Like all seniors at my high school, I was forced to discuss my plans after graduation with my guidance counselor and a parent. I felt that it was unnecessary; I already was accepted into my first and second choice of universities, I had a 3.8 GPA, I was in three different organizations, and I had over 300 hours of volunteer work. To me, meetings with your guidance counselor was for people who had no idea what they wanted to do. And I already knew.

When my counselor asked me where I was planning on going to school, I proudly told her Milwaukee School of Engineering. My high school offered a class on digital electronics and I fell in love. Her response to me? “Wow, that school has a lot of boys. You’ll find your husband there for sure.” My dad and I were shocked… Here is a woman who is supposed to be supporting her students and encouraging them to do their best, and all she thought was I was going to find a husband?

I am in my final quarter here at MSOE, and I’m very sorry to announce that I am not getting married. I’m not dating anyone who even goes to this school. But while I didn’t find my future husband here, I found a lot more.

I found the best roommate in the world. I couldn’t imagine a better roommate than Kelly Ann. I’ve found a study partner, a rant listener, and a best friend.

I found myself on the dean’s list. The school is hard, but, through late nights and Starbucks coffee runs, I’ve made it. There were times where I thought I’d fail (I’m looking at you, Physics of Relativity), but during that time I found that I can persevere through anything.

I found a love of Engineering. While I had a small background in the subject, I’ve found that I’m really good at it. I’ve built robots, coded a calculator in MATlab, and programmed motors. I’ve found a love of creating products that help people.

I found that an Engineer can have a creative outlet. I am the president of the Theatre Troupe on campus and am about to perform my seventh play.

I found a great group of girls in my sorority Alpha Omega Epsilon. Being a female at a male dominated school can be isolating. But my sisters provide me the support I need to get through the endless sea of testosterone.

I may be a disappointment to my high school guidance counselor, but I know that my family is proud of me. Heck, I’m proud of me. And that’s all that matters.