EDITOR'S NOTE: This story originally appeared in the April issue of GCU Magazine, available in the purple bins around campus or digitally. It is the GCU My LopeLife feature, in which students, staff and alumni share enlightening experiences. To be considered for My LopeLife, please email a synopsis of your suggested topic to gcunews@gcu.edu with "My LopeLife" in the subject field.
By Lillian Wong / Photos by Ralph Freso
I’ve always been interested in how things work.
As a kid, I often would take my toys apart, trying to understand their inner workings, and would rebuild them over and over again.
As I grew older, the idea that something as large as a rocket or plane could be built from the ground up and then sent to the skies, or even farther – into space – captivated me.
The complexity of such a machine left me in awe, and it was this sense of wonder that drove me to pursue engineering.
A turning point for me was a visit from aerospace company Honeywell at my high school. The presenters shared how turbines are built, explaining the different principles of engineering in the design of rockets or planes.
The level of detail required to make these machines work blew my mind.
Right then, I knew this was the direction I wanted to take. The idea of designing and working on parts that launch these machines into the sky exhilarated me. There is something magical about understanding how something so powerful and precise operates, and I couldn’t wait to immerse myself into that world.
It’s a world far different from the one that shaped me
I am the first to be born in America in my family. My parents immigrated to the United States, both from different backgrounds.
My dad moved here when he was 14, seeking better educational opportunities. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business. My mother, on the other hand, did not attend college, immigrating to the U.S. after marrying my father.
Growing up, my family, who owned a small Chinese restaurant, often was not able to help me with studying or my classwork, so I had to learn how to navigate these challenges on my own.
I learned to teach myself through textbooks and videos online, in addition to the class lectures. It was difficult, but it strengthened my resolve to pursue engineering.
I started my journey at Grand Canyon University as a mechanical engineering student. But during my junior year, the College of Engineering and Technology added an aerospace emphasis.
Without hesitation, I changed my major.
Becoming one of the first students in GCU’s new aerospace emphasis has been an incredible opportunity.
The tight-knit group fostered a sense of camaraderie, and we formed strong bonds through the many late-night sessions we pulled for exams, projects and presentations.
One of the program highlights is the new wind tunnel purchased for the aerospace emphasis. Having the ability to run tests and see results firsthand to apply what we’ve been learning in the classroom has been invaluable.
As I learn more about aerospace and engineering, I have developed a strong interest in the design and functionality of thrusters.
I had an incredible opportunity to work as a summer intern with Benchmark Electronics in its precision technology sector, which significantly expanded my knowledge – and passion – for the field.
And I continue to sharpen my skills as a student worker at GCU’s Lux Precision Manufacturing, one of the startups in Canyon Ventures.
In my career, I want to contribute to the advancement of aerospace technology. My goal is to work on projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
One of the highlights of my time here has been serving as secretary, then president, of the Grand Canyon Aerospace Club, which was founded the spring semester of my junior year.
The experience has taught me leadership, teamwork and problem-solving in new ways. It also has helped me build valuable communication and organizational skills while managing a passionate group of students.
While we focused this semester on fundraising, in hopes that companies will support future projects, the club’s primary goal is to build a fully functional flight simulator out of a recovered crashed airplane. We are currently welding new bottom struts to secure seats in place.
The idea is to provide an opportunity for students to gain hands-on technical experience while also learning how to work on complex, real-world engineering projects.
The aerospace club has quickly become a place where students can connect, collaborate and bring ideas to life.
With the school year barreling to an end, I look back on my time at GCU and the solid foundation it has given me – the lessons, challenges and growth have shaped me and made me more confident and capable.
I know the road ahead will be full of even more challenges, but I am confident my experiences here will guide me as I continue on my aerospace path. I look forward to the future, knowing I am prepared to contribute to the technology that will help shape the next generation of flight and space exploration.
ABOUT LILLIAN WONG
Lillian Wong is from Glendale, Arizona. She graduated in the spring with a degree in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in aerospace. She served as president of the Grand Canyon Aerospace Club. When she's not in school or not working, she loves going out, trying new restaurants and hanging out with her friends.
