BlackboardMichelle Cullum
Civil & Environmental Engineering
"My father and my high school drafting teacher were instrumental in my decision to pursue an engineering degree," said Michelle Cullum, a civil and environmental engineering student. "One day my high school drafting teacher asked me what I was thinking of doing after graduation. After four years of drafting classes I told her that I'd been thinking about pursuing architecture as a career. That's when she said maybe I should check into civil engineering. So I did. I also talked to my dad about it and he was very supportive and encouraged me to give it a try."
Cullum's dad is a firefighter and in his down time enjoyed making things in his workshop. A lot of her childhood memories came from spending time with her dad in his shop until the day came that the future civil engineer decided it was time to build something herself.
Cullum has been an active participate in the FSU track team for the last four years. The lessons learned from being on a track team transcend to the classroom according to Cullum. "My engineering classmates have all been incredible," Cullum said. "Being able to call them up and say hey lets do a study group or meet up and hang out or travel with them has been a great experience. I've made friends for life here."
Cullum said her greatest experience at both FSU and at Engineering has been being a part of a team.
Cullum also suggests joining a student organization. "I have been a member of our student American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) organization, as well as the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)," says Cullum, "I hope to be more involved in these organizations during my senior year."
"Definitely be yourself and stay true to what you want to do," Cullum advises prospective engineering students. "And make sure your know your goals before you start. Stay focused. It is very easy to get off track. Have fun and do all that stuff but definitely stay focused on your classes and keep on top of all your homework."
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