CHEN, Applied Math
Post-graduation plans: Pursuing PhD in Chemical Engineering at Northwestern University
The Academic Engagement Award "recognizes undergraduate students engaged with academics to an extent that elevates their own and/or others’ learning experiences."
The Research Award "recognizes undergraduate students with demonstrated excellence in research."
What is your favorite memory from your time at CU Boulder?
My favorite memory is playing club volleyball for the university and traveling with my team. Nationals are super fun because there's over 500 teams competing with the sport we all love! (Fun fact: since Nationals didn't happen this year, there was a virtual one on social media and Boulder won!)
What accomplishment are you most proud of, either academically or personally?
I've been to six continents and 14 different countries! (Four continents were added during my time at CU.) I just have Antarctica left.
Tell us about a moment (or moments) when you felt like you hit your stride or felt like you were “officially” an engineer.
I first felt like an "official" engineer at my internship at Forge Nano last summer because I was able to apply my coursework, build reactors, work collaboratively with a team and be involved in an engineering company. Though I was just an intern, I felt like my opinions and ideas were respected (and in some cases, adopted) which made me feel like a "real" engineer. Also, just understanding what my colleagues talked about was a huge "I'm an engineer" moment because I was comprehending what "real" engineers were saying.
What was the biggest challenge for you during your engineering education? What did you learn from it?
Perfectionism. Engineering is hard. No one aces all their exams (if any at all) and very few manage to keep a 4.0 GPA. Yet, I placed a lot of pressure on myself to perform to the highest capacity, to get a 4.0, to ace exams. It was not sustainable, especially after my expectations for myself were continually shattered by getting an A- in a class or by not doing super well on an exam. But I learned that people can still be great without being perfect. I can still be a great student, friend and peer without being a perfect one. Besides, falling short of perfectionism gives room for growth and for learning. I find more value in learning from "failures" and working to improve than to be perfect. Sure, I still strive to be perfect, but I think engineering is much more fun when you have the chance to grow, learn and develop!
What is your biggest piece of advice for incoming engineering students?
- Don't be afraid of failure. It's inevitable. Engineering is hard. Take those opportunities to learn and grow, to strengthen your knowledge and better yourself as a student.
- Find something else to do outside of engineering. You are more than just an engineer, so look into other clubs, groups, classes, etc. that you're passionate about and aren't in engineering. It widens your social circle and gives you a break from engineering!
- Enjoy what you do. Engineering is difficult and often coupled with lots of confusion and sleepless nights. Make sure you enjoy your work because otherwise those tough times will only be tougher. Don't be afraid to reach out for help.