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Show "One of the most challenging things about obtaining a degree in engineering is being in the environment," Locquiao says. She says she feels pressure to perform, worrying that some men may think that her technical skills are not as developed as theirs. "Young girls are often told of how pretty they are instead of what they are capable of doing. We tend to praise them for their physical attributes when we should be focusing on their interests," Locquiao says. She says that she is often asked if she needs help with carrying things that she is capable of lifting on her own, which she sees as a direct result of the male dominance in her field. In addition to balancing school with part-time jobs as a math and science tutor and a research assistant for Bordelon, Locquiao works as an intern for the International Rescue Committee, which helps refugees resettle, cultivate their cultural roots, and eliminate food insecurity. Although balancing work and school may be difficult for some students, Locquiao tries to have a social life by having "homework parties." She meets up with her friends who attend different schools to study at coffee shops. Many of her friends have different majors and interests, but she says these study parties help her catch up with her friends mid-week. When it comes to down time, Locquiao enjoys reading, cooking, eating good food, art, attending poetry slams, hiking, and working out. She plays the trombone and piano, talents that are rollovers from time spent in her high school marching band. By interacting with others, she says she has found importance in her work. "My advice to other students who are interested in the engineering field is to not only work hard, but also respect others. This is something that helps people be more collaborative:' she says. After Locquiao graduates next summer, she plans to go to graduate school and pursue a career in engineering with an emphasis on public policy. She says her dream job would be to either work at a think tank or be a professor running a think tank. Her hard work is paying off, Bordelon says. "Jem has always been a very intriguing and committed student',' she says. "Since I've known her as a sophomore, she has blossomed in confidence and has become more articulated to express her interests:' fm |