2021 – Present

Beyond the Bridge: My Journey of Growth at RPI

by Fairooj Nower Ta-seen

Once upon a time, I stepped into a big place called RPI, excited and a bit scared. I was the first person in my family to study in a faraway land, and that too, for a big degree called a Ph.D. Being a woman on this journey made it even more special for me. Right away, I saw something cool—a bridge at RPI with the words "Why not change the world?" This made me feel like I was in the right place. It was as if RPI was saying, "Here, you can learn to do big things!" And I wanted to do just that. But it wasn't all easy. In the beginning, I felt like a small fish in a big pond. In class, everyone else seemed so smart and sure of themselves. I felt lost and thought maybe I didn't belong. Then, something wonderful happened. I talked to my thesis supervisor, Dr. Victoria Bennett, about how I was feeling. She was so kind and told me, "Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it soon." Her words were like magic! They made me feel stronger and more confident every day. My time at RPI taught me so much, not just about my studies but also about being brave and keeping on trying, even when things get tough. Now, RPI is celebrating 200 years, and I feel so proud to be part of this place. It's not just about me doing well; it's about being part of a family that believes in doing big, good things for the world. I'll always remember that bridge and the words on it. They remind me that I'm here to make a difference. My story at RPI is one I'll always keep close to my heart, and I hope it inspires others to go after their dreams and maybe, just maybe, change the world a little bit, too.