Meet Ana Sánchez!

Ana is an incoming senior studying Industrial Engineering with a minor in Sustainable Engineering. Originally born in Venezuela, she moved to Panama when she was eleven and came to Purdue as an exploratory studies student in 2019. Her favorite activities include working out, going on road trips, and perusing through canyons!

Ana knew she wanted to attend Purdue the moment she stepped foot on campus. Despite the cold February weather, she fell in love with the welcoming environment. “I just felt like I was supposed to be here,” she says. She decided not to tour any other universities, and when she got her acceptance letter, the next four years of her life came into focus. 

After debating whether to pursue an EEE major, Ana found she preferred the versatility of an IE degree. Now, her passion for sustainability has manifested not only in her minor, but her dreams for the future as well. After gaining professional experience, she hopes to open a sustainability-focused consulting firm in Latin America. 

Things haven’t always been crystal clear for Ana. When she first came to Purdue, she was concerned that she couldn’t live up to the academic caliber of the university. “In Latin America,” she says, “Not every school has an AP or IB course offering… It made me feel like I wasn’t smart enough for engineering. I struggled every day because I doubted my ability to fit in as an engineering student.” 
“I did it,” she says. “I’m here. I may not have the best GPA, but I am here.” 

Ana’s advice to incoming international students: believe in yourself, and don’t compare yourself to others. Finding internships and opportunities can be incredibly difficult. Ana was recently offered an internship position that was revoked because she required sponsorship. 

When one door closes, another opens. Ana now has an externship through PwC, and is excited about what the future holds!