What subjects do I have to focus on?

Wow - you and I have similar backgrounds. When I was in high school my main focus was in humanities and I LOVED to draw and loved art. I was in the drama club and debate team and loved all aspects of the arts. I had no physics, chemistry, or calculus in High School. I did have good grades, but remember, all the subjects were in the arts. I went to Purdue and was shocked at how “smart” everyone was! I struggled the first year as the courses I never had were extremely difficult for me, however I LOVED engineering and especially civil engineering where I could see my drawings take shape on paper and then see how that work turned into real life infrastructure that we all depend on to live. I loved how engineering really helps people and how we could not survive without it. While I ended up with a B+ average when I graduated, I must tell you there were a few C’s in that process and one subject that barely made it to a “C." Despite all that I made it to become the 1st woman President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (and now the organization has a Past, Present, and Incoming President - ALL women!!), and then was appointed by President Bush to serve on the National Science Board for 6 years! I am now CEO and President of my own company.

With two more years in High School, I would encourage you to try to take as much math and physics as you can to avoid the “pain” I had to go through in my first year. Don’t become discouraged if it is hard. You’ll make it. If you have the will and desire, as my Mom told me, “You can do anything if you really put your mind to it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something." Have confidence in yourself. If you believe in yourself, you can make anything happen and the engineering field needs more young girls to enter the profession. With your drive, I cannot see how you cannot be successful and make your family proud. My best wishes to you.

Patricia