MS Civil Engineering, Transportation

Civil war, suffering, death, and crippling poverty are things most Americans, and thankfully so, will never experience. Before I was 24, I had experienced all four, fleeing everything I had ever known as a civil war tore apart my homeland of Somalia. Living in refugee camps, I finally gained passage to Pakistan, where I finished my high school education. People do not often think about how refugees have hopes and dreams over and above survival and peace. While I pray for peace in Somalia, my parent's sacrifices to help me reach my dreams will never be in vain. Coming to America in 2000, and the University XXX, I have begun building my future, every day, one step closer to my dreams.

I do not believe that my undergraduate GPA reflects the seriousness with which I approached my academics. While conducting my Civil Engineering undergraduate degree with UM, I had to work full-time to support my entire family in Somalia who depended upon my financial support to make ends meet. Simultaneously, I was going to school full-time, doing my utmost to bring my dreams of becoming a civil engineer to fruition.

A solid academic foundation and research opportunities in Transport Engineering combined with my practical experience with the Minnesota DOT will allow me to make valuable contributions to cities, states and even at national levels, in highway engineering capacities, facilitating the movement of goods and people. For me, there is no greater contribution that I could make to society's future, my knowledge and experience expanding the prosperity of communities. Indeed, my time with the Minnesota DOT has proven my ability to work autonomously or as a team leader. As a graduate engineer for the agency, I realized how much I enjoyed the working environment, and producing engineering designs. I felt most productive while working with my teammates, though, giving presentations on the development and progress of our projects, and solving problems.

University XXX has been my sole choice for academic development since coming to America eight years ago. It is my hope that I may continue my academic relationship with UM, up to the Ph.D. level. I have always been truly impressed with the school, am thoroughly satisfied and comfortable with the school, the amazing faculty and dynamic student body that has made me feel welcome.

I look forward to the opportunity to develop myself as a creative leader for civil engineering. There are many opportunities in the field of civil engineering and through a continued relationship with UM, I will be able to make that field larger. Your time and consideration is greatly appreciated and I eagerly await a personal interview.