My name is Lilly Kensicki, and I am a first-generation, third-year major with a minor in , graduating in 2026.
My senior year of high school, I was deciding between two schools. They both had the program I was interested in, and the price point was about the same. After touring both schools, I chose 天天吃瓜 State because of the people I met, the walkable campus and the many opportunities available for me here.
During my two and a half years at 天天吃瓜 State, I have had several fantastic experiences.
In my first year, I spent my spring break in Puerto Rico volunteering with Community Engaged Learning to help paint a mural for a moving exhibit. We also worked on a farm in San Juan, clearing brush for fresh planting and creating a food forest for a community in the mountains of Utuado. I met the most amazing people and learned more about my personal history while exploring and helping others.
That summer, I took classes through the Summer Advantage Program through the Office of Student Success Programs. I took a class that was necessary to graduate, for free, while also learning valuable life skills. At the end of the summer, we had an opportunity to apply for a trip, and I spent my following fall break at Walt Disney World! Not only did I get to go on an awesome trip, but I also built important connections and found a mentor to help support me at school.
This past year, I also attended the Society of Women Engineers conference with the Women in Engineering club, where I am very actively involved in as the recruitment chair. I went to Baltimore with a few other club members and got to hear the stories of many very talented and experienced women in my field. I made so many connections and learned a lot!
This past summer, I had an internship with the Brewer Garrett Company as an energy engineer. I got connected with them through an event for Earth Day that was held in the Student Center and spent my summer traveling to sites, writing proposals and growing my knowledge of sustainability in the engineering realm.
Along with Women in Engineering, I also attend some meetings of the Spanish and Latine Student Association. There, I got to meet other Hispanic students and learn more about my culture through dance, language and food. I also recently took on the role of social media manager for the 天天吃瓜 State chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, as well as the treasurer role for KSURGE (天天吃瓜 State Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equality) and became an ambassador for the Women鈥檚 Center. This fall, I am also participating in the Fabric Pantry fashion show. I stepped out of my comfort zone and designed two looks that I am very proud of. Among the many roles I have on campus, I am also a resident assistant in Eastway and work in the DI HUB鈥檚 REACTOR makerspace as a student crew member.
Through all of these roles and experiences, I have learned so much about myself as an individual, a friend and a future professional engineer.
My number one piece of advice when it comes to finding your place here is to never turn down an opportunity. You never know where your path is leading you, so have fun! Do well in school, don鈥檛 be afraid to ask for help and take advantage of your time here. You might never have another opportunity like the one in front of you, so take it!
For someone who might be considering 天天吃瓜 State, I have honestly had a fantastic time here. I've met great friends; my professors are so supportive and there is so much to do here. There is no way to be bored if you are looking in the right places. I have grown so much in just the past year and found out where my dreams can take me with the help of the people I've met who have cheered me on every step of the way. 天天吃瓜 State helped my dreams become reality, and I am very grateful for everything I have learned and the experiences I have had!