Stating the obvious here, but it’s still quite interesting to highlight.
All the engineering students I had the pleasure of interviewing have one thing in common: They love to problem-solve.
Trevor Stockdale, a 19 year old college student and a general engineering major at Texas A&M with aspirations in chemical engineering, follows the same thread.
“I’ve always kind of liked engineering for the fact that it allows me to be creative in a lot of aspects that other things don’t. I really like problem-solving, especially regarding bigger and real-world issues.”
Trevor shared his journey from his roots in San Antonio to navigating the complexities of college life, balancing academics with the social aspects, and his passion for writing.
We spent some time talking about how it feels to enter a new space and, therefore, a new mental state. He told me how the feeling of independence made him feel lost for a little bit.
“It was a little jarring… suddenly given freedom, you’re kind of sitting there dumbfounded with what to do with it.”
Unfortunately, this comes with an extra package that is a familiar feeling in college and overall in new environments: Loneliness.
Loneliness is a complex emotion that can surface even when surrounded by people. Trevor’s experience in college, where he found himself in new environments filled with people yet still feeling isolated, highlights this paradox. He describes how, despite being in a dorm and walking through crowded campuses, the lack of deep, meaningful connections left him feeling alone. This loneliness stems from the absence of genuine relationships and the challenge of making new friends in an unfamiliar setting, emphasizing the human need for authentic social bonds.
“I can talk to the person beside me in my chemistry class, right? That doesn’t really mean we’re friends. I don’t know his name. I’ve talked to this guy for the last three months, and I never asked his name.”
Trevor found that making meaningful connections in college required more effort than in high school. He recognized the importance of proactively seeking social interactions to overcome the loneliness of being surrounded by people yet feeling isolated. By joining the Creative Writing Techniques Club in college, Trevor engaged with like-minded individuals and found a safe space to express himself and build friendships. This club provided a relaxing environment where members could discuss shared interests, making it a highlight of his week and helping him feel more connected.
This reminds me of John Peyton, another Gen Z’r I interviewed who highlighted the importance of finding your support system by joining clubs and groups:
“Join a club, find some friends, join a Facebook group. There’s a Facebook group for everything. It’s weird. But find a support network and get in there and…and uh… don’t look for support; look for people you can give support to because that’s the best way you’re gonna get help is by giving help.” — John Peyton.
Actions speak louder than words; just like John, Trevor went out there and looked for ways to change a negative feeling into a positive experience.
Trevor’s proactive approach underscores the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to actively seek out and engage with communities that resonate with your interests and values.
A significant part of Trevor’s journey involves becoming his own support system. With inherent self-confidence, he navigates doubts through a practical approach. He values respect, honesty, and direct communication in friendships, recognizing the importance of these elements in building genuine relationships.
“It’s tough to recognize when someone is not ready for direct communication and that type of relationship in their life.”
I encouraged him to follow his emotions and to value them.
Although it may be difficult to talk about one’s difficulties in college, it is essential to do so, and when you do, you will find a good friend.
But is is good to keep in mind that: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves” as Viktor E. Frankl highlighted in his book “Man’s Search for Meaning.”
Again, a common thread we face at one point in time.
Join us on our journey.
You can find Trevor’s episode here:
Mentorship, Music, and Marketing with Heather Wagner Reed
Heather Wagner Reed is the Founder + CEO of Juice Consulting, a boutique PR and marketing firm specializing in music, film, tech, international government, the nonprofit world, the visual arts, and much more.
In 2023, she was named a winner of the “Women in Business” awards presented by the Austin Business Journal. Founded in 2007 and hailed by SPIN magazine as “Austin’s premier marketing & PR firm,” Juice’s clients range from Austin’s most beloved indie artists to likes of famed disco legend Gloria Gaynor and neo-soul songstress Erykah Badu.
Discover more on her episode!
Trevor is also quoted in the following episode:
The Power of Networking with Dan Graham Founder of Notley
In this episode of “Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life,” Dan, Leon and Natalie are joined by Dan Graham, Founder of Notley, a family office focused on philanthropic investments. Graham shares his journey from being a student in Austin to become a successful entrepreneur, explains why he dedicates himself to mentoring young minds and emerging businesses and offers his take on the power of networking.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation, email us at anais@foundingup.com
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