Hi, I’m Javier, a Mechanical Engineering student at Northwestern also pursuing Psychology and the Segal Design Certificate. I’m involved in club rugby, hands-on engineering​/​design projects, and student life around Evanston and Chicago. I’m happy to talk about what it’s like balancing engineering classes, social life, clubs, research​/​internship goals, and the transition into college. I can give an honest student perspective on Northwestern academics, campus culture, McCormick, dorms, Evanston, and how to make the most of your time here.

Hometown

Miami, Florida, United States of America

Major(s)

Mechanical Engineering-ME Breadth Concentration, Psychology

Minor(s)

Segal Design Certificate

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Northwestern Rugby Football Club- Transport Chair and President

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was definitely a big adjustment, especially coming into Northwestern’s engineering program. The workload can be intense, and I struggled a bit in my first quarters. Though over time I’ve learned how to manage it, ask for help, and find a better balance between academics, clubs, and social life. Some of my best experiences have come from hands-on engineering​/​design projects, getting involved in club rugby, and exploring Evanston and Chicago with friends. Northwestern has pushed me a lot, but it’s also helped me grow more confident and independent.

Tip for future students

Try things early, even if you’re not completely sure they’re for you. Join clubs, talk to people in your classes, go to office hours, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Northwestern can feel intimidating at first, but most people are also trying to figure things out. I’d also say not to compare your college experience too much to everyone else’s, it takes time to find your routine, your people, and what you care about.

Favorite class

My favorite engineering class has been ME328 Computational Forensics and Failure Analysis with Professor Mark Fleming. I enjoyed it because it was both highly technical and very applied: I learned equations and methods for solving fracture and failure problems, but also got a better sense of how those tools are used in real engineering work. Professor Fleming also made the class especially valuable by giving us an insider perspective on industry, which made the material feel relevant beyond just academics. My favorite non-STEM class has been Personality Psychology. I really enjoyed learning how different theories explain people’s behavior, identity, and development, and it gave me a new way to think about myself and the people around me.

Career goals

After college, I hope to work as a mechanical engineer in a role where I can combine technical analysis, design, and hands-on problem solving. I am especially interested in work that lets me use skills like CAD, FEA, failure analysis, and product development to make real-world systems safer, more efficient, and more reliable. Long term, I would like to keep growing as an engineer while also using my background in psychology and design to better understand the people who use the things I help create.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is hanging out with friends and getting a good bite to eat. I'm a huge foodie and theres lots of places around Evanston that have great food for good prices.

High school or secondary school

Coral Reef Senior High School, Miami, Florida, USA