Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class of: 2018
Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
Why did you choose mechanical
engineering?
I chose mechanical engineering because I have been wanting to do it
ever since I was young. I have a passion for automotive and I hope
to be able to go into this industry after I obtain my bachelor’s
degree. Specifically, I would like to work for Tesla because
growing up in Indonesia was tough at times due to its heavy
pollution. By working for Tesla, I hope to bring the company more
global and introduce countries like Indonesia to the benefits of
switching to electrical energy.
Why did you choose Texas A&M
University?
Texas A&M University holds a very
special place in my heart because there is no other place this big
that would make you feel like home this quickly. During the first
week of classes my freshman year, I was already surrounded by many
wonderful Aggies I called my “mentors”, and they were the ones who
helped me get to where I am today. They showed me what to do and
what not to do, and they guided me in the right path to success.
Through them, I was able to start building such a great Aggie
network that I know will continue to expand as I make the
transition into working in the industry. This is a school that is
special to me: the friendliness, the respect, and the loyalty we
have for each other is truly something extraordinary. There is a
saying here at Aggieland, “from the outside looking in, you can’t
understand it. And from the inside looking out, you can’t explain
it”, and that is exactly how it is to be a part of this family. So
many wonderful traditions, but yet there aren’t many words to
express my feelings for this university.
What was the best part of your experience in the Texas
A&M MEEN department?
Being relatively new to the MEEN department, I have been nothing
but satisfied. There is nothing better than to say that I belong in
the Texas A&M Mechanical Engineering Department. This
department holds very many great individuals; some that I would
like to point out are the great academic advisors. The MEEN
advisors have helped me ever since I was a junior in high school,
when I visited the university for the first time during a college
visit. They have showed me exactly what to do, and they have helped
me with my transfer into the department. Another great experience
is getting to learn from the professors that have taught me. This
department has great faculty members that are passionate about
sharing their knowledge and making sure that we are all successful
in our careers.
Why did you become a MEEN
Ambassador?
I believe that I would be able to guide prospective students in the
right direction, mostly because I was a transfer student myself. I
have gone through two change-of-major processes, and I am familiar
with how the process is conducted. In addition, I have a passion
for helping others achieve success in their career path. Before I
was admitted into the department, I talked to a few ambassadors,
and through this I feel that I would be able to help numerous
people with the process and their success in
transferring.
What research, work, and/or study abroad experiences
have you had?
I have been doing research since June 2016, and I plan on
continuing until the end of this upcoming semester. I currently
work in the TAMU BioRobotics lab, researching surgical robotics
devices and finding new ways to improve robotics in general using
different materials. In addition, I work in the MEEN Advising
Office as a Student Technician and I do numerous tasks such as
assisting and directing students to the appropriate person, and
compiling files and updating spreadsheets for each semester.
Lastly, I will be going on a study abroad trip to Spain this
upcoming summer, where I will be studying Solid Mechanics and
Materials in Design.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming MEEN
students, what would it be?
As cliché as this may
sound, never give up. As people get smarter and become more
competitive, you can only improve yourself and work your hardest to
become the best version of yourself. No matter what challenges you
go through, it will all work out in the end because everything does
happen for a reason. I have been through so many things dealing
with things regarding international student, transferring into the
MEEN department, working hard to achieve a competitive GPA, not
living with my father because of his work in Indonesia, taking the
lead in my family’s errands, and living in College Station and
trying to survive college. Just know that there are many people out
there who struggle worse than you could possibly imagine, and as
sad as it is, don’t take this opportunity for granted. Being a part
of the MEEN department at Texas A&M University is a privilege.
You have worked hard to get to this point, so continue working hard
and finish what you’ve started. Don’t let a class or two bring you
down. It is okay to get a C, because what really matters is you
graduating college with this degree and opening up new doors for
the rest of your life.
What organizations are you a part of or have you
been a part of? Have you or do you currently hold an officer
position?
I am a staff
member in Freshman Leadership Establishing Excellence (FLEX, a
Freshman Leadership Organization) and my role is to provide a
smooth transition for our freshmen and helping them build their
Aggie Network. Secondly, I have been a part of Fish Camp and my
role is similar to the role I have in FLEX. I have a passion for
mentoring freshmen students and showing them what to do and what
not to do. Now as far as my major, I am a general member in
Society of Automotive Engineers, and I plan on shadowing the
seniors build their race car this upcoming semester. Formula SAE is
something I hope to be a part of my senior year because I think
that this organization will build many connections for the
automotive industry and ensure success in my career.
Are you a transfer student? Did you
participate in the entry to major
process?
Because I
did not get into the College of Engineering initially, the school
declared my major as physics. I quickly learned the requirements to
transfer into the MEEN department, and let me tell you, it is not
easy. The requirements to transfer into this department are
definitely easier said than done. Especially my second semester in
college, I had to take chemistry, physics 2 and calculus 2 at the
same time, while dealing with 2 labs and still trying to figure out
what college is. There were definitely countless hours of studying,
but it was all worth it and I was able to finish with a strong GPA.
After applying and not getting in my first time, I switched into
the Industrial Engineering Department. Then finally, I got into the
MEEN department my 4th semester. It was one big roller
coaster ride, but I learned many things about myself along the way.
To future transfer students, do not give up and put in your 100%
effort. If you know you want to graduate as a mechanical engineer,
give your all to make sure that it stays that way. Reach out for
help, whether it’s A+ tutoring or one-on-one tutoring, do whatever
it is to make sure that you have a GPA you would be proud of.
Remember, it’s only 4 years of studying versus the rest of your
life.