Mentorship Matters to Mariama!
How old were you when you started an interest in engineering?
My interest in engineering started very late when I was about ages 12 and 13. I was really discouraged from enjoying math and science when I was in middle school that it made me hate anything STEM-related. It wasn't until I was in high school that I realized I can turn my two struggles into strengths.
What is your favorite thing about studying engineering?
My favorite thing about studying engineering is the fact that nothing is ever right. You can almost never get a right answer. Your first few years of school is very "cookie cutter"—you learn a concept, have a formula and then use the formula to get an answer. However, once you take more advanced classes, you start to realize all that goes out the window and almost nothing is solvable with a single equation. I like that a lot because I can use my creativity more than relying on a single equation that is almost never accurate. Creativity is important in mechanical engineering.
How did Step Up's mentorship programs prepare you for your college journey?
Step Up set me up for success in so many ways. When I was in the Pathways to Profession program, I was so conflicted with what I wanted to study in college. Even though I was interested in engineering, I thought I was really great with people, so I was thinking about psychology. But it wasn't until I met one of my mentors in the Young Luminaries program, Lisa Lugo. She told me, "Just go for it." She was so motivating and encouraging! Experiencing all the workshops Step Up had regarding interviewing, resumes, behavior skills, etc., really helped me for my internships and college experience. I had my first internship when I was 17 at Van Cleef & Arpels and I learned so much! How many high school students can say they've had an internship and have a resume? Not many! I'm forever thankful for Step Up. I've learned the importance of mentoring and empowering that that's all I do in college. I'm the mentoring coordinator for the incoming freshmen in my school, was a mentoring coordinator for NSBE and am a mentor for incoming mechanical engineering students. Everything that I learned from Step Up, I pass it down to the students behind me. I think it's the only way to ensure we have women who are confident and successful.
Where do you see yourself after you graduate with your engineering degree?
Where do I see myself? Goodness, I don't even know. I'm currently in that dilemma now. I've been blessed with wonderful internship experiences at NASA and UTC Aerospace Systems and grateful for the research experience I've had in school and at Iowa State University. I realized in these five years of undergrad, I still do not know much of mechanical engineering. I've been thinking about going to graduate school to pursue a masters in mechanical engineering and specializing in design and analysis...plus get my MBA. I just want to continue to go to school and not become an adult. Haha!
What advice do you have for teens girls that may be interested in studying engineering (or related subject) in college?
One advice that I wish was given to me when I was younger is, "Go for it." Women tend to be really hard on themselves, me included. One thing I realized and still learning is that only person you should be competing against is, yourself. Never underestimate your intelligence. For myself, even to this day, math and science are not my strongest subjects, however, my creativity and ability to speak to other people is what sets me apart from other people. Whatever your skillset, try to perfect that. I deeply believe that you do not need to be a genius in STEM to be successful. Where most people lack is work ethic, motivation and communication. If you can master that and expand yourself to do anything, all the knowledge comes afterwards. Even if you do not think you're interested in STEM, try a class, workshop, competition, club, anything! Moreover, if you go to college and realize you're having problems in an entry class like chemistry 101 or calculus, biology or physics that does not mean STEM isn't for you. Learn STEM outside of those entry level classes. I promise you.
This my formula for success in engineering: You + extracurricular activity + research/internships in anything you think makes you happy + communication + laughing = Success.
Inspire teens, like Mariama, to reach their full potential and donate to become a Step Up member or renew your membership. As a member you have the opportunity to mentor Step Up teens as often as you can and help our teens become confident, college-bound, career-focused, and ready to join the next generation of professional women!
