What is Civil Engineering? It is the group of professionals who design and engineer the world we live in. Designing bridges, ensuring buildings are up to code, cranes are safe to operate, and the materials used are scrutinized by these people to ensure the self-imposed high standards are maintained and people are kept safe.

I am in this program because it is part of my Engineering Technology curriculum. I ultimately would like to continue to work with electronics but understanding civil engineering helps me have a better understanding of the forces acting in equipment and will also be helpful if I move to work on shipyard industry.

In five years, I expect to be retired from Active-Duty Naval service and will be looking for a job that still supports war ships, and the systems, as well as the infrastructure needed to support them.

New subjects or new assignments can be frustrating. Reading and thinking critically helps pave a path to learning past those frustrations. I have found that it is really advantageous to find the “so what”, how does the information applies or what is “cool” about it. I cannot retain as much information without writing my own notes, working through the problems myself, or using calculator; repetition is also a really strong tool for me. It is very rewarding to have those moments when an assignment or subject finally becomes clear.