How did New Paltz prepare you for taking on the role of an engineer in today's world?

  

New Paltz taught me that a big project starts off small. I learned to approach projects not with trepidation, but by taking small steps and building onto them – that way any project is possible. Working in teams was another very important lesson I learned at the college. I never enjoyed working in teams, but the experience teaches you to document what you are working on and to communicate. That lesson is paying off today in my current role as a database administrator at a small company in Copake, N.Y. I work in one location and my other team members work in different locations, but we can still all work on the same project.

Fondest memory: Going to the gym after classes and coming back rejuvenated and ready to tackle my homework.

Biggest influence: Professor Mike Otis, who taught me that you can do any project if you start off small.

Most valuable lesson: Don’t procrastinate. Do a little each day---it really pays off. Start your homework right away. Ask if you have questions. It will save you a lot of time at the end of the day.