Raylen became an EA because she wanted to get involved in outreach - to connect with young girls and young black students who may not see themselves in the field and teach them about engineering. She also enjoys connecting with prospective students and hearing their stories about their interest in engineering - hoping to convince them to attend JMU. Raylen chose JMU Engineering because of the project-based, hands-on curriculum. In addition, she was unsure what kind of engineer she wanted to be. JMU Engineering allowed her to explore each area and choose the field she wanted.

In addition to the Ambassador Program, Raylen is a CISE Mentor, a Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) Leader for General Chemistry II, SMLC Tutor for General Chemistry, a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), a member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), a member of Women of Color (WOC), and a member of Black Student Alliance (BSA). Outside of class, Raylen enjoys hanging out with friends and watching movies.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future? "JMU Engineering is teaching me a variety of technical skills as well as the crucial skills of working with a team and real-world clients. We communicate and empathize with clients throughout the design process and help solve their problems. Getting real engineering experience is probably one of the biggest takeaways!"

Advice for prospective students: "Whether it is an engineering or non-engineering clubs, get involved! Engineering will become easier if you join engineering clubs and make friends in the major. It will also help to have things to do that are non-engineering-related to clear your mind."

Kali became an EA because she is very passionate about JMU Engineering and wants to share it with prospective students and show them how truly special our department is. Kali is also part of the JMU All-Girl Cheerleading team, the CISE mentorship program, and the Engineering Student Council. In her free time, Kali enjoys the beach, reading, and hanging out with friends.

She chose JMU Engineering because she loves the "create your own pathway" aspect of the major. "I feel I can write my own story and study the areas I am interested in, all while connecting with fellow engineering majors, professors, and alumni. In addition, there are many resources to help us be successful."

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future? "There are engineering clubs, activities, internships, and more. Resources are available that benefit us in our current and future endeavors. Professors encourage us to succeed and think outside of the box, which helps us with transitioning into the workplace."

Advice for prospective students: "Do not be afraid to ask questions. A lot of information goes into making a decision for your future! Pursue your passions and never give up on your goals. You will never know what you're capable of unless you step outside your comfort zone and try it!"

The EA Program was recommended to Ethan by upper-class students. He was eager to give back to the program and get new students more involved. He chose JMU Engineering because of his interest in STEM and stuck with it because of the supportive community. "I have access to opportunities that have helped me get further in the field and grow my passion for Engineering." Ethan is also involved with Madison Welders, Cross Country and Track. In addition, he enjoys working out, cooking, shopping, and exploring the outdoors.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future? "JMU Engineering has helped me to get over my fear of public speaking. In addition, I have enhanced my leadership skills, communication with team projects, and overall confidence in my work."

Advice for prospective students: "Get out of your comfort zone and look for as many opportunities as possible. College is what you make of it; get the most out of your experience by trying new things. Don't be afraid to ask for help or talk to other students."

Ryan enjoys inspiring others to do more. Through EA outreach, he can share his passions with others. He is involved in JMU's Cycling Club and enjoys traveling, mountain biking, and camping. Ryan chose JMU Engineering because of the creative freedom. He enjoys working with a "team of engineers."

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future? "Through hands-on student-run projects, we learn leadership skills and express creative freedom. During our first year, we develop these skills and dive deeper into engineering."

Advice for prospective students: "Don't be afraid to ask for help. Everyone goes through similar circumstances to get where they are now."

John chose to become an EA to become more involved in the program and outreach to middle school students. He belongs to Madison Welders, is a First-Year Orientation Guide (FROG), and a Student-Athlete Tutor for physics & mathematics. Outside of engineering, he enjoys running, hiking in nature, yoga, skiing, and watercolor painting. John chose JMU Engineering because of the design-based curriculum, the two-year capstone, and the opportunity to do hands-on learning. In addition, he was excited about the small class sizes, the engineering community, and the chance to explore and learn about multiple engineering disciplines.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future? "I think immediately to the interdisciplinary project base curriculum. The sophomore-year buoy project in collaboration with engineers at Northrop Grumman is a perfect example. We worked with Northrop Grumman on researching, designing, building, testing, and delivering a functional Smart Buoy. I gained experience in working with industry professionals. I gave product pitches, technical updates, presentations, managed a team as a section leader, and gained knowledge in the fabrication, construction, and testing of a buoy prototype. I learned copious skills that I will be able to apply in future engineering and career opportunities. There are many engineering projects that promote experiential learning within the program. These experiences have prepared me to handle various projects and challenges in the future."

Advice for prospective students: "Let your curiosity lead you. Follow what you find interesting, intriguing, and exciting. You are bound to find something that is exactly your niche and the perfect fit!"

Juiana was always fascinated by architecture, math, and science. She chose JMU Engineering because she wanted to pursue a where she could help others. Juliana is an EA and belongs to the Latinx Students Alliance, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineering, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Engineering Leadership program. Her hobbies include sewing, crocheting, painting, hanging out with friends, cooking, and watching shows.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future? JMU Engineering classes are preparing her for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. Creating a portfolio is helping to build her identity as an engineer for an internship and future career. Being an EA and involved in student organizations has helped her build leadership skills.

Advice for prospective students: "Reach out and get connected with others. Create a support system with students in and outside your major who understand your struggles and can provide a refreshing new perspective. I have found a supportive group of friends who are always there to help me, and I am there for them. Engineering will get intense, but we are all here for a reason and can make it through together. That’s why having that support system with those who motivate you to succeed and excel is so important."

Scottie is an EA, in the fitness club and part of the Honors College. She chose JMU because she felt that the engineering program fit her needs the best. She wants to make a difference and help people solve problems.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future? The JMU Engineering challenges her to step out of her comfort zone and also pushes her to be the best version of herself.

Advice for prospective students: "Choose JMU Engineering if you want to be challenged, and also gain lots of knowledge. You won’t be lost in the crowd while being apart of JMU Engineering, your professors will know your name and they truly care about helping every student be as successful as possible."

Before college, Sonja had not been exposed to Engineering as a possible career. She became an EA to be a JMU engineering advocate for prospective students. She belongs to the Society of Woman Engineers and enjoys shopping, art, and hanging out with friends in her spare time. Sonja chose JMU Engineering because of the flexibility of the program. "I came into engineering without a strong desire to pursue a certain path. I felt a general program would help me figure out what I wanted to do."

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future? "JMU Engineering teaches me time management, how to present projects effectively, and how to lead and work in a team environment.

Advice for prospective students: "Engineering may seem like an intense subject, but if you balance your work and get help from your professors, it is manageable and enjoyable. Communicating with your professors is key - they want to help you. Lastly, Have fun and make friends. Part of the reason I love JMU Engineering so much is because of the friends I have made within the program."

Matrix is an EA because he wants to give back to his local community through the Engineering Outreach program. As a result, he can give kids an opportunity "he never knew he had and help them achieve more than he ever could" while growing up in Harrisonburg.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future? "The community is making me a better engineer and a better person. It's allowing me to learn and explore the engineering field."

Advice for prospective students: "Explore as many opportunities as possible, figure out what you enjoy the most, and be the best at it. Work hard and surpass your limits. Don't procrastinate, do your work early – it will save you time and stress, and make sure you eat and sleep."

Jasmine became an ambassador because she wants to be a leader within the JMU community. She wants to inspire her peers and prospective students and engage with others. She is involved in NSBE, BSA, SWE, Haynes Scholars, and CISE Mentor Collective. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys cooking, traveling, fitness, and trying new things. She has always loved engineering, and at JMU, she gets to work with students and professors that share that love.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future? "It's preparing me to work with teams on projects as I would in an engineering career."

Advice for prospective students: "Don't stress about college too much. The process may be hard, but you will succeed. You must also learn to enjoy the process."

Zach chose to become a EA because he wanted to help prospective students coming into the major. He chose JMU Engineering for the hands-on project experience and small class sizes. He belongs to Madison Welders and enjoys fishing, woodworking, the outdoors, and working out.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future?
JMU engineering is preparing me for the future by teaching me how to work with teammates on projects and balance other workloads.

Advice for prospective students:
"When focusing on engineering, remember to maintain a balance by participating in other activities such as going to the gym or fishing."

Megan became an EA because she wanted to help inspire younger students to be creative and teach skills that can be applied to solve real-world problems. "I wanted to be part of a group that worked internally in our department and externally with our community." Megan chose JMU Engineering because it's very open-ended and project-oriented. "I had no idea which engineering discipline I wanted to study, but JMU allowed me to create my own path. As a result, I had an opportunity to experiment with multiple disciplines and learn how to problem-solve from day one." Megan is also involved in Women in Technology, Community Service Learning, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is also a Trip Leader and a CISE Mentor.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future?
"JMU Engineering allows me to develop soft and hard skills for my future career. I also have the opportunity to work with real stakeholders like Northrop Grumman." 

Advice for prospective students:
"Find what you love doing and run with it. This is your future, and it's what you make of it."

Emma became an EA because she wanted to help younger creative minds understand engineering and how it might be an excellent fit for them. She chose JMU Engineering because it allowed her to discover the various types of engineering rather than focusing on one specific field. Emma is part of Madison Welders. She enjoys running, puzzles, spending time with friends, and meeting new people in her free time.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future?
"JMU Engineering has allowed me to work on many different teams and has taught me to think critically about problems and how to work through a process in a team setting."

Advice for prospective students:
"Participate in any opportunity that looks interesting! There is so much that the JMU Engineering program has to offer. Sign up for things that will benefit you and expand your learning!"

Abby became an EA because she received a tour from an Engineering EA during her college search. "Being able to talk one-on-one with an EA about her experience in the program and learning about all of the resources in Engineering is something I will always carry with me." I want to make that same impact on prospective students." 

She chose JMU Engineering because she liked "the idea of" participating in an interdisciplinary program. Abby knew she wanted to pursue engineering but didn't know what kind of engineering interested her. Smaller class sizes were also a big factor that impacted her decision. "I thrived in smaller classes in high school and felt like JMU modeled that environment best. It also allows me to build strong relationships with my classmates and professors." Abby is also a CISE Mentor, involved in Student Ambassadors, Greek Life, and intramural sports on campus.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future?
"The hands-on and exploratory projects I have completed throughout my time as a student. Going into my third year, I already have experience in 3D modeling, coding, working in teams, research, and physical prototyping. Developing skills related to collaboration and communication are only done through practice. JMU Engineering has created an environment where I can gain these skills and learn from failures in a productive way."

Advice for prospective students:
"Don't be too hard on yourself! College is the time to figure out who you are and what you are interested in. You do not have to have it all figured out within the first week, first month, first semester, or even first year. You are bound to make mistakes, but it is all part of the process. Push yourself and try new things. It will all work out."

Jace became an EA to share information and insight about the engineering program to prospective students from his own experiences. As an outreach team member, he travels to schools and events in the community to educate K-12 students about STEM topics. He chose JMU engineering for its small classroom sizes, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary approach. Outside of EA, Jace is a CISE mentor and is a member of Madison Motorsports, Society of Automotive Engineers, and Fitness Club.

How is JMU Engineering preparing you for your future?
"This program has allowed me to enhance skills such as leadership, teamwork, and professional communication - those that need to come from project experience and cannot necessarily be taught in a classroom."

Advice for prospective students:
"Don't do work just for good grades. Take your time to understand the material and understand how you learn best!"

Luke became an EA because he wanted to get more involved in the Engineering program and help others do the same. "I really appreciate the amount of outreach and program-wide events EA's are involved in." He chose JMU Engineering because he wanted to learn as much as possible, challenge himself, and have a meaningful career where he can make a difference. In his free time, he enjoys running, watching soccer, snowboarding, hanging out with his mom, and beating friends in the New York Times mini crossword puzzles.

How is JMU engineering preparing you for your future?
"I knew JMU engineering would prepare us for our future through challenging and broad coursework and hands-on learning, but the unique thing about our program is how much project-based and group learning there is."

Advice for prospective students:
Don't be afraid to admit to not knowing things or needing help - it's the only way you learn. Talk to your professors and upper-class students early and often - you never know what opportunities it will open for you."

Matthew became an EA because he wanted to become more involved in Engineering. He chose JMU Engineering because of the community, the campus, and the experiential learning aspect of the program. Matthew is also involved in the JMU Aerospace Club and enjoys hiking, climbing, running, gaming, and skiing/snowboarding in his free time.

How is JMU engineering preparing you for your future?
"I am given opportunities to work in teams and get hands-on experience."

Advice for prospective students:
Make a decision based on what best works with your work ethic."

Hailey became because she wanted to give back to the program while helping others. She is also involved in Alpha Omega Epsilon- Sorority for Women in Engineering and Technical Sciences. She chose JMU Engineering because of the style of the program. "It allows students to choose their own path, gain experience working in teams, and work on projects with stakeholders and clients." Haily has two minors - in Environmental Science and Math. She is part of the Honors College and a T.A. for the Geology Department. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, walking with her dog, art, painting, working out at the gym, and watching tv and movies.

How is JMU engineering preparing you for your future?
"I have worked on several long-term projects as part of a team. I've worked with clients and stakeholders, which has prepared me for working in the real world. I also have had the opportunity to choose courses based on my interests and career goals which have given me unique experience compared to other engineering students."

Advice for prospective students:
"Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things all the time. You never know where you might find your passions."