Running
Head: ROSE REAL LIFE PUZZLES: WARMTH IN MEXICO

Emily
Rose
Real
Life Puzzles: Warmth in Mexico
As
a backpacker, the lack of electricity or warmth at night was
familiar, however a wooden box on stilts with no light source made my
engineering mind whirl. In just one night of sleeping in this casa, I
learned the value of wall insulation. The fire in my soul which
initially brought me to Mexico to build an orphanage for children
with disabilities was expanded from connecting with and improving the
quality of life of impoverished children forgotten by their
government to problem-solving on a grander scale. Wanting to develop
a comprehensive engineered solution, I began researching potential
micro-changes that would produce the highest yield, in this case
warmth. Knowing that cost drives decisions and access, this real-life
puzzle included the topographical complication of being located in a
flooding valley where the land was more affordable. Their solution to
torrential rains sweeping housing away was stilts which unfortunately
exacerbated the depth of the cold. Through my intellectual excitement
to establish a multifaceted solution to increase warmth through
changes in wind pattern, flood control, building sealants as well as
cost-effective insulating material, I heightened the awareness of a
greater community need. The heightened awareness led to action; the
action led to change with a broader reach of impact, transforming the
lives of the no longer forgotten children. Incited by one cold night,
I learned the value of affecting change at a foundational level for
lasting sustainable results, driving my career path towards activism
as well as engineering. I often work with Challenged Athletes
Foundation, my local soup kitchen and various race organizations but
my experience in Mexico led me to not only return to see the
orphanage to completion but to adapt my engineering career goals
towards improving newly industrializing countries. Knowing in my
heart that everyone
should have access to basic human necessities such as sufficient
shelter and clean drinking water, I will use my future chemical
engineer expertise to volunteer for Engineers Without Borders to
design dependable water purification chemicals and cost-effectively
deliver microbial-free water to needy communities across the globe.


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