Katherine Javier Aguilar
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Class Of: 2012

Campus: Manhattan
Major: B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Hi! I am a part of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). The program began the summer before my freshman year, when I came to school to strengthen my writing and math skills so I could be prepared when college started. During that summer, I was able to make a lot of friends, which made my transition into college much simpler than I had ever imagined. And even before classes began, my HEOP counselors were there for me. They are always available to remind me to fill out financial aid papers or other important things on time so that I won't have any problems registering or paying my tuition. They are always there to answer questions I may have.

My first work-study job was during my freshman year at the YMCA on 63rd Street, only two blocks away from the school. I worked in the international office, which is where the YMCA recruits people in the U.S. and other countries to become camp counselors throughout the year. My responsibilities included filing applications, making and mailing packages for the applicants, and inputting their information for approval. I also helped decide what counselor positions suited the applicants, based on their experience. This job allowed me to gain experience in a busy office. My supervisor at the YMCA understood that my school work was important, so she was flexible with my hours and responsibilities.

My second job at NYIT was as a tutor for the HEOP summer program. I was interested in doing this after my experience as a freshman. My tutors were always available to help me, even after the summer program ended. Since we spent so much time together, we also became good friends. So, just like my tutors helped me when I was a freshman, I wanted to help the freshmen this year with their transition into college and with any struggles they had in writing and math. I was glad to be there as someone they could confide in and to be able to answer any questions they had.

I am majoring in electrical and computer engineering, and people always ask me "isn't that major mainly for guys?" and wonder how I became interested in it. In high school, I took some classes in this subject area and through hands-on experiences, I became interested in pursuing it as a career. I agree that this field is male dominated and difficult. In fact, many times, I am the only girl or one of three girls in my classes, but this just pushes me harder to do well.There's no reason that females can not achieve great things in this field, too. I believe that as long as you are dedicated to your work and want to do what you're doing, then everything won't seem as hard. Even if it does seem hard, all your hard work will seem worth it at the end.