Tessa Blythe – Class of 2020
College: University of Missouri – Columbia
Area of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation Date: 2024
Who or what at UA had the greatest impact on where you are today? Why?
Mr. Burdette has the biggest impact on me because of his ability to constantly be there for me and the whole student body as an advisor, counselor, and teacher. I could not have become the person I am without UA’s support as well as my mother’s.
How have you utilized the education you received (or the skills you learned) at UA?
I have utilized my taught skill of being able to process a lot of information in my everyday life, including at my internship for a minority, female-owned construction company: Parrish & Sons Construction.
How is your experience at UA impacting you now?
My experience at UA enabled me to realize my ability to excel under pressure as well as process a lot of information at once.
What if you chose to attend a school other than UA? Do you think you would be in the same place?
I might have had more free time, but I honestly do not believe I would have the same soft skills because I would not have gone through the same experience and met the same people whom I’ve had the pleasure to know at UA.
How has UA Foundation (formerly Friends of UA) impacted you and/or where you are today?
Through UA Foundation, I was able to learn the importance of independence through my month-long adventure at Camp Lake Hubert my eight-grade year. I was also able to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel the world and ride camels in the Sahara Desert in my journey to Morocco. There were so many opportunities I was able to experience to the fullest through the generosity of UA Foundation.
What are your goals for the future and who/what has shaped them?
I intend to major in mechanical engineering and going back to school to earn my MBA in hopes to be able to create and bring to life my own inventions as well as patent and sell commercially. I also intend to be a major part of the Kansas City community in order to give back to the community who afforded me so many opportunities.
What are you doing to stay connected to UA and your fellow alums?
I plan to participate in as many panels or events that are available (as sparse as they may be during this pandemic).
