I chose the Community Engagement touchstone because I believe in making a real difference through the work I do—especially in construction, where the results directly affect people’s lives. As someone who’s both studying construction management and working for a small company, I’ve seen how much local projects impact our communities, from homes to public buildings.
Through this touchstone, I’ve learned that community engagement doesn’t always have to be big or flashy—it’s about consistency, relationships, and listening to what people actually need. It’s shown me that my field isn’t just about structures, but about the people who use them.
My next steps are to find more ways to combine my coursework with service, whether that’s through local Habitat for Humanity builds, campus projects, or offering construction insights to student organizations or nonprofits. I also plan to explore how I can integrate service into an Honors Contract, maybe by helping design or plan a community-focused construction project.
To future Brinson Honors College students: don’t underestimate the power of getting involved early. The Community Engagement touchstone opens your eyes to how your skills can serve others—and that perspective is something every employer, mentor, and teammate will value. It’s not just good for your resume—it’s good for your heart, too.