Christy Sanchez

Hometown
Woodstock, GA

High School
Woodstock High School

Degree
BS Civil Engineering

Expected Graduation
Fall 2026

What is your favorite thing about being a student at UGA?

My favorite thing has to be the community around campus and within Driftmier. I love coming to Driftmier or walking around campus and seeing my friends, professors, and staff. Campus is full of so many supportive people and it truly makes UGA feel like a home away from home.

Why did you choose engineering?

Growing up in New York, I was always surrounded by construction. I was obsessed with Legos as a kid and spent so much time building up my own city. I grew up wanting to be an architect or an engineer so I could make something bigger than myself. My mom, sister, and I eventually moved to Woodstock, GA, and I was no longer surrounded by construction. My dreams changed over time, and I originally applied to UGA as a biological engineering major. During my first year, I was dedicated to going into the medical field. And if it weren’t for ENGR 1120, Engineering Graphics and Design, I would have never wanted to change my major. It felt like I was letting go of my true passion so after some time, I finally made the decision to change to civil engineering and everything fell into place!

Why is it important for the university to have a diverse community?

University is a place where you come to grow as a person but it’s also the time when you develop yourself not only professionally but morally. There needs to be a diverse community so one can get exposure to people who have different backgrounds and experiences. Being understanding and accepting of others is key. There is no place like university to figure out the person you want to be!

What has been the greatest challenge you have faced while at UGA, and how did you overcome it?

The greatest challenge was the imposter syndrome I experienced during my first two years here at UGA. I felt like I didn’t belong, that I wasn’t good enough, and I felt terrible for leaving my family behind. My parents immigrated to the United States from Peru, they were never able to experience half of the things I have at my age. I spent so long feeling alone, struggling, and being worried that I would never be successful. I think the thing that truly helped was being able to bring my family to campus, show them Driftmier, and have them experience Athens. I also found a close knit community by joining SHPE, which has allowed me to find people in a similar situation and enabled me to grow professionally, and get my first internship!

What have you learned that has made a difference for you?

“To always say yes, as long as it doesn’t kill you.” This summer during my internship with Burns & McDonnell, the project manager I was working alongside, told me that phrase on my first ever site visit. Beforehand, I was terrified. I had never had an internship before, never gone out on site, and I was so worried about what the day would entail. I said yes, without a second thought when the opportunity came. Later, I voiced my anxiety to him on our drive out to the site. He shared his own experiences as a professional and truly helped calm my nerves. Throughout the summer, I continued to say yes, and it allowed me to visit Burns & McDonnell world headquarters, go out to the site for a week, and get immersed in the company!

Who has helped you become a successful student at UGA?

I would say both my mom and older sister. Because without their support, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today. I do my best to call them whenever I have the time to catch them up on my journey here. My mom provides me with so much support even if she says she will never be able to understand what I might be feeling whenever I call her talking about school. My sister shares her words of wisdom and encouragement when I am feeling overwhelmed. It has always been the three of us against the world and I am grateful to have them both by my side. Having a good support system both socially and academically has also been extremely crucial and helpful during my time here.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

My favorite spot is Driftmier! You will always catch me there, either in the student hub room, at the market, or roaming around getting my steps in. I have spent way too much time at Driftmier and find it to be the only place I can truly get work done in.

What has been your favorite class at UGA?

My favorite class so far has been Thermodynamics with Dr. Stooksbury! The class seemed daunting at first, but I was able to take the class with one of my friends, and we truly learned everything about thermo. Dr. Stooksbury is a supportive professor and was always so helpful when I would stop by his office hours trying to understand thermodynamics. He continues to be a friendly face around the College of Engineering, and it is always nice to chat with him about non-thermo related things!

What has been your best memory at UGA?

My first year roommate was a random roommate assignment. We ended up connecting instantly and would always cook in the communal kitchen of 1516. On our 1-month “roomieversary”, we baked a cake together, decorated it in UGA Colors and spent the night eating cake and catching up on the last 18 years of our lives. We continue to celebrate August 14th as the day we met and became best friends for life. We have lived together every year since, and every day with her is an amazing memory.

What advice do you have for younger students who wish to pursue engineering?

Engineering is challenging but it is also rewarding. But it’s not a journey you should do by yourself. Coming to a new school, a new city, and growing as a person is already hard enough. You need to find a friend, within your major or just anyone! It’s always good to have a study buddy, someone to rant to about college life, and who understands what you are going through! College is too hard to do by yourself and having a good support system is key. And even if engineering feels like it is getting too hard, you are made to be an engineer, and you will accomplish all your goals you set your mind too. Make sure to also join a club specific to your major, identity or one that you share similar ideals with!

How do you hope to impact society with your engineering degree?

I hope to contribute to society by designing or maintaining a more reliable and sustainable infrastructure, to keep up with our ever-growing world. I also hope to inspire others to pursue a career in engineering!