Year-in-Review 2024–2025

This past year, the most significant transformation I’ve experienced hasn’t been just academic—it’s been personal. I transitioned from majoring in Computer Science to pursuing a double major in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. That shift wasn’t made lightly. It came from months of exploring, building, and realizing that I’m not just passionate about software—I’m driven by how things work at the hardware level, how they’re designed, and how they come to life in the real world.
 

That transition opened the door to a new kind of learning. I started diving into electrical circuits, CAD modeling, CAM tools, and PCB design with KiCad. These weren’t just courses—they were tools that helped me bridge the gap between imagination and execution. I began applying what I learned in class to my personal projects. I prototyped circuits, explored power systems, and developed basic boards on my own. Alongside that, I also embraced woodworking—something I’ve grown to love for its hands-on, problem-solving nature. Building tables, TV stands, and even magnetic knife holders taught me about precision, patience, and working with raw materials to make something beautiful and functional. The overlap between my engineering skills and creative instincts became clearer with each project.
 

One of the biggest lessons I learned this year was how to be comfortable starting from scratch. Shifting disciplines meant I was behind in some areas. I wasn’t always the most knowledgeable in the room—but that pushed me to work harder, ask better questions, and stay curious. The Innovation Challenge, where I helped develop AmbuAlert, was a key moment in that growth. It combined what I knew from CS—logic, design, and problem-solving—with new hardware-driven thinking. We tackled a real-world issue—emergency response inefficiency—and built a solution that blended routing algorithms with user-centric design. That experience helped solidify my belief that my path forward lies in solving problems that are both technical and deeply human.
 

Camp Bearcats was another powerful learning moment. As a Peer Leader, I mentored new UC students and helped them find their place on campus. At the time, I was still navigating my own transition, both academically and personally. But that made it more meaningful—I wasn’t guiding them from a place of perfection, but from shared experience. That experience, along with becoming a Resident Advisor, reminded me that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Community matters. Mentorship matters. Listening matters.
 

Looking ahead, my goals are clearer than ever. Academically, I want to deepen my expertise in embedded systems, control theory, and applied power systems. Professionally, I hope to intern in roles that fuse hardware design with real-world implementation—ideally in aviation, automotive, or medical tech. Personally, I want to keep creating—through woodworking, prototyping, and any project that combines utility with creativity.
 

This year wasn’t just about a major change—it was about realigning who I am with who I want to become. And through every class, late-night project, and hands-on build, I feel more grounded in that journey.