Junior Year in Review 2015 - 2016.
Looking back and reflecting on the past year, I realize that I have experienced many new things and I have grown as an individual as a result. During the fall semester, I worked at Marathon’s refinery in Catlettsburg, KY. This was my first time working at a petroleum refinery and also my first opportunity to work a major turnaround. A turnaround is a shutdown that refineries and other chemical plants perform to conduct inspections and maintenance on process units. For the duration of the two-month-long turnaround, I worked at least twelve hours a day, seven days a week. This was an awesome learning opportunity, and I learned about many processes and pieces of equipment. However, this was also a challenging experience – working such long hours was physically and emotionally exhausting.
During the spring semester, I took some of the most difficult engineering courses I have taken so far. Taking such challenging courses, working part-time, being involved in Kappa Delta, and making time for friends and family pushed me to prioritize my commitments and manage my time wisely. I studied with classmates nearly every day. Doing so benefitted my studies greatly and also strengthened my relationships with my friends from class. Having these close relationships has made my experience at UC so much more enjoyable and meaningful.
This summer I am working in Marathon’s Major Projects engineering group, which is based out of Findlay, OH. My project team is leading the construction of a new 50-mile pipeline in northeast Ohio. The entire project team is living in Dover, OH and working out of a field office. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to work on this project. I have the most responsibility I have ever had as a co-op, and I can tell that I am handling meaningful tasks and adding value to our project team.
As I look forward to the upcoming semesters and think about applying to full-time jobs, I know I have much to consider. I am challenging myself to really look back on all of my co-op experiences, step outside my comfort zone, and determine the best fit for me and my career goals.
Every year, I set a goal for myself to do well academically. However, going into my last year as an undergrad, I have a couple additional goals as well. Now that I am an alumna of Kappa Delta and will no longer be as involved in our collegiate chapter, I would like to push myself to get involved in other organizations on campus and in the surrounding community. I also want to push myself to strengthen my friendships and personal relationships. Because I will be graduating, starting a career soon and likely moving out of the Cincinnati area, I think it is important to focus on building and strengthening the friendships I have made while at UC.
During the spring semester, I took some of the most difficult engineering courses I have taken so far. Taking such challenging courses, working part-time, being involved in Kappa Delta, and making time for friends and family pushed me to prioritize my commitments and manage my time wisely. I studied with classmates nearly every day. Doing so benefitted my studies greatly and also strengthened my relationships with my friends from class. Having these close relationships has made my experience at UC so much more enjoyable and meaningful.
This summer I am working in Marathon’s Major Projects engineering group, which is based out of Findlay, OH. My project team is leading the construction of a new 50-mile pipeline in northeast Ohio. The entire project team is living in Dover, OH and working out of a field office. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to work on this project. I have the most responsibility I have ever had as a co-op, and I can tell that I am handling meaningful tasks and adding value to our project team.
As I look forward to the upcoming semesters and think about applying to full-time jobs, I know I have much to consider. I am challenging myself to really look back on all of my co-op experiences, step outside my comfort zone, and determine the best fit for me and my career goals.
Every year, I set a goal for myself to do well academically. However, going into my last year as an undergrad, I have a couple additional goals as well. Now that I am an alumna of Kappa Delta and will no longer be as involved in our collegiate chapter, I would like to push myself to get involved in other organizations on campus and in the surrounding community. I also want to push myself to strengthen my friendships and personal relationships. Because I will be graduating, starting a career soon and likely moving out of the Cincinnati area, I think it is important to focus on building and strengthening the friendships I have made while at UC.