"My education is going toward a higher purpose to make our community better."

College of Sciences | Engineering and Physics |

When Alyssa Anderson came to Harding, she knew she wanted to major in engineering. What she did not know was how much she would learn about people through her major.

“Coming into engineering, I was a very shy girl,” Anderson said. “Engineering is more teamwork than I thought it was. I did not anticipate the interconnectedness of the engineering group and how close you get with them. Being an engineer is more than just you. You have to learn to adapt in order to get through it together.”

The fellow students and faculty Anderson works with have helped her persevere through a major that can be intimidating for young women. Though it can be difficult at times, Anderson feels that anyone who has a passion for engineering can be successful in it.

“You don’t have to be the smartest kid in the class to be a good engineer,” Anderson said. “A good engineer is someone who works hard, wants to impact the world in a positive way, and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. That’s what employers are looking for, and that’s what your professors are looking for, so hard work and determination go a long way.”

Anderson also feels that engineering is all about helping people and serving by improving the community around you.

“We’re all part of the system. My education is going toward a higher purpose to make our community better. Like educators who are teaching to make our schools better, we’re doing this to make a power system better. It’s indirect, but it’s still important.”

After graduation, Anderson would like to move back to her home state of Kentucky to pursue her career as an electrical engineer.