Blending Science with Solutions: Ahmad’s Story

Ahmad knows firsthand the importance of quality infrastructure - he grew up in a rural community with limited public utilities and roads in need of repair. That experience ultimately led to his pursuit of an education in Civil Engineering, where he says he can blend science, design, and problem-solving to improve the quality of life for other people.

College: University of California, Davis, studying Civil Engineering

• What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM or a trade, and what excites you most about this path?

  Growing up in a low-income, rural community, I saw firsthand how inadequate infrastructure—like crumbling roads and limited public utilities—can negatively impact people’s lives. This inspired me to pursue civil engineering so I can help design and build systems that make communities safer and more connected. What excites me most is the opportunity to blend science, design, and problem-solving to create lasting solutions that improve the quality of life for others.

• How do you see this scholarship helping you achieve your career goals, and what difference do you hope to make in your field?

  This scholarship will relieve some of the financial pressure on my family and allow me to fully focus on my education and hands-on experiences like internships and research. I hope to use my degree in civil engineering to work on sustainable infrastructure projects in underserved areas—especially in developing countries or underfunded regions in the U.S.—where safe roads, clean water, and reliable buildings can change lives.

• Who has been your biggest supporter or role model throughout your education?

  My father has been my biggest supporter. Despite working long hours to support our family on a limited income, he’s always encouraged me to pursue higher education. His sacrifices have taught me the value of hard work, and he’s the reason I’m so committed to building a future that uplifts both my family and my community.

• What are you most excited about as you begin your college or trade school journey?

  I’m most excited about diving into civil engineering courses and joining engineering clubs and design teams. I look forward to applying what I learn in the classroom to real-world projects, collaborating with peers who are just as passionate, and gaining skills that will help me become a leader in building sustainable communities.

• What’s one fun fact about you that people might not expect from someone pursuing a career in your field?

  I enjoy cooking and experimenting with different cultural recipes. It’s a creative outlet that helps me unwind, but it also reminds me a lot of engineering—balancing ingredients is like balancing loads in a structure, and following a recipe is like following a blueprint. Both require precision, patience, and a little creativity.

• If you could instantly learn any skill before starting college or trade school, what would it be?

  I’d love to instantly learn computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling software. These tools are essential in civil engineering, and mastering them early would give me a strong head start in designing complex structures and planning infrastructure projects.

• If you had an entire day to do whatever you wanted—no school or work—how would you spend it?

  I’d spend the day outdoors exploring natural and urban landscapes—maybe hiking a trail in the morning and visiting a city’s bridges or public parks in the afternoon. I’d bring my camera along, take some cool shots, and reflect on how both nature and human design inspire my passion for civil engineering.