As someone who grew up exploring the outdoors in Mendota, California, I found the perfect place to continue that passion at California State University – Chico, where I’ll be graduating in May 2026. Initially, I pursued a degree in business administration but quickly realized I wanted more hands-on learning. The CIM program was exactly what I needed.

The CIM program has given me countless opportunities to grow professionally and personally. I’ve completed two internships, attended conventions like World of Concrete and The Precast Show and competed for the Bob Weatherton Award and Project Precast. These experiences have expanded my knowledge of construction materials and helped me develop a strong professional network.

Internships have been central to my education. My first was with CalPortland as an operations intern at the Santosh Aggregate site, where I learned about production, distribution and sales of aggregates. Currently, I’m with Vulcan Materials Co. as a quality control intern. These hands-on experiences have deepened my understanding of the industry and given me a clear direction for my future.