Pegah Zarandi
Why you chose Pitt
My college selection process was indeed stressful. I had the choice of going to an in-state university, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, or the University of Pittsburgh. I had to create a pro-and-cons list to be able to make the decision of where I want to get the education for my future career goals. Virginia Tech was close to home, had a lot of my friends attending, and is an excellent engineering university, but their bioengineering program was more environmentally based. While the University of Pittsburgh, was somewhere new and exciting, has an outstanding bioengineering program, and has a diverse environment. However, I did not know anyone attending and it was four hours away from home. Ultimately I picked the University of Pittsburgh because of the strong bioengineering program and its ability to lead me into the career path of using biological applications of engineering in the medical field. I wanted to embark on a new journey in Pittsburgh and I feel as if it is the best decision I have made thus far. All of my worries have disappeared, and I have actually created very strong friendships here, which I am very thankful for. I want to be able to guide any struggling high school student by sharing my experience and the benefits of my decision.
Advice to a First Year Engineering Student
My advice for any first-year engineering student is to go to office hours! It is such a great tool that so many people do not take advantage of. There you get to spend one-on-one time with your professor, help create a relationship with them, and learn the material better.
Extracurricular Involvement and Future Goals
I am currently involved in Engineering Student Council, Pitt Excel, and Society of Women Engineers. I am still debating if after graduation I will go into graduate school or straight into industry, however I do know that I want to be go into the medical devices field of bioengineering.
Hometown: Bristow, Virginia
High School: Patriot High School