Gabrielle Theunissen

“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.” Carlos Castaneda

Gabrielle Theunissen, a talented and driven young woman, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech. As a sophomore, she has achieved an impressive GPA of 3.86, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence. Hailing from Alexandria, Virginia, Gabrielle cherishes her hometown but has found a welcoming and supportive community at Virginia Tech, especially within the engineering program. The best thing about being a VT Engineer, according to her, is the inclusive and encouraging atmosphere where she feels her ideas are valued and her hard work recognized.

With two older siblings, Gabrielle comes from a close-knit family. She fills her free time with a variety of hobbies, including music-related activities like singing, playing guitar, and listening to various genres. Additionally, she enjoys engaging in hands-on crafts like knitting and crochet, and she's an avid gamer, indulging in card games, video games, and board games with her family.

Toph Beifong from Avatar: The Last Airbender stands as Gabrielle's favorite cartoon character due to the character's strength, resilience, and growth throughout the series. Her appreciation for Toph's development mirrors her own journey as a headstrong individual who values personal growth and vulnerability.

Gabrielle's taste in music spans from pop and rock to French pop, with a soft spot for songs with powerful lyrics and melodies. Her favorite film is "Princess Bride," which holds a special place in her heart due to cherished memories associated with it.

One of Gabrielle's role models is her mother, who has been her unwavering source of support and inspiration. Witnessing her mother's dedication to personal and professional growth has motivated Gabrielle to strive for success and make a lasting impact in her chosen field.

In middle school, Gabrielle dreamed of performing on stage, singing and laughing with an audience. Now, as a student at Virginia Tech, she aspires to become an expert in civil engineering, leaving a lasting impression on her chosen field.

Gabrielle is actively involved with CEED, holding the position of Upperclass Leader and Mentor for Hypatia. Additionally, she is the president of Engineers in Action, a club focused on impactful volunteer service. The club's year-long project involves building a bridge in a developing country, embodying the university's motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Driven by her passion for the environment, Gabrielle dreams of making a difference by championing environmental policies and contributing to a sustainable future. She hopes to address the decline facing our world and ensure its well-being for generations to come.