Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Current year: Senior

Michael says his ultimate dream is to create Guatemala's first-ever subway system.

Why I chose Purdue Civil Engineering

When I was in high school, I already knew I wanted to study civil engineering — and I knew Purdue University has one of the best civil engineering schools in the world. So, I applied to come here and I was overjoyed when I found out I was accepted.

Emphasis area

My emphasis area is in Structures. I love the concept of taking an idea and creating something incredible. I have loved all of my Structures classes and I have always felt like each one of them has challenged me more to use all that I have learned while at Purdue.

Michael said he knew Purdue Civil Engineering was where he wanted to go because it is one of the best programs in the world.

Creating a better Guatemala

One of my ultimate dreams as a civil engineer is a long-term dream. I want to create a subway system in Guatemala. My country doesn’t have a subway system, yet, but I am going to change that. Guatemala has a growing traffic problem and we need to fix that. This also ties into my other dream that one day I can point to something I had a part in creating and tell others all about it.

After I graduate

After I graduate, I plan to work as a structural engineer — at least for a couple of years. After that, I plan to come back to school and earn my graduate degree. I really want to get some real-world experience first to understand the industry better and then pursue my Master’s.

Michael is set to graduate this semester and plans to enter the career field for a few years before pursuing a graduate degree.