Student Spotlight: Natalia Hombs

Major: Computer Engineering
Minor: Dance

Hi everyone! My name is Natalia Hombs, I am a second year at the John Martinson Honors College studying Computer Engineering with a minor in Dance. I am from southern New Hampshire, about an hour away from Boston.

Something I have loved about the Honors College is the opportunity for community within your academic experience. Honors offers so many events and classes that will not only complement your education but will also help form meaningful connections. In my freshman honors seminar I was in a group with 8 students and a mentor. The connections I formed during the 8-week seminar lasted far past the class, and I am still in contact with my honors mentor and many of my group members. We go to the gym together, are involved in clubs together, and frequently contact our mentor for guidance and advice for classes.

The Honors College encourages those connections with fun events for your house and honors-wide events. Some of my favorite memories are from the Honors College formal where they had live jazz music, delicious Italian food, and everyone’s favorite improv comedy group: The Crazy Monkeys. The Honors Welcome Home Party was another event where I got to know my roommate better (who has happened to become one of my best friends), took free photo booth pictures, and got free food! 

My advice to incoming college students is to try to have as many experiences as possible, whether that be professional development, leadership, or just fun! There are so many resources, clubs, events, and activities at Purdue University, and it is an excellent time to figure out what you enjoy!

When it comes to professional experience, try a semester of research, a professional club, or being a teacher's assistant. I have loved being a part of the Women in Engineering Program and their Mentor-Mentee program helped me approach networking, applying for internships, and career planning. But don't just focus on the professional development aspect, college is a great time to find new hobbies or continue old ones! It offers a great balance to your schoolwork and can make lifelong connections. This past year I was involved in the Purdue Contemporary Dance Company, and although I had never really done contemporary dance before as a ballet dancer, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the people I met, and it even inspired me to add a dance minor! 

Honors is a great way to incorporate this broad range of experiences into your college career, with a built-in amazing community and a range of interdisciplinary classes, it’s a great way to get hands-on experience and create lifelong connections all in one!