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Chaya Farley

Major

Architectural Engineering

Award

Perseverance award

This award recognizes undergraduate students who persevere despite adversity – above and beyond the inherent perseverance needed in any engineering major.

Post-graduation plans

Continue with the Bachelor's Acelerated Master's (BAM) program in architectural engineering with a focus in structures.

Could you tell me a bit about yourself?

I spend most of my time with my dog. I also do a lot of art in my spare time. I don’t really have a preference as to what type—pencil, ink, acrylic, watercolor, oil pastels and ceramics. During the breaks when I go back home, I enjoy riding dirt bikes, especially free-riding and making my own trails.

What accomplishment are you most proud of, either academically or personally?

One of my proudest academic accomplishments is learning to take initiative in difficult situations. As an engineer, part of the job is learning things on your own, and I developed this skill by teaching myself subjects that I had not yet learned but needed to apply for my senior design project.

Can you share a moment (or moments) when you felt like you were "officially" an engineer?

The moment I felt like I was officially an engineer was when I took senior design.  I was applying everything I had learned as an engineering student, especially toward the end of the project when I presented my work as the structural engineer for my team. Hearing professional engineers say “a job well done" gave me the confidence to know I can succeed in their field.

What was the biggest challenge for you during your engineering education? What did you learn from it?

The biggest challenge during my engineering education was learning to navigate setbacks. I struggled with a few fundamental courses and had to retake them. However, I learned that you can’t let a small challenge stop you from finishing. I knew I could pass the classes, so I set my mind to it and refocused myself. That goes for anything you do in school, work or life— it’s about having the ability to stick with stuff, teach yourself stuff and being able to maintain composure when life throws you curveballs.

What is your biggest piece of advice for incoming engineering students?

Don't be afraid to challenge yourself. As an introverted person, it took me a long time to step out of my comfort zone, and that led to missed opportunities. I never really joined extracurricular activities, took advantage of office hours and rarely interacted with classmates and professors. It wasn't until my senior year that I realized the long-term effects of those missed connections. Joining clubs and building rapport can lead to valuable relationships and help you discover your passions while fostering motivation, insight and personal growth. Equally important is prioritizing your mental health. You can't be your best self at the expense of your emotional well-being as it affects every aspect of your life— academic performance, social interactions and professional development. Sometimes you might feel low, and it can be a tough decision to take a break when you are in the middle of your education. However, taking time off of school or moving your graduation to a later date doesn't make you a failure or less successful than anyone else. It just means you understand the significance and value of self-balance in achieving long-term success.