Jesse James Sanchez

Hometown
Los Angeles, California

High School
King William High School, Virginia

Degree
BS Environmental Engineering

Expected Graduation
Spring 2025

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

I think the people here. I’m very comfortable at UGA and I’ve found people here that I can talk about my career goals and coursework with but then also laugh with outside of class. Maybe too much sometimes, my friends say they can hear me laughing before they see me in Driftmier. This and staying at UGA for my master’s are a testament to how much I enjoy being a student here.

Why did you choose engineering?

I first encountered AutoCAD in middle school during a class similar to Engineering Graphics Design, and I really enjoyed it. That’s when I first learned about engineering as a career. Before that, my childhood answer when asked “what do you want to be when you’re a grown up” was always to be a scientist. Now getting my master’s in Environmental and Civil Engineering, I guess I subconsciously mixed both fields. Also, before going to college, I did construction with an independent contractor for about 2 years in Virginia and when I was working, I would think about the steps that were taken before I even got to the site, and I wanted to work on that side.

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

It’s important that a school has different perspectives and experiences for people of all backgrounds to become more socially responsible/ considerate. I think a diverse community creates a better sense of social awareness and prepares students to address societal issues after and during college. And diverse communities promote equity by providing opportunities for underrepresented groups, helping to rectify historical imbalances in access to education.

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

I’m a first-generation student and having to navigate transferring to UGA from out-of-state felt like a game of catch up sometimes with knowing what resources were available to me. Both in transferring, but also having to undergo the process without guidance from a parent or sibling.

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

Experiencing failure can teach resilience. It’s easy to feel discouraged when things don’t go as planned, but learning to keep going regardless sets you up to have the determination needed in life. This resilience often translates into a greater willingness to take risks, and to not sweat the small stuff knowing that failure is a potential part of the journey.

Who has helped you become a successful student at UGA?

I think the people at the Circularity Informatics Lab have really given me opportunities I didn’t think I could achieve in my undergrad. The support, the professional experience, the soft skills, and the joy I have gained working with them is unreal. And there’s definitely a theme of friendship throughout my responses, but as a queer student having a solid chosen family is what keeps you going when you’re unsure of yourself. I would be remiss if I didn’t credit all my friends who have supported me during my time at UGA.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

The Trial Gardens, I love plants and it’s one of the cooler places that’s near South Campus. I’ll walk there if I am waiting on Campus for something. Also, whenever they have plant sales I’m there as soon as they open because they have weird unique plants, but you have to get there early to beat the literal 400 ft. line that will form (approximated using google maps).

What has been your favorite class at UGA?

I love a lot of professors here so saying just one class feels like a set-up. No shade to anyone but I’m going to have to say Environmental Engineering Design Methodology. I had such a talented group, and we made a real impact on plastic pollution in local Athens watersheds and I had so much fun doing it. And my instructors Dr. Jambeck and Taylor Maddalene are so cool and knowledgeable about their work that it’s inspiring.

What has been your best memory at UGA?

This might be odd but my boyfriend’s graduation at UGA was my best memory at UGA so far. He graduated Spring 2022, and our day was just hanging out with our friends, family, taking photos and celebrating and it was the most wholesome and triumphant experience. It makes me excited to do it myself.

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

You deserve to be at UGA, and you deserve to explore the most authentic version of yourself at UGA or any University. I think in the beginning of my college experience I felt like I didn’t belong in the rigorous classes in a serious and at times intimidatingly new atmosphere. And because of this I was on guard and masked my interests and personality from people I talked to. But finding your friends and support group will develop by being yourself! Your vibe will attract your tribe if you will.

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

I hope to go into water resources and provide solutions to communities that incorporate natural infrastructure and resilient practices to better support environmental health.