Daira Sofia Velasco Vega
Daira Sofia Velasco Vega
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Mathematics
Graduation: December 2023
Instagram: @velascovegadaira
My name is Daira Sofia Velasco Vega, and I will let you know about my background information. I am an international student, and I am in my sophomore year at BYU. I was born in Cochabamba Bolivia and raised in the same city. I was born in a poor area of the city, but my mother worked hard to give me a good education. I am passionate about physics, mathematics, music, dancing, engineering, and the Unexpected Connections courses.
What's one item on your bucket list?
Graduate in less than 4 years.
What sparked your interest in your major?
I was interested in civil engineering because I felt that it was where I could expand my passion for mathematics and physics. In addition, I really love to do helpful things for other and the word "civil" means for others. I want to help development that allow people to enjoy more their daily activities.
What are people often surprised to learn about you?
Most people are surprised to know that I take many courses and that I have free time. I always try to do my homework and study until a certain time. After that I try to do something that allows me brain to relax and have energy for the next day. Most cases I would bake something, go dancing, exercise or watch a movie.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
Start in the honors program is the best way to start university. The honors program will allow you to develop different thinking patters which will be useful for any major you decide on. Having a wider perspective will help you appreciate your classes more.
What do you do differently than most people?
Look ahead of your course work, do not be on the day to day basis or some assignments can surprise you. Enjoy the courses you take, that way you will know they are your passion.
Why did you decide to join the Honors Program?
I decided to join the Honors Program because I was able to acquire many thinking patterns in Honors 120. I decided to join the Honors Program because I am always amazed with the research professors have done. I am enthusiastic about learning the unexpected connections between courses that will help me create a thesis about my major connected to another course. I joined the Honors Program because it is an opportunity to enjoy more our majors more.
What has been your favorite part of your Honors experience?
My favorite part of Honors is definitely listening to all professors or speakers. There have been many professors who spoke about their research and how they started to develop their own idea. Learning about the thinking patterns first helped me to understand how the unexpected course are connected and how amazing it is to find this connections.