Read the following interview to learn more about Breona.

ISyE:  Finish the sentence: Few people know that…

BJ:  My two passions are dancing and Spanish. I am the vice president of the Spanish Speaking Organization, and a member of the Ballroom Dance Club at Georgia Tech. I studied abroad last summer in Spain and Mexico, and hope to travel back one day soon. If I could use my engineering skills to assist in furthering the development of the Mexican infrastructure, it would be a dream.

ISyE:  Is there any one person who has been an inspiration to you or someone that you consider your hero? Who and why?

BJ:  My mother is my inspiration. As a soldier for the Army Reserve, she is also my hero. She has always been there for me to encourage me in my pursuits, advise me when I have a problem, and give me confidence in my abilities. She is a strong woman who has shown me that I can overcome any struggles that I may have in life.

ISyE: Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from originally?

BJ:  Originally born in Flint, MI, I moved to Woodstock, GA in 2005 and where I attended high school. I enjoy music, cooking, reading, rock climbing, and being involved on campus to meet new people.

ISyE: What motivated you to come to Georgia Tech?

BJ:  Georgia Tech is an amazing Institute and always in the top ten of public colleges in the nation. That reputation attracted me to Tech. In high school, I loved math and science, and I felt that Tech would give me an opportunity to pursue my interests and guide me to a career path that I would love.

I initially came to Georgia Tech as pre-architecture, but after completing a Senior Project with two practicing architects, I decided that it was not my passion. Still fascinated with science and math, I decided to pursue engineering. After much research, I chose industrial engineering, as it would offer me great flexibility in my choice of profession, and I would have the opportunity to interact with both people and machines on a daily basis.

ISyE: I understand that you participate in the Co-op program.  Tell me about your experience.

BJ:  I am in my second rotation as a co-op at Manhattan Associates, a supply chain software company where I work as a consultant. My day-to-day job includes testing issues, creating reports for the issues, and participating in conference calls with clients to resolve any concerns they have.

ISyE:  What has been your favorite IE course so far?

BJ:  ISyE 2028. I learned the software “R” and found that Statistics is a powerful tool that can be utilized in everyday life. Also, my professor, Heeyoung Kim, was enthusiastic about her position and made me excited about statistics as well.

ISyE:  What is something every student should do while at Georgia Tech?

BJ:  Every student at Tech should see a DramaTech play, go to a show at the Ferst Theater, spend a night in Tech Rec, and take advantage of the facilities in the CRC.

ISyE:  Tell me about a favorite ISyE experience you have had.

BJ:  I found my probability class quite interesting, especially after I started to fully understand it. One day, my professor was speaking on a particular topic and he proclaimed, “It’s like magic. It is magic, in fact. It’s probability!” It was one of the funniest moments in my ISyE career.

ISyE:  What are your prospective career goals?

BJ:  In the future, I hope to help others through service and through my profession. I would like to have a career that involves some travelling, holds my interests and challenges me, and also allows me to help humanity in some way - no matter how small or large. One of my biggest goals is to own a restaurant. It would be wonderful to use my engineering skills to be successful in the culinary arena.

ISyE:  What was the last book you read for pleasure?

BJ:  Crossfire by Dick and Felix Francis. Now I am reading I’d Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman.

ISyE:  What piece of technology could you not live without?

BJ:  I could not live without my laptop. I store all pictures, music, and documents on it and it has been with me through all of my college years.

ISyE:  What music do you listen to?

BJ:  I love all music. Especially John Mayer, Teena Marie, Usher, NeverShoutNever, Reik, and Linkin Park.

ISyE:  What is your favorite spot on campus?

BJ:  Campanile hands down. It’s a reminder of the beauty and focus of the Tech community, and the changing of the colors is reminiscent of the growth that each student experiences while at Tech.

ISyE:  What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

BJ:  Life is what you make it.

ISyE:  What advice would you give a student considering coming to Georgia Tech to study at ISyE?

BJ:  I would suggest that the student keeps an open mind, studies hard, and explores different options in the ISyE major, as well as the clubs and organizations at Tech.