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The CSI Foundation scholarship program provided three aspiring professionals with the opportunity to attend the 2024 CSI National Conference that took place in Houston, TX.
We had a chance to catch up with them to learn more about their conference experience and how the scholarship program impacted them and their careers.
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Patrick Abaga, CSI-EP
What has this scholarship enabled you to do that you might not have been able to do without it?
Earning this CSI scholarship has enabled me to stand out as a young professional in my workplace. I was able to distinguish myself by attending the CSI National Conference and sharing what I learned and experienced with colleagues both at my level and above.
Attending the conference also broadened my view of spec writing and its impact in my field, which has led me to decide to be a more active member of CSI, even further than pursuing the CDT® certification. Additionally, the experience of attending has removed the fear associated with networking and reaching out to professionals in my field.
How was your experience at the CSI National Conference? How will it impact how you work in the future?
Overall, my experience at the CSI National Conference was amazing. I met a lot of individuals who expressed interest in my personal development and offered to mentor me moving forward. I believed that this conference would set the stage for all my future professional interactions, and it did. Being able to speak with many individuals about CSI and the impact it has had on them and their careers has opened new ways of viewing my career.
What would you say to donors who help make these scholarships possible?
Your contribution matters, and thank you. I think that at this stage in my career I needed to start thinking about the course that I would like my career to go on as well as building business relationships that can help me to achieve those goals. Thank you for making that possible. I think it’s wonderful that the donors could find it in their hearts to make these opportunities possible for emerging professionals. I hope that one day I take your place and encourage the next generation of young professionals in their careers.
Ashley Houghton, CSI-EP, CDT®
What has this scholarship enabled you to do that you might not have been able to do without it?
This scholarship enabled me to attend a conference that I typically would not have considered attending. It also gave me an opportunity to push myself professionally and learn from excellent experts on how they’re shaping and striving for better in our industry.
How was your experience at the CSI National Conference? How will it impact how you work in the future?
The CSI National Conference sparked a fire in me to push myself further as an individual at the start of my career. This conference shifted my mindset in a positive light, looking toward hope and problem-solving instead of the troubles ahead. I’m thankful for all the people I met and all the presenters who shared not just our current struggles as an industry but also solutions on how we can adapt and overcome new obstacles.
What does being a part of the CSI community mean to you?
Being a part of the CSI community means having a network of kind-hearted, hard-working, and resourceful people who I know are there to help. The CSI community is one of the most positive professional organizations I’ve seen. The desire to not hoard but share knowledge with one another is rooted deeply in this community and I love how passionate the leaders in CSI are. I truly believe everyone in this community works hard with the mindset to build a successful future.
Jillian Lopez, CSI
What has this scholarship enabled you to do that you might not have been able to do without it?
I am currently a student of Architectural Graphics Engineering and have had the opportunity to design some residential additions within my family business. I also do construction management and work with developers to get through rezoning. Earning this scholarship opened the door to so many connections and so much knowledge that I wouldn't have otherwise been exposed to.
How was your experience at the CSI National Conference? How will it impact how you work in the future?
At the conference, there was a wealth of knowledge not only in the learning sessions but also just in networking. It is pretty amazing how many people from all over the country in different sectors of the industry come together. Everyone I met was so kind and willing to share their perspectives and knowledge. There were incredibly informative sessions and presentations ranging from fireproofing to expansion joints to cement and even the economic state of the construction industry. It is safe to say there was something for everyone!
Since the conference, I have been able to apply some of the knowledge gained in my daily work.
What would you say to donors who help make these scholarships possible?
I want to say thank you to the donors who have made these experiences possible! I am a single mom and am early in my career, this is not something that I would have been able to invest in on my own. I have a huge amount of gratitude for the organization!
The CSI Foundation is committed to empowering more aspiring professionals like Patrick, Ashley, and Jillian to expand their knowledge and network. You can also help by supporting the CSI scholarship program. Click here to learn more or make a contribution.