Graduating senior and Academic Engagement Award honoree

Ivy Hill is a graduating senior in aerospace engineering sciences and a 2025 recipient of a Academic Engagement Award from the College of Engineering and Applied Science. 

Below, Hill reflects on her time at CU Boulder and her next steps as an engineering professional.

What are your post-graduation plans?

After graduating I will be working for an aerospace startup called Constanellis, where I will be working as a satellite software developer.

What is your favorite memory from your time at CU Boulder?

My favorite memory from Boulder will be my friends. I have met many amazing people here who have loved and supported me through difficult times.

What accomplishment are you most proud of, either academically or personally?

I am proud of myself for making it through everything. Over the last four years I have been taking numerous classes, completing endless homeworks, begging for essay extensions, working continuous jobs. I have gone through personal struggles, health struggles, social struggles, family struggles. I have gone through the moments where everything seems pointless, and now I get to see moments where everything comes together. Not only have I persisted through these last four years, but I have meaningfully improved my life in spite of it. Anyone and everyone who makes it through it all deserves to congratulate and honor themselves.

When did you feel like you hit your stride or feel like you were “officially” an engineer.

I knew I hit my stride as an engineer when I found myself enjoying my work. I was working on a piece of software and debugging for hours; I found the whole process meditative, relaxing, and fulfilling. Like solving a puzzle. That was the moment I knew I was doing the right thing for my degree.

What is your biggest piece of advice for incoming engineering students?

My biggest piece of advice is to choose happiness.  Some choices are scary, and we feel like we can push them off to a later time or ignore them. And while it is never too late to make a choice, the best time is now. If you make a choice believing it will improve your life, you will find regret impossible.

What experiences or qualities do you think led to you receiving this award?

I am a helpful person who is great at showing my thought process. I am great at helping fellow students work through problems, and through my assistance to others I have built a strong reputation.