Name: Oraya Vesvoranan
Class: 2019
Hometown: Miami
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Concentration: Pre-med
Why did you apply to be a student ambassador?
People have a very stereotypical view of engineering students. I want to show diversity in engineering to parents and students. Our school has so much to offer, and I myself receive a lot of support from the School. As part of the engineering family, I want to be the one to represent our school and show people how great our engineering school is.
What advice would you offer to new engineering students?
Explore. I would tell them to be confident and explore all the interest that they have in engineering. Engineering school offers flexibility in the curriculum in the beginning. Everyone will be exposed to many engineering perspectives and see what they would like. The courses will be more restricted later on as you pick your concentration or major. So, in the beginning, I would want them to take advantage of what the School has to offer and explore as much as they can.
What do you feel is unique about being a student at UM College of Engineering?
We have first-rate professors that are making us top-of-the-line engineers. Also, there is a surplus of international students, so we are able to discuss and learn engineering concepts with various perspectives. This brings an interesting mix, as it affects how we approach problems and create solutions.
Describe what you are doing in this position.
As a student ambassador, I represent engineering students and help out with all engineering events.
What did you learn at CoE that has helped you in your position?
One of the most important lessons I am learning in the College of Engineering is teamwork. At many engineering events, we have to work with different people and different departments. We have to work together to make an event successful. Being able to work with other people is also a very important skill to have in a career too.
Which College student organization stands out to you and why?
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) stands out to me the most because of its industry night. The industry night is the event that allows us engineering students to make connection with companies and seek out internships and potential real jobs for the future. BMES is also the club that funds the students to present their research at the BMES conference. It offers a support for engineering students with interest in research.
What do you feel you are getting out of this position?
Being an engineering ambassador allows me to get closer to my fellow engineering friends. I will be able to learn things from them, and I will be able to impart knowledge on my fellow engineers—especially my juniors. I will be able to pay forward for those who have helped me in the past.
Why has this been a good experience for you?
As an engineering student, it makes me a well-rounded individual because I have been exposed to subjects that relate to my world: the way things work and how they could be. In the perspective of an ambassador, it gives me a sense of retribution to my community.
What did you do during your Summer 2017 break? (please be specific in regards to work/internship, company, etc.)
In the summer, I worked as a server and a tutor. I worked with Dr. Huang in his lab, where I dealt with cartilage. I also shadowed a vascular surgeon at UHealth.