Meet Midshipman Samuel Weiss

QIs there a community that’s made a big impact on your experience at Illinois?

My most meaningful community at the University of Illinois is the Naval ROTC unit and my fellow Midshipmen. Being in a group of dedicated university students who also have the same dream of earning a commission into the United States Navy and Marine Corps gives me access to a great support network. Not only are the Midshipmen here high-achieving students, but they also represent a diverse group on campus. We have students from many fields of study, clubs, and athletics. Additionally, the program has offered a number of opportunities for professional STEM and military development.

QAre there any notable professional development experiences you’ve had?

The systems engineering program at the University of Illinois has very close ties to industry. As a freshman in my first semester systems engineering course, we had many lectures and discussions aimed at real-world industry problems. The course concluded with a large capstone project modeled after the product design process engineers at Fiskars work through.

QWhat’s your favorite study spot on campus?

The Grainger College of Engineering has many study-friendly spaces on campus. In the North end, the Grainger Library is a student favorite with floors of quiet individual study spaces as well as a basement with group workstations. During my semester on campus, I also enjoyed studying in the Digital Computer Laboratory or the Systems Engineering building student lounge. If you are more productive in busy student environments, the Union is a great place to work. With a nice coffee-shop vibe, the Union also has many options for a quick snack or meal.

QHave you received any scholarships? How have they made a difference?

Being able to receive scholarships while enrolled as a student at the University of Illinois has opened many new doors for me. In particular, I received two scholarships that helped support my trip to Guatemala to build three houses in underserved communities. This opportunity helped me develop my current global engineering perspective to investigate job opportunities that include international travel or relocation. I am very thankful for the opportunities given to students like me by generous donors.