Jessica Fikac
Jessica Fikac is from Bluemont, Virginia, and is a junior in Construction Engineering and Management with a minor in Green Engineering with a 3.69 GPA. She says the best thing about being a Virginia Tech engineering student is that she is constantly surrounded by ambitious and dynamic students. She says that every one of us in the engineering program is there to make a difference with different visions of what a better world could look like. The engineering community has allowed her to look at the world with a broadened lens. If Jessica could change one thing, she would want to prevent all evil from happening so that we all could live in peace.
When Jessica was in middle school, she wanted to be an oceanographer because she loves dolphins and sea creatures. Now that she is at Virginia Tech, she is striving to be a Project Manager for a construction company. However, she also loves kids and supporting young people in STEM, so her ideal job may be a Program Manager at a STEM school.
During the first semester of her freshman year, she was a CEED mentee and learned a lot about what it means to be a Hokie and how connections among those with similar interests and ideas could help you excel. Jessica also says that since her major is limited in female representation, she is a member of Building Women in Construction which is made up of engineers, architects, and building construction students. Currently, she is also a member of Rotaract at Virginia Tech, which is a community service organization. She says that she tries to volunteer whenever possible or when an opportunity arises in other clubs.
Jessica mentioned that her mom is her greatest role model because her mom has shown her what it is like to truly balance being a successful woman in the workplace all while being an involved and loving mom. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and outdoor activities. She also enjoys doing crafts such as wood burning and painting. Jessica’s favorite character is Mulan because she represents resilience and strength all while being a stand-out friend and daughter.