For 16-year-old Mariana Correa the words “If I were your parents I wouldn’t let you play tennis” was the motivation she needed to thrive at Texas A&M University-Kingsville as an international student and an athlete.
With a suitcase full of dreams and determination to prove that statement wrong, Correa traveled from Brazil to TAMUK in 2017 to play tennis and pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. Recently, Correa has added another accolade to her record and has been named Student Engineer of the Year in the Nueces Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE).
“When I first learned I was nominated for Engineer Student of the Year, I didn’t know if I was going to win. I was just happy that my work was being recognized and it was a huge reminder that I was going in the right direction,” Correa said.
For Correa this accomplishment emphasized that her family’s sacrifices were paying off. As an international student, Correa strives to standout in her academics with the goal to succeed in the job market.
“We [Gustavo and Paula Correa] are very proud of the dedication Mariana puts towards her studies, her internships and her tutoring job. She’s getting closer to graduating, and she has grown so much as a person over the years… I’m most proud of Mariana during the toughest times, when she remains focused on her goals no matter the circumstance…we are proud of the person she is becoming,” Paula Correa, mother of Marianna Correa, said.
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While at TAMUK Correa has been actively involved on campus and completed several hands-on internships. During the summer of 2019, Correa worked alongside SpawGlass Contractors and had the opportunity to work on the new School of Music at TAMUK focusing on construction management. Correa has also worked with BGE Inc. where she provided engineer support for water infrastructure design projects. As a sophomore in college, Correa joined the Pathway Academic Assistant Center (PAAC) as a tutor for Civil Engineering and enjoys helping others succeed.
Correa’s involvement and extracurricular activities have made her a top performer among the engineering program.
“I talked to other faculty in the department and we found that she was one of our best students. There was a group of really good students but when we were adding things together she had a few more things that put her above other students. She’s done a really great job during her undergrad studies,” Interim Chair and professor Dr. Francisco Aguiniga said.
Correa will graduate with a 4.0 this Spring.
“I am here today because I didn’t listen when I was told I couldn’t do it. And I am now ready to apply everything I’ve learned so far to the real world. I am ready to make a difference,” Correa said.