An engineering student’s journey to make his family proud

Raised by parents who met every challenge with an unwavering work ethic, Yaseen Arif learned at a young age to face every challenge with resilience. 

Inspired by a dream that their son would one day become an engineer, his parents worked tirelessly to give him every opportunity to succeed. His father earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston while working two jobs before opening his own architecture practice. His mother also worked long hours before dedicating herself to raising Arif and his brother, all while pursuing her own associate’s degree in accounting from Houston City College (HCC).

“My parents made countless sacrifices to build a better future for my brother and me. They taught me the value of education and perseverance,” Arif said. “Knowing that my success would reflect their hard work and resilience pushes me to stay focused, give my best effort and keep moving forward, no matter what challenges I face.”

From an early age, Arif’s parents ensured that he had every opportunity to explore his creativity — buying him Lego sets and often taking him to NASA or his father’s architecture projects.

“They gave me the freedom to design, problem-solve and bring my ideas to life,” Arif said. “That sense of creativity, paired with my desire to make a positive impact on the world, is what motivates me to pursue engineering. I want to contribute to advancing technology and improving lives while collaborating with others to solve challenging problems.”

Forging his own path

After graduating from high school in 2022, Arif began the next chapter of his academic journey at the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at HCC, sponsored by ExxonMobil Foundation. This allowed him to strengthen his academic foundation while adjusting to the demands of college-level coursework.

“It also gave me the confidence and clarity to pursue my long-term goals in engineering,” Arif said. “It gave me the space to grow as I learned how to manage my time, balance responsibilities and take ownership of my education for two years.”

While attending a guest lecture on the various pathways available for students looking to transfer to a four-year university, Arif was immediately intrigued when he heard about the Texas A&M Engineering Academies.

Inspired by his brother’s legacy as a Texas A&M biomedical sciences graduate and the program’s various advantages, Arif was set on forging his path. During a transfer fair at HCC the following semester, he took the initiative to speak with program specialist Eddie Alvarado.

“His guidance gave me the clarity and motivation to take that leap, and it directly shaped the course of my education,” Arif said. “Discovering the Engineering Academy wasn’t just about finding an academic program; it felt like finding the bridge between my family’s sacrifices and my own aspirations to become an engineer.”

Arif was thrilled to find an engineering program that challenged him while still providing a slow transition to college life in a supportive environment.

“I valued how they allowed me to stay grounded where I started, while still being part of the Texas A&M Engineering community,” he said. “It feels like the best of both worlds, as I was continuing my growth in a supportive environment while also challenging myself with rigorous coursework that prepared me for what’s ahead.”

Since joining the program, Arif has made the most of his experience by engaging in academic and professional development, collaborating with peers, and seeking guidance from faculty and staff. He has also made a point to involve himself with organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Society of Civil Engineers at Texas A&M University.

Building connections

While these experiences helped Arif grow academically and professionally, it was his participation in the Engineering Academies Resume Challenge that would have the most significant impact on his career development.

The team-based challenge is designed to help foster a career-oriented mindset. Over the fall semester of his freshman year, Arif worked diligently to build and refine his resume with guidance from the Texas A&M Career Center and, along with his team, took home the first-place prize.

“The challenge helped me prepare for interviews, refine my resume and craft an elevator pitch that I would present to recruiters or industry professionals,” Arif said. “It taught me how to confidently present my skills and experiences in a way that resonates with recruiters. I was also able to connect with industry professionals from companies like NASA, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, SLB and Chevron, which expanded my network and gave me a clearer vision of the opportunities available in engineering.”

Gaining experience 

Armed with the practical and professional skills gained from the challenge, Arif was ready to dive into internships that broadened his experience. He began at CONSOR Engineers, a water and transportation firm, as a transportation planning and design CADD intern. Here, he drafted roadway layouts, cross-sections, alignments and profiles according to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) standards. He produced professional designs and learned how projects progress from planning to completion.

He received his second internship with LJA Engineering, where he served as a transportation engineering intern preparing base files, annotating roadway plans and ensuring submittals met TxDOT requirements. He strengthened his technical skills and learned the importance of quality control and teamwork while gaining hands-on insight into the full process.

“What helped me land these internships was the steps I took to prepare myself before even applying,” Arif said. “Katie Fetty, my career advisor and mentor, helped shape my professional development and career readiness from resume preparation to networking strategies, building my skills and confidence to succeed in professional environments. She influenced me to think about how I present myself, communicate and prepare for opportunities, which has been invaluable in setting the stage for my future career in engineering.”

As Arif looks to his future with newfound confidence, he hopes to graduate with a degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M and work in the industry, where he can create innovative solutions that honor his family’s sacrifices and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Despite his promising future, he still takes time to encourage future Engineering Academy students.

“Always stay curious, stay persistent and embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn,” Arif said. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek guidance and learn from your mistakes. Growth often comes from the moments that feel uncomfortable or uncertain. Success is not just about reaching a goal; it’s about the effort, consistency and character you build along the way.”