As my summer internship at the Southwest Research Institute comes to an end, I am filled with gratitude and so much excitement for the journey ahead! Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most inspiring minds in science and engaging with projects that have deepened my passion for computer science and robotics.
Here are some of my takeaways from this amazing experience:
1. “The only stupid question is the question that is never asked.” - Ramon Bautista
Throughout my internship, I challenged myself to ask every speaker at least one question. This practice not only expanded my understanding but also led to deeper insights and valuable discussions. It encouraged open dialogue and showed me the importance of not shying away from seeking clarity, no matter how basic the question might seem. Through these interactions, I built stronger connections with mentors and peers, learning from their experiences and expertise.
2. It's perfectly fine not to be perfect at something new!
During my internship, I encountered many tasks/research discussions that were unfamiliar to me. Instead of being discouraged by mistakes or initial struggles, I learned to view them as opportunities for growth and learning. This mindset allowed me to develop resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone. As girls in STEM, there is an unfairly high standard that is put on us to never fail, which in turn hinders our confidence and growth. Embracing imperfection has shown me that failure is not only okay, but an essential part of the learning process.
These last few weeks have truly been an amazing experience, and I could not be more excited to conduct robotics research at the Space Robotics Lab with my mentor, Meera Day Towler, P.E.! Thank you again Greg Fletcher for hosting the YES program! 💫
The picture shown below is taken in a Discovery Dome, a portable planetarium created by Dr. Patricia Reiff, Physics and Astronomy Professor at Rice University!
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