What makes Washington State University stand out from the crowd for many of those looking to get an engineering degree?
We ask civil engineering major Geneva Lynne Schlepp for her thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.
Name: Geneva Lynne Schlepp
Expected Date of Graduation: May 2022
Major: Civil Engineering with an Environmental emphasis
High School/Community College: Skyline High School
Programs/Clubs/Interests/Activities Involved with: Honors College, WSU Women’s Track and Cross Country Teams, American Water Works Association (AWWA), PNWS-AWWA Mentorship Mentee, Cru Ministries, Pac-12 Mental Health Task Force, Mentor Collective, Coug Pals, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Peer Academic Counselor, creative writing, VCEA Student Ambassador
Q: Why would you recommend attending Washington State University? How have you benefitted by attending WSU?
A: Pullman feels like home and Cougs become like family. WSU faculty and staff are very supportive and motivated to help students succeed and reach their goals. Scholarship donors are so generous at WSU and I have been blessed to receive academic and athletic scholarships from the university. I am grateful for my faculty mentors who have taken the time to get to know me and help me through internship processes and supported me with letters of recommendation. I cannot thank them enough or my undergraduate advisor, Kelli. She has been such a bright light during my time as a civil engineering undergrad.
Q: What made you decide to attend WSU? Why did you choose your major?
A: WSU was the whole package for me. I was able to run for a Division 1 track team, received academic scholarships which rewarded my hardwork from high school, and could pursue the liberal arts through my Honors College courses. I chose to pursue civil engineering because it is a collaborative field that challenges you to be a creative thinker and excellent problem solver. I enjoy the rigor of my courses and am very excited to apply all that I am learning at WSU to my future career.
Q: What have you learned in your major, or experienced in your classes or your activities during your time at WSU, that will help you most in your future?
A: I have learned that I am very much a “textbook learner” and like to take time by myself to grasp concepts and then enjoy meeting up with classmates to work through homeworks and projects. I believe that my willingness to speak up and ask clarifying questions will help me most in the future. At WSU, I have developed a strong voice and improved my written and verbal communication skills which I think will benefit me greatly in my career.
Q: What has been your favorite class, club, or program that you’ve been involved with at WSU, and why?
A: My favorite class was Honors Creative Non-Fiction with Professor Annie Lampman. She brought such a breath of fresh air to my day through our group discussions of handpicked short stories that were thought-provoking and a nice break from my engineering homework.. Per Annie’s encouragement, I have gone on to publish my writing and continue to write creatively.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your experience at WSU?
A: I cannot recommend WSU enough as a place to pursue higher education and grow as an individual.