While I was scrolling through Pinterest aimlessly the week between Christmas and New Year’s (one of the most confusing times for me, ngl), I saw Kayla and Jessica‘s “2017: Year in Review” posts and felt super inspired to write one myself! Sure, I am excited to work towards my 2018 goals, but I feel like that’s impossible without a little reflection.
2017 was definitely a whirlwind of a year, but overall I do feel that it was the year things fell into place. As silly, cliche, and pretentious as that may sound, it was the first time I saw my hard work really pay off, and how exciting is that?
Highlights of 2017:
January – May 2017
- I completed my first ever internship during the Spring semester, which was one of the best learning experiences I’ve had throughout my time in college.
- Attended two professional conferences – SWE Region E in Syracuse, NY and the Northeast Biomedical Engineering Conference where I moderated a panel on industry! These two experiences really kicked my interest in engineering into high gear and I left feeling super inspired.
- I took a week off from school and traveled to Arizona with my family for my sister’s soccer tournament! This was one of the biggest risks I took this semester, but I am so happy I did. We got to see the Grand Canyon for the first time as a family, and I got a much needed break from school work.
- My dance team ran a full-blown dance showcase all on our own, and I got to see my first contemporary piece come to life on stage.
May – August 2017
- I spent the summer interning at my dream company as Manufacturing Engineer, and grew so much as an engineering student. From living on my own to running meetings to presenting to senior leadership, I feel like this experience really helped me become more comfortable in my own skin. Additionally, I made the most amazing friends along the way.
- The main research project from my first internship was accepted for presentation at the Global Grand Challenges Engineering Summit in Washington, DC! I met engineers from all over the world and got to present at my first research conference, which was an opportunity that I’ll never forget. (Also drank a record amount of Starbucks, but that’s besides the point, haha)
- I flew on one of my first solo flights ever to visit my dad in Dallas, TX! It was so great to spend some time together as a family and explore Texas. We even traveled to San Antonio and got to see the Alamo, which was probably the absolute best way to end my summer.
September 2017 – December 2017
- Started my junior year of college with the most amount of major classes I’ve ever taken, eboard positions in four different clubs, and some pretty lofty goals on my mind! This semester was definitely my most challenging yet, but at the same time I feel that it was also my chance to really come into my own and figure out what I want from my college experience.
- I turned 20, which is still a challenge for me to wrap my head around. I’m not sure if this is just a “me” thing, but I still have to remind myself regularly that I’m not a teenager anymore and I’m closer to being a full-fledged adult than it seems. Scary, I know.
- Traveled to Austin, TX to attend my first National SWE Conference! I got to meet some wonderful people and tested my interview skills at the BIGGEST career fair I have ever seen in my life. Intimidating? Yes – I was able to prove to myself that new experiences with new people aren’t scary, but some of the best things in the world.
- I WAS ACCEPTED INTO MY STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM! As if I don’t talk about it enough on here, I’ll be going to the UK at the end of January to finish out my junior year. This was one of the biggest highlights of the fall semester – can you tell?
- Joined Tau Beta Pi, a national engineering honor society. Becoming a member of TBP was a long-standing goal of mine, so I’m so happy that I got to check that off my list.
Final Thoughts
2017 came and went so quickly that it felt like a dream. My life has changed in so many positive, amazing ways, and I’m excited to see what 2018 has in store for me!
How was your 2017?
