Looking back on my second year at the University of Cincinnati, I can say that it helped me grow in new and unexpected ways. The year felt different from my first one because I spent the fall on co-op rather than in classes. This shift taught me a lot about adapting to new environments, building resilience, and learning by doing.
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During Fall 2024, I completed my first full-time co-op at the IRAS Lab within UC's Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics department. The experience was very hands-on. I worked on motion capture systems, helped with data collection, and supported the development of a mock satellite on an air-bearing platform. A major part of this experience was figuring things out through trial and error. I learned to stay patient, ask for help when needed, and be open to ideas from others. I also took steps to grow as a leader by taking the initiative on certain tasks and improving how I communicated within the team.
Outside of work, I joined the Gujarati Students Association. Being a part of this student organization gave me a much-needed social connection during my co-op semester. I met people with similar cultural backgrounds, made new friends, and felt more connected to campus even though I was not taking classes. These moments really helped me stay grounded during a semester that otherwise had quite a different rhythm.
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I also continued my involvement as a UHP Ambassador, although I was only able to attend the Day of Service and help out at one event due to my work schedule. Even with limited time, I found it meaningful to contribute and meet other ambassadors who were doing their best to support the UHP community in their own ways. I learned that showing up, even in a small way, can still be effective.
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Coming back to academics in Spring 2025 after a long break was a tough adjustment. I had last taken classes in Spring 2024, so getting back into study mode after summer break and a semester of work took some effort. It felt strange at first, but I got back on track by creating a routine, catching up on study habits, and reconnecting with classmates. I also started doing part-time research at the IRAS Lab during this semester, continuing the same project I had worked on during my co-op. This allowed me to stay consistent with my technical skills while balancing schoolwork. I was also able to get this part-time research experience approved by my honors advisor as a Self Designed Honors Experience, which made the work feel even more meaningful and recognized.
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One of the highlights of the year was getting the opportunity to present our lab's research at the AIAA Student Regional Conference. My lab colleague and I together represented the University of Cincinnati and shared our work on the CubeSat mockup and air-bearing platform system. Presenting our progress to a wider audience was a rewarding experience and helped me grow more confident in explaining technical ideas.
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Throughout the year, I also attended various events hosted by student organizations. These events helped me take breaks from academics, meet people, and stay engaged with the broader campus community. They reminded me that college is not only about academics or work, but also about building connections and having shared experiences.
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This year, I grew in many ways. I became more adaptable by moving between different environments like co-op, research, and academic life. I developed stronger communication and leadership skills and learned how to manage time better across different commitments. Resilience came from acknowledging when things were hard and still finding ways to keep going. Whether it was asking for help, taking a step back to breathe, or pushing through discomfort, I made sure to keep moving forward.
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To continue this growth, I plan to stay involved in the communities that support me. I want to remain active in UHP, take part in student organizations when I can, and keep learning through co-op and research. I will also rely on the people around me, including friends, mentors, and family, to help hold me accountable. They keep me motivated and remind me of my goals when things get busy or overwhelming.
Looking ahead, I want to carry forward the momentum from this year. One of my goals is to take on more responsibility in my research work, especially as I continue part-time at the IRAS Lab. If the opportunity comes up, I hope to support new students joining the lab, just like I received help when I started. I also plan to keep attending more student organization events, as they help me stay balanced and connected to the community.
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To stay consistent, I plan to keep relying on the support network I have built here at UC, as well as back home. Being able to talk to others, whether it is mentors, classmates, or friends, really helped me this year. I want to keep that going and use those check-ins to make sure I am staying on track with everything.
Looking ahead to Summer 2025, I am excited to begin my next co-op rotation with the Dubai Tram. It is a new environment and a big step, but I feel more prepared because of everything I experienced this past year. No matter what comes next, I know that I have built a foundation of resilience, adaptability, and support that I can keep building on.