The Nyansakia Project: A Tale of Determination and Resilience in Engineering- Emily Schabert
Emily, along with a group of passionate individuals, embarked on a remarkable journey during her freshman year at the University of Minnesota Duluth. In 2017, they formed a chapter of Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA), with a small team of just seven students, most of whom specialized in chemical engineering.
By 2018, their dedication and hard work paid off as they became an official EWB-USA chapter and a recognized club at their university. Excitement filled the air as they eagerly applied for their first project. The moment they received the email confirming their approval for the Nyansakia project in January 2019 became etched in their memories forever.
Throughout the spring and summer of Emily’s sophomore year, they worked tirelessly, driven by the desire to make tangible progress on their inaugural project. Finally, in December 2019, they embarked on their assessment trip, brimming with anticipation and hope. The project itself sought to improve clean water access in Nyansakia, where community members often walked up to 6 hours round trip for water. Emily’s chapter worked to design a gravity-fed water distribution system, with a borehole and pump connected to a tank that feeds to 6 tap stands placed strategically around the community, so that anyone could walk to the tap, get water, and return home, within just 30 minutes.
As the new year arrived, they delved into fundraising and design work, eager to turn their plans into reality. However, fate had a different plan in store. The COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing classes online and imposing lockdown orders. Undeterred, Emily and her team remained resolved, hoping the situation would soon improve, allowing them to continue their design work virtually. “We had to start virtually working on calculations to figure out what amount of head pressure was necessary to get water to all of the tap stands. This was about as far as we got into the design before I graduated (which is not very far)”
Little did they know that navigating the pandemic’s challenges would prove far more arduous than anticipated. Zoom fatigue set in, and it became increasingly difficult to maintain engagement among the team members. As the chapter’s president, Emily felt the weight of responsibility and concern. Thoughts of potential project cancellations plagued her nights, fearing they would let down their community partners.
Even as May 2021 marked Emily’s virtual “graduation” ceremony, the pandemic persisted, and she had to pass the presidency on to two capable civil engineering students. While confident in their abilities, she still worried about the project’s future.
During the pandemic-induced lockdown, Emily found herself with ample free time. She utilized it to reflect on her career aspirations and pursued applications to international development graduate programs. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Emily became a Master’s candidate in International Relations and Affairs at Syracuse University. In a surprising turn of events, she accepted the executive fellowship at EWB-USA. As an EWB-USA fellow, Emily reconnected with her former chapter, eager to check in and offer assistance with various aspects of the project. When she proposed the idea of traveling with them, the chapter embraced it wholeheartedly. In December 2022 and January 2023, their journey became a life-changing experience for Emily. It served as a testament to the countless hours of hard work they had dedicated throughout their undergraduate years, even amidst the trials of the pandemic.
Reflecting on her journey, Emily recalls the wise words of her grandfather: “Everything will be okay in the end, and if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” While not the original author of this phrase, its enduring truth resonates deeply with her. The Nyansakia project exemplifies this sentiment. Despite numerous challenges and moments of doubt, their chapter persisted. Their volunteers epitomize dedication and resilience, ensuring that they will persevere and make everything okay in the end. Recently, Emily completed her Master’s degree in International Relations. Now equipped with an academic background in both engineering and international development, as well as the tangible experience in humanitarian engineering gained through EWB-USA, she has a world of career possibilities ahead. Whether Emily chooses to return to her roots in chemical engineering, pursue a career in international development, or choose another path altogether, she exemplifies the spirit of the next generation of humanitarian engineers that EWB-USA is working to inspire.
The story of Emily and her fellow volunteers serves as an inspiration, reminding us that when faced with adversity, the human spirit prevails. Through the darkness of the pandemic, their unwavering commitment to their project and the EWB mission shines brightly, illuminating the path toward a better, more resilient future.