, software engineering intern
SyNerGy Lab; Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Team (AUVT)
Summer classes and undergraduate research
The scenery (and hiking trails!)
Plan ahead. Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years? Begin with the end in mind, and before you know it, you'll have accomplished a lot!
Edi Ekasi-Otu (BEST)
Industrial and systems engineering; business and green engineering minors
3rd
Warrenton, Virginia
John Deere Power Products, Greeneville, Tennessee, May 2011 - May 2012, manufacturing engineering co-op
Resident Advisor; College of Engineering's Dean's Team; National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
Stayed in Blacksburg and took classes and was a Resident Advisor for the Student Transition Engineering Program (STEP)
The food!
Hit the ground running with a balance of academics and extracurriculars and you will do well.
Peter "Pete" Gunderson (GUEST)
Aerospace engineering; astronomy minor
3rd
Chesapeake, Virginia
The Big Event; Design, Building, Fly (DBF); Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM)
I was an orientation leader for New Student Programs in July. In that position, I was one of 24 to welcome new freshmen to Virginia Tech and get them ready to come back in the fall. Aside from that, I took a few classes at VT and visited home to spend time with my family and friends.
The people and our community
Bring a fan. Also, don't stress out about classes, enjoy the summer while you can, and be ready to have one of the best years of your life.
Dane Harrington (GUEST)
Industrial and systems engineering; business and green engineering minors
Delta Sigma Phi; Student Alumni Associates; Hokie Camp counselor; tutor for ISE students, Class of 2013 Leadership Team; Collegiate Times newspaper columnist
Worked with Amazon at a distribution center in Lexington, Kentucky as an operations leadership intern. It was exciting to combine both leadership through management and engineering through process improvement!
The sense of community
Be spontaneous! Coming to a large school like Tech will present you with many opportunities - say yes! You may not know anything about the event or organization, but you are more likely to regret things you didn't do than things you did after you graduate! I randomly received a flyer for the club rowing team my freshman year, something I've never thought about doing before, and it turned out to give me some of my best experiences so far at VT!
Kelsie Hernandez (GUEST)
Industrial and systems engineering; green engineering minor
Interned at Deloitte Consulting in Arlington, Virginia.
Hokie football!
Keep a central planner or calendar and record all of your upcoming assignments, tests, and activities so that you know what's coming and never miss anything.
Ian Hornick (GUEST)
Mechanical engineering; professional writing minor
3rd
Millersville, Maryland
GE Energy, Waukesha, Wisconsin, summer 2012, gas engine design and analysis intern; Temple Allen Industries, Rockville, Maryland, summer 2011, winter 2011-2012, manufacturing intern
Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) at VT; Resident Advisor (RA) in Galileo Living and Learning Community; Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society; University Honors; Formula SAE team (FSAE)
Worked for GE Energy's gas engine division in Waukesha, Wisconsin, right outside of Milwaukee. I also took a summer course at a community college while in Wisconsin.
The awesome, caring people and the incredible school spirit.
Make sure to work hard, but also enjoy all of the wonderful opportunities that Virginia Tech gives us! Working too much could cause burn-out, so a balanced college life is a successful one!
Portia Isaac (GUEST)
Mechanical engineering
2nd
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE); Society of Women Engineers (SWE); Virginia Tech Alliance for Minority Participation (VT-AMP); The Yates Project; CommonWEALTH Scholars
Resident Advisor for C-Tech2 and took summer classes.
The community.
Meet as many engineers as you can as soon as possible. You'll need the support.
Rubaiyat "Rayan" Kamal (GUEST)
Aerospace engineering; mathematics, materials science and engineering, and engineering science and mechanics minors
2nd
London, England and Dhaka, Bangladesh
American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA); Student Alumni Association (SAA); Theta Tau; Ware Lab Team - Human Powered Aircraft; Society of Hispanic Professionals and Engineers (SHPE)
Enjoyed the fabulous weather, worked, and took classes.
Help is everywhere for everything!
Plan your week ahead of time, maintain a calendar even if it's sticky notes everywhere. The first semester will definitely overwhelm you, but it works out in the end. DO NOT hesitate to ask for help - it can be your professors (they love it if you go to office hours), us, classmates, YouTube, koofers! Get involved, get to know people, build your resume, and all in all, enjoy it, because this literally is/could be the best four (or five) years of your life if you wish to make it!
Jacob Katuin (GUEST)
Aerospace engineering; math minor
2nd
Laguna Hills, California
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA); Virginia Tech Atmospheric Teaching Experiment (VTATE); Human Powered Submarine (HPS); Student Engineers' Council (SEC)
Took classes at VT
The amazing opportunities for success.
Find a few activities or organizations that you are passionate about and stick with them. You'll be surprised how much you can learn outside of class.
Kelsey Klarman (GUEST)
Construction engineering and management; green engineering minor
2nd
Baltimore, Maryland
Society of Women Engineers (SWE); Virginia Tech Alpine Ski Race Team; Appalachia Service Project (ASP-VT)
Worked and visited friends I met at VT!
Jumping to "Enter Sandman!"
Balance your time wisely! Make sure you use some of your time to have fun and meet new people. There is a time for work and a time for play!
Robert "Rob" Kuczmarski (GUEST)
Mechanical engineering; psychology and industrial design minors
3rd
Moneta, Virginia
Galileo Engineering Living and Learning Community; Lee Hall Resident Advisor; Circle K International (CKI); Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM); Autism Speaks U (ASU); Lee Hall Council; University Honors; National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH); Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society; Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
I was a Resident Adviser in Main Eggleston Hall during both summer sessions at VT and took classes toward both my industrial design and psychology minors, and I took a class online through Virginia Western Community College. I also went to the CKI International Convention in New Orleans.
Au Bon Pain mac and cheese
Get involved early! The sooner you get involved, the better chance you have at getting a leadership position, and leadership experience is really good! Plus, getting involved will get you connected with others.
Sarah Loh (GUEST)
Chemical engineering; computer science minor
2nd
Great Falls, Virginia
Alpha Omega Epsilon, diversity committee; Residential Leadership Community
Traveled to Malaysia and did research at VT.
The tight-knit HOKIE community!
Don't be afraid to put yourself out there as a freshman and don't be discouraged if you aren't offered something you want, there are plenty of opportunities out there for you!
Kristianne Macaraeg (GUEST)
Chemical engineering; chemistry and leadership and social change minors
4th
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Operation Smile, Norfolk, Virginia, summer 2011, post-operative data management intern
Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE); Residential Leadership Community (RLC); Health Education and Awareness Team (HEAT); Big Event committee
Interned with Northwestern Mutual and returned to VT for summer session II for Unit Operations Lab.
Hokie spirt EVERYWHERE!
Get involved around campus and keep an eye out for all the different opportunities!
Jennifer "Jen" Maddrey (WEST)
Chemical engineering; statistics minor
3rd
Chesapeake, Virginia
Celanese Corporation, Narrows, Virginia, summer 2012, research and development intern
University Honors; Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Lots of hiking and tubing on the weekends.
Hokie pride!
Get organized. And adapt your study habits from high school into slightly different ones for college. It will seem so different at first, but you already have the skills to succeed!
Manuel "Manuel Alejandro" Martinez (AHORA)
Chemical engineering; chemistry minor
2nd
Roanoke, Virginia
Virginia Tech Lewas Lab, Blacksburg, Virginia, summer 2012, undergraduate research intern
Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity (OT); Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
I did research with the Water Science and Engineering research group for the undergraduate students at VT.
The school spirit.
Get involved in clubs and organizations related to your major and career interests.
Katherine Mau (GUEST)
Civil and environmental engineering; green engineering minor
4th
Roanoke, Virginia
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Salem, Virginia, summer 2012, engineering scholar - materials; Virginia Department of Transportation, Salem, Virginia, summer 2011; engineering scholar - traffic engineering
Theta Tau (professional coed engineering fraternity); intramural sports (soccer, flag football, softball, etc.); Sustainable Land Development Club
Interned at VDOT
The beautiful campus and amazing food
Make friends in your classes. This will help you out when you are looking for study groups and will make the tougher classes more tolerable.
New Life Christian Fellowship (NLCF); VT Residence Life (VTRL); intramural basketball
Worked as an intern in one of Duke Energy's nuclear power plants near Huntersville, North Carolina.
Strong sense of community and Hokie spirit!
Balancing academics and recreational activities is crucial to succeeding. Not only is it important to devote sufficient time to your studies, but it is equally important to set aside time for relaxing and having fun. The main goal of college is to come here and learn, but don't be afraid to have a little fun along the way!
Nicole Mottes (GUEST)
Materials science and engineering; green engineering and business minors
2nd
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Delta Delta Delta; Student Government Association (SGA)
Studied abroad in China and worked at a candy store the rest of the summer.
Community
Get involved and keep an open mind.
Aneela Mousam (WEST)
Biological systems engineering; civic agriculture and food systems and green engineering minors
4th
Arlington, Virginia
Engineers' Forum Magazine; Council For the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations (CAMEO); Muslim Students Association (MSA)
Internship
The people
Balance your school work and social life.
Kelly Pettersen (WEST)
Civil and environmental engineering; green engineering and Spanish minors
3rd
Charlotte, North Carolina
Chi Epsilon; Undergraduate Honor System panel member; Newman Community; intramural soccer; Sigma Delta Pi (SDP)
Took classes at University of North Carolina at Charlotte and worked.
Hokie football!!
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Eric Santure (GUEST)
Aerospace engineering; green engineering minor
3rd
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
MAGNA Powertrain, Sterling Heights, Michigan, summer 2011, mechanical/manufacturing intern
Go to your professor's office hours! They are always happy to help if you are having trouble.
Corin Shirley (GUEST)
Engineering science and mechanics; psychology amd math minors
3rd
New Market, Virginia
Montgomery County Hospital, Blacksburg, Virginia, summer 2012, medical technology intern
Residential Leadership Community; Alpha Omega Epsilon; YMCA Buddy Playgroup Volunteer; Relay for Life; ultimate frisbee; ESM department representative
Classes, internship, volunteering, and vacations!
The atmosphere, the places, and all the smiling faces
Don't be afraid to take the initiative to find things and ask questions. If you want to do something, do it. Don't hesitate to put yourself out there.
Ashley Taylor (GUEST)
Mechanical engineering; music, leadership and social change, and interdisciplinary science and engineering minors
3rd
Fort Chiswell, Virginia
Pediatric Medical Device Institute, Mechatronics Lab/Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, summer 2011 - present, research assistant
Student Engineer's Council (SEC); StudioSTEM (middle school mentoring program); Dean's Team, College of Engineering; Residential Leadership Community (RLC); Ware Lab tour guide
Worked as a research assistant for the Pediatric Medical Device Institute (PMDI) in Blacksburg (which is awesome because Blacksburg is lovely during the summer time!). I also played a lot of tennis, spent time with my family and friends, and soaked up some sunshine.
The people, of course!
Keep smiling! Never become discouraged - you can do anything your heart desires so follow your dreams. Always believe in yourself, love on the people around you, and enjoy life! Virginia Tech is an awesome place to be.
Christina "Christie" Williams (GUEST)
Chemical engineering; Spanish minor
5th
Alexandria, Virginia
General Electric, Westborough, Massachusetts, fall 2011, environmental, health and safety intern; Marathon Petroleum, Catlettsburg, Kentucky, summer 2011 and fall 2010, technical services co-op
Kappa Kappa Gamma, Salsa Tech, Women's Club Rugby
Studied abroad in Denmark.
Welcoming atmosphere and school pride.
Try a random activity on campus that you never could have seen yourself doing when in high school.
Emily Winland (GUEST)
Chemical engineering; chemistry, green engineering, and mathematics minors
5th
Ashburn, Virginia
Georgia Pacific, Big Island, Virginia, fall 2010 and 2011, process engineering co-op; Syngenta, Greensboro, North Carolina, summer 2011, formulation engineering intern
Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru); American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE); Omega Chi Epsilon; Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP)
I traveled to Ghana, Africa for a summer project mission trip with Campus Crusade for Christ. Following my trip to Africa, I studied abroad at the Technical University of Denmark where I completed my Unit Operations Lab. I stayed in Europe and traveled for a few weeks once the lab was complete!
The sense of unity among all Hokies (past, present, and future).
Make time to become involved in organizations that spark your interest. If your interest isn't represented by current organizations on campus- start a new one! Seek out experience in your field whether that is through an intership, co-op, or undergraduate research.
