This fall, Yasmin begins her sophomore year in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Before fully transitioning into Illinois ECE, she completed foundational coursework at Parkland College through the Parkland Pathway to Illinois program. A first-generation college student and Illinois native, Yasmin shares her experience taking a nontraditional route to Grainger Engineering.

Why did you choose Electrical and Computer Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering?

I've long been fascinated by the inner workings of electrical systems, devices and generators. My strong interest in physics and the mathematical foundations of engineering made it clear that Electrical and Computer Engineering was the right path for me. 

Can you tell us about your involvement with ECE so far? 

Why did you choose the Parkland Pathway program? 

As someone deeply committed to math and science, I knew I wanted a strong academic foundation before fully transitioning to the University of Illinois. Even though I performed well in high school, I wanted to ensure I was fully prepared for the rigor of Grainger Engineering. I want to set myself up for academic success. Parkland Pathway provided me with a lot of one-on-one support, because it's a smaller academic environment, so you can be more prepared prior to going to Grainger Engineering. 

What advice would you give to other students who want to participate in Parkland Pathway to Illinois?  

Take your academics seriously from the very beginning. Transferring into a program like Grainger Engineering is highly competitive, so it’s important to stay focused and know your long-term goals. Engineering is a broad field with many paths, and the more you engage with your professors, participate in projects and get involved on campus, the better positioned you’ll be. The effort you put in early on will absolutely pay off. 

Parkland Pathway student Yasmin

Did you take any ECE classes at the U. of I. while you were at Parkland College? 

I decided to wait until the fall. I felt like if I take ECE classes at the U. of I. while at Parkland, I'm not going to be able to balance the two, if I'm honest. Everyone is different. 

Did you face any challenges while you were in the program?  

Balancing a part-time job with being a student was kind of a challenge. Many students work part-time jobs to pay for their education, and balance is very important; you have to be good at time management. I know it's a big challenge for a lot of students, including me.  

You’re transferring this fall. What are you looking forward to most about joining The Grainger College of Engineering? 

I am excited to engage in the community as much as I can. I’m excited to get to know more students in the department, as well as collaborate with professors, meet new people in general and make the most of it as an engineering student. I’m planning to join Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering. 

Tell us about your hobbies — what do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking, often drawing inspiration from my Moroccan heritage. Music is also a big part of my life; I play both the violin and viola and really enjoy expressing myself through them. I’m a former lifeguard and love swimming. I’m also interested in learning about different cultures and languages, which broadens my perspective and keeps me curious about the world. 

After you graduate, have you thought about what you might want to do? 

I want to take a leadership role at an engineering corporation and solve problems related to electrical systems, generators, computer systems and anything to do with electrostatics, electricity or physics. I want to make a positive impact on the world when it comes to generating electricity and systems. I want to make the world a better place.