Mariana Conde

ISE degree:
BS SED '21

Link to your personal LinkedIn page:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianaconde29/ 

Were you involved in other student organizations on campus? 
CARE (tutor and marketing director), WIE (ambassador and teaching assistant) , MakerGirl (3-d printing session leader)

Favorite college memory:
My favorite college memory is training and running my first 10k race. There is something very special about crossing the finish line surrounded by motivated and courageous peers. This one was even more special since the race took place at the University of Illinois. Runners share a bond that goes deep and they support each other in running and many other aspects of their lives. I started running in college and ever since then I have been able to transfer that sense of confidence and accountability to my daily life. I let my sense of adventure guide my runs and I can proudly say there is no street on campus I haven't seen. The best thing about that first race was having the ability to track my progress as I practiced more and more. I now run longer distances and I'm training for a half-marathon, but this 10k will always hold a place in my heart as the first real race I ever ran surrounded by people who loved the sport just as much as I did.

Favorite ISE class:
SE101,SE413,SE402

Favorite UIUC campus coffee shop/restaurant/bar:
The Bread Company

Advice you would give to your freshman college self if you could:

Don’t commit to something just because it will look good on your resume...people will notice when you are not passionate about something and you’ll quickly lose motivation if it’s not something you enjoy doing. (Quality over quantity)

Find something that differentiates you and embrace it/develop it as much as you can. This can be a deal-breaker in interviews

Make sure to take advantage of the flexibility you have as an ISE major. Create your own path and don't be afraid of being the first to do something.

Walk your own path. I know it sometimes might feel like everyone else is doing better or taking harder classes, but that does not mean you will be behind. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare.