Hajra Malik

2675 Heath Ave

Bronx, NY 10463

February 2, 2026

Elisabeth von Uhl

160 Convent Ave

New York, NY 10031

Professor von Uhl:

This letter is an introduction of my academic interests, career goals, and what led me to these goals. I am a freshman at the City College of New York. I am deeply interested in the civil engineering discipline. I developed interest in civil engineering when I commute everyday from Brooklyn to Manhattan; using public transit and seeing the bridges and tunnels. I always wonder who designed them and marvel at how such a system was born. One such station is the Coney-Island Stillwell Ave station. This station has eight platforms and four island platforms, making it one of the largest elevated transportation terminals. The station house has a terracotta facade, with a glass dome. Everything in the station screams excellence and perfection. 

Civil engineers put a lot of thought and care behind every single project they take up. This discipline decides the wellness and progress of billions of people. Everything, starting from buildings to railways to water treatment plants to runways for planes to ports for ships has civil engineering. Everything involves careful consideration. Civil engineers design water treatment plants which in turn are the source for clean water in homes. It’s a blessing to have clean drinkable water in our homes. Engineers can handle a lot of technical stuff but most of them stumble over words when they have to convey their ideas across the room.

Being in the writing for engineers class makes me a step further towards my goals. It is crucial for an engineer to transmit their work and be recognized for it. You cannot communicate with others without words. This class empowers me with engineering jargon that makes me distinct from the others and is a step further in my 

I want to get the most out of my college degree. I plan to have a technical foundation and gain practical experience through coursework and skill development in civil engineering. During my college degree, I want to do some internships at MTA. I desire good grades for graduation. One of my goals is to graduate with knowledge that is applicable for my future. Through my future work, I hope to help create infrastructure that prioritizes both functionality and improved quality of life.

Sincerely, 

Hajra Malik