Stephanie Walker is a biomedical engineering sophomore from Houston, Texas. She is a member of Engineering Honors and was inducted into the Zachry Leadership Program (ZLP) in fall 2019.
Q: What drew you to study biomedical engineering?
I am interested in going to medical school. Biomedical engineering offered an opportunity to study math and science, which I loved in high school, and an opportunity to go into health care, whether that’s being a doctor or working as an engineer, that’s what drew me in.
Q: Why Texas A&M in general?
A: I come from a huge Aggie family, so you could say I’ve bled maroon since I was born. My siblings, my parents and all my aunts and uncles attended Texas A&M. I also was drawn to Texas A&M because of the unique traditions and the welcoming Aggie family. Texas A&M is an amazing university, and I could not imagine ending up anywhere else.
Q: Did you come and visit campus a lot growing up?
A: Both of my brothers were in the Corps of Cadets, so I would drive up to College Station and see March In before every home game. During the fall semester, I would be in College Station almost every weekend, so I definitely knew the campus well before I got here.
Q: Do you have a favorite tradition?
A: My favorite tradition at Texas A&M is Aggie Muster. I think this tradition is really special and unique. I was able to attend Muster last year and it was an amazing experience. Remembering the lives of Aggies who have died is what makes Tecas A&M so special and different from other universities.
Q: So far, how’s your experience been within engineering?
A: Engineering is extremely tough. I have had to learn how to structure and organizing my time to make sure that I have time to do everything, both social and educational. However, I do enjoy studying engineering. It’s not an easy major, but if you are devoted and have a goal, you can accomplish so much.
Q: But it makes the degree that much more worthwhile, right?
A: For sure. I think I will be very glad when I graduate, I feel like I can make difference in this major whatever route I decide to take.
Q: Shifting to the Zachry Leadership Program, how did you first hear about it?
A: I heard about ZLP through someone in my organic chemistry lab last year. She was in ZLP, and she said, “Hey I think you should look into this. I think this would be a great fit for you.” So I looked into it and I just loved the program. I think it sounded really great and something that I could be involved in to help me become a more well-rounded person.
Q: Based on what you’ve been told, what are some of your goals going into the program?
A: Some of my goals going into the program are to become a more well-rounded person, learn more about leadership and different styles of leadership, and also just become better friends with everyone in the program. We had some older students come talk to us at the reception, and they said, “You will make some very close connections within this program,” and also they said it was one of the best experiences of college so far.
Q: Are you involved in any other organizations?
A: I am a member of Tri Delta, an on-campus sorority. I absolutely love it. It’s a great way to meet other girls who share a common bond. We get to grow and develop during our four years here together. It’s just great to be able to experience this family relationship during my years at Texas A&M and beyond.
Q: Has anything surprised you coming to college?
A: One thing that has surprised me when coming to college is how independent you must become. You are responsible for yourself and there is no one looking out for you. Of course your parents and friends are checking in on you, but you have to make the decision to get up every morning, go to class, see how you can get involved on and off campus, and determine how to be the best version of yourself. If you want to do research, get connected with people, it’s all on you. You have to make that change and be responsible.
Q: What are your goals for the spring?
A: I would like to get involved in research. I haven’t looked into any current research projects, but I plan to look into different research opportunities in the spring. I am currently interested in the bioinstrumentation track, so I’m hoping to get involved in research in that area. The biggest problem will be trying to find the time for it in my busy schedule.