/About Me
Hello! My name is Laura Stegner.
I am going into my fifth year as an electrical engineering student at the University of Cincinnati. Being a student is only one facet of who I am…
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School:
Yes, I am one of those nerds who actually enjoys her classes. No, I am not ashamed. Electrical engineering is a beautiful blend of physics, mathematics, problem solving, and black magic, and I cannot imagine a major better fit for me. Every day, I am amazed at the wonders around me and marvel at how simply they can be explained through science. Ultimately I am unsure exactly where in the engineering world I will land, but I know that I am off to a good start with my degree at UC.
Travel:
I love to travel, and take every opportunity to do so. Since starting college, I have spent a summer in Korea and traveled to China on a diplomatic mission to UC’s sister school; I am currently in Germany for the summer and have plans to see the rest of Europe while I am here. Few things are more fascinating to me than seeing and experiencing other cultures. Every time I travel, I return a changed person. Even within the US there is so much to see and do. Within the past year, I have ventured to Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, and Yellowstone National Park. If you are interested in learning more about my global escapades, check them out at my Experiences page.
Community:
I am incredibly thankful for the many wonderful opportunities I have been able to take advantage of, and I want to make sure I give back to the community that supports me. I spend time volunteering through a number of different organizations, including Bearcat Buddies, which provides tutors for elementary school children; Project Red, which helps tutor middle schoolers in STEM classes; various community clean-up events; and the Little Sisters of the Poor house, assisting the elderly residents with physical therapy exercises to maintain their health. I am currently most active with the Girls Who Code Club, which introduces high school girls to basic programming skills and encourages them to consider STEM careers.
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Sports:
While I do not strike most people as an athlete, I have a deep love for two sports: Taekwondo and figure skating.
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In August 2014, a few short weeks before I started college, I tested for my fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo. When I came to UC, I decided to join the Taekwondo club to continue my training. I served as club president for 3 years, and in that time was able to help reshape and grow the team through my capacity as club leader and also as a student instructor.
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The graceful lines, powerful athleticism, and expressive choreography of skating have always held my heart captive in the most endearing way. Although I have never been an Olympic-bound skater, I cherish my time on the ice like it is gold. I recently passed two of the highest level skating tests, but have since had to retire from my training. I am continuing my involvement in skating now as a recently appointed judge. Judging will allow me to give back to the community that helped raise me, and it will give me the chance to encourage a new generation of skaters to follow their dreams.
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It seems every time I turn a corner, I am involved in something new. While it may seem daunting to some, it is the life I love to live. My time at UC has opened up a whole new world of possibilities, and I am so thankful for all of the opportunities I have had. I do not know exactly what the future will hold, but I do know that every experience I have had at the University of Cincinnati has done nothing but enrich my life for the better. Keep checking in for more updates on my adventures, and feel free to be in touch!