Leslie Wall, 6/15/07
Title:
Designing a Plan for Success
Header:
When Leslie Wall [SCSE ’07] decided to become an engineering major, she was told a lot of would-be engineers don't make it, and that it would be OK to change her major once she arrived at college.
Feature:
When Leslie Wall [SCSE ’07] decided to become an engineering major, she was told a lot of would-be engineers don't make it, and that it would be OK to change her major once she arrived at college.
But she didn’t listen. In fact, she proved them wrong. Wall recently received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and accepted an offer from the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering as an associate engineer.
“I knew I would be able to accomplish any goal I set for myself as long as my family believed in me and I kept God first in my life,” Wall says.
Wall became interested in engineering at Chino High School, where she participated in LMU's Science and Engineering Community Outreach Program (SECOP). The pre-college program is designed to encourage the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It also provides students with important information about the SATs, college admission and scholarships.
"I knew I liked math and science, but I didn't know what I wanted to study in college or do as a career," Wall says. "SECOP really opened my eyes to engineering, and showed me what college would be all about."
After graduating from high school, Wall faced many choices over which university she would attend. She said that she ultimately chose LMU because of its engineering program and because she was familiar with the university.
“LMU’s engineering program is really strong and well-respected,” Wall says. “Plus, I was already in love with LMU after studying on campus and working with professors and students.”
Wall says SECOP influenced her to help others. For the past two years, she has served as the assistant director of SECOP. Also, in collaboration with the National Society of Black Engineers, Wall started the Pre-College Initiative at Westchester High School, where students can talk about math, science, engineering, attending college and their future. The group meets every other Thursday, and 25 students attend regularly.
“It is very rewarding to take all you have received and give back,” Wall says. “I will do whatever it takes to be a positive influence in these kids’ lives, whether it is by encouraging them or through editing their college-entrance essays.”
In addition to her studies, Wall has been active in the campus community. She was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers and the Black Student Union. Also, she worked as a mentor in the intercultural department and as a tour guide for the admissions office.
Future plans for Wall include obtaining an M.B.A. and pursuing a career in engineering management.
“Wall will do great things in the future,” says Barbara Christie, director of SECOP and the Center for Student Success. “She was a model student at LMU and will be a shining light in all her future endeavors.”