by Danielle (Mendez) Frank '14
I graduated in 2014 and have since continued to learn new things in life and in engineering. For example: As a mother of four children (16, 13, 10 and 7), I have learned that one cannot simply use the bathroom uninterrupted; it takes planning and flawless, ninja-like skills to evade detection of bathroom alone time. As a wife, I have learned that I cannot beat my husband at any arcade games and that tilting a pinball machine is "not cheating" if the game doesn't turn off (requires verification).
As an engineer, I have learned that problem solving skills, persistence, and the desire to help others work in better, safer ways helps save lives and improves overall job satisfaction. I have also learned that when I think about problems differently and can teach others, that new, innovative ideas can expand to other areas of the organization.
But is this where I stop? Am I only a parent, a spouse or...... an engineer?
I ask this question because after graduating and getting that coveted first "real, engineer job," you've probably asked yourself (like I have): "Now what?" Or perhaps you've been out of school for years, have been an engineer, parent, spouse, and are wondering "What else is left?" As engineers, it's easy to ask questions and continue to learn. These traits give us great ability to help others and we are qualified to do this better than anybody else in the world.
One of the ways we can help is to support the education of future engineers. Engineers have the habit of improving – to innovate and create new and exciting things. This improvement doesn't stop in the classroom! By having professors who are engineers themselves, St. Ambrose and every other engineering school continues to change what an engineering education looks like. If you need a reminder, let me show you my dad's slide rule; I can imagine the look on today's students if they were asked to use one.
On that note, Ambrose Engineering students require experiences that help them compete with today's graduates from big schools. To compete with these schools, St. Ambrose must continue to play to the strength of small class sizes and the student experience while expanding what the Student Engineer can experience. Financially investing in St. Ambrose Engineering will help these student engineers learn, create, innovate, tinker, and play in ways we never could.
Giving to the Engineering program excites me because I get to see what new things young minds can develop. I get to dream new dreams and think new thoughts inspired by these students. As a parent, spouse, and engineer, that is something that I can definitely support. I hope you thoughtfully consider giving to this program as it continues to grow the best engineering graduates of the Quad Cities.
Thank you for supporting SAU!
Today you join hundreds of alumni, faculty and staff, parents and friends who together will make a difference! Your generosity sustains a thriving student body and university and exemplifies the culture of giving that is so intrinsic to our Ambrosian community.
Help support our Engineering programs! Your gift, at any level, will make a difference!
Share This Story
