2014 – 2018

RPI: More Than a School, a Lifelong Family

by Trishala Chaudhary

With the 200th anniversary of RPI drawing near, I am engulfed in a wave of nostalgia, swept back to the profound emotional tapestry that RPI intricately wove into the very fabric of my life. RPI was not just a school; it was my sanctuary, a sacred space where I found solace and belonging amidst DCC 308 and BARH C3. RPI served as more than a mere stepping stone on my journey; it was the crucible in which I forged the very essence of my being. It was where and why I transitioned from adolescence to adulthood, cultivating the seeds of confidence and self-assurance that continue to bloom within me to this day. Within its walls, I unearthed not only the pursuit of knowledge but also a profound sense of camaraderie. In the embrace of this supportive community, I forged bonds of friendship that stand as pillars of strength, weathering the storms of academia and celebrating the triumphs of our shared journey. From late-night study sessions at Folsom, that stretched into the early hours of dawn and ended with deep conversations as we walked back to our dorms at 2AM, to leisurely weekend brunches in Blitman, to braving the frigid winds of winter through the JEC wind tunnel, these friendships became the cornerstone of my identity, witnessing the evolution of my character through every stage of my growth. Within the embrace of RPI's community, I discovered not only the tools to construct a successful career but also the courage to explore uncharted territories, to venture beyond the confines of familiarity and embrace the unknown. It was the springboard that allowed me to create a career that transcended the limitations of geography and cultural boundaries, carrying me from Charleston to Qatar, and from Seattle to Singapore. Without RPI, I would not be the leader, the thinker, the person I am today. It served as my foundation which fostered a realm of boundless possibilities, shaping my values, beliefs, and aspirations. And it is the profound influence of my professors and RPI’s network, those mentors and guides whose wisdom and counsel I continue to lean on in times of need, that remains guiding force in my path beyond the campus walls. As RPI embarks on its bicentennial celebration, my heart swells with gratitude for the pivotal role it has played in shaping the trajectory of my life. It will forever hold a sacred place in the depths of my heart, a cherished chapter in my ongoing journey. RPI isn't just an alma mater; it is an intrinsic part of my identity—a testament to the transformative power of education, community, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.