Hope Hersom is a junior in SEAS studying mechanical engineering. She grew up in Bergen, NY, a small rural town located just between Rochester and Buffalo. Since arriving at Columbia, Hope has dedicated herself to fostering a supportive environment for rural engineering students. As Co-Chair of the Engineering Recruitment Committee and a member of the Rural Recruitment Committee, she has delivered engineering tours to countless prospective students and families, reached students nationwide with virtual rural student panels, and volunteered with Columbia Admissions at admitted student events. Additionally, as a C.A.R.E. (community, action, responsibility, and engagement) Orientation Leader and active participant in Columbia Space Initiative (C.S.I.) Outreach, Hope mentors incoming first-years as they adjust to Columbia and travels to surrounding middle schools to promote S.T.E.M. education. Hope is committed to empowering rural students to pursue their S.T.E.M. aspirations at Columbia and beyond.