My Story

Raised in East Germany, my life has taken me from there to England, and finally to the U.S. Along the way, I've embraced new cultures and languages, bolstering my resilience. Each move has not only shaped my personal growth but also honed my professional expertise in civil engineering and coaching. 

My journey into civil engineering started in Germany, inspired by my father's profession and the academically challenging environment. A subtle urge to contribute positively to others' lives steered me towards volunteering in Ghana. After my time in Ghana, I joined an exchange program at the University of Rhode Island in an effort to seize any opportunities that my school had to offer. Despite initial language barriers, I embraced the new educational system and cultural setting, which spurred my personal and academic growth, especially in English communication and global awareness. These educational years were foundational, providing me with technical expertise, cultural exposure, and personal development.

Back in Germany, I started my engineering career, but I felt a pull towards greater adventures. This desire led me to enter the U.S. green card lottery. Winning it began a complex yet exciting journey of immigration.

The transition from Germany to the United States marked a significant chapter in my life. Moving to a new country brought with it a myriad of challenges, opportunities, and learning experiences that shaped my understanding of the world and myself.

Upon arriving in the U.S., I was immediately struck by the cultural differences and the nuances of American work life. The initial phase was characterized by a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Adapting to the new work environment, understanding different professional dynamics, and navigating the subtleties of American English were just some of the challenges I faced.

I began my American career in Pittsburgh, PA, as a field engineer for a construction company. This role took me to various construction sites across the country, where I worked alongside a diverse group of individuals, including laborers, operators, superintendents, and project managers. These experiences were not only professionally enriching but also instrumental in helping me adapt to the American way of life. They taught me the importance of flexibility, effective communication, and resilience in the face of new challenges.

The journey of adapting to life in the U.S. was a multifaceted one. It involved professional growth, personal development, and a deep dive into a new cultural landscape. This period of my life was about more than just building a career; it was about building a new life in a new world, with all its complexities and rewards.

My journey has always been characterized by a continuous quest for personal and professional growth. While engineering has been a significant part of my career, a turning point came with the realization that I wanted to expand my horizons beyond the technical field. This realization was partly born from my innate enjoyment of teaching and sharing knowledge. I found great fulfillment in guiding and supporting others. This enjoyment wasn't limited to the technical aspects of engineering; it extended to a deeper, more personal level of interaction.

Psychotherapy, which I began in Colorado as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, played a crucial role in this phase of personal and professional growth. It provided a space for introspection and self-discovery, allowing me to understand my desires and capabilities better. Through this process, I recognized a passion within me – a passion for coaching and supporting others in a way that transcends the boundaries of traditional engineering.

This new focus in life aligns with my core values and skills. It's about leveraging my experiences, both personal and professional, to help others navigate their paths. The goal is to provide support that goes beyond meaningless phrases or unwanted advice, reaching a deeper level of empathy and understanding. My journey in engineering has taught me problem-solving, resilience, and adaptability. Now, I aim to apply these skills in a more interpersonal context, helping others to grow and succeed in their personal and professional lives.

This expansion into coaching and mentoring is not a departure from engineering but rather an extension of my life. It represents a broadening of my role, from someone who solves technical problems to someone who also helps address personal and professional challenges. It's a step towards a more holistic approach to my work and life.