Reflecting on My First Undergraduate Year: Gratitude, Growth, Lessons and Looking Ahead

Year 1 at MIT ✅ 

As my first year at Massachusetts Institute of Technology ends, I am grateful for the incredible opportunity to be a part of the undergraduate program. It has been a year of challenges, growth, and excitement, and I want to share my experiences to help current and future students make informed choices and enjoy a fulfilling learning journey in college.

Embracing the Challenge

Coming to MIT, I anticipated a challenging environment—and it certainly was. The transition from high school to MIT required me to adapt my learning style significantly. Understanding and building on complex concepts demanded a different approach. Thankfully, MIT offers abundant resources and support to help students succeed. One standout aspect of MIT is its collaborative culture. We share our diverse expertise from independent research and varied backgrounds, creating a vibrant and supportive community I already miss.

A Hub of Innovation

Walking through university halls daily was an eye-opening experience. I witnessed groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence safety, quantum computing, renewable energy, and biomedical engineering. The innovative atmosphere at MIT is palpable, from more humanistic robots to advancements in gene editing technology, fueling a sense of excitement and possibility. The university's commitment to research that can shape how we live in the future forms the foundation of the work many students and faculty are currently involved in.

Collaborative Coursework

The coursework, assignments, and problem sets are designed to foster collaboration with peers, upperclassmen, and TAs. I personally chose multivariable calculus, inorganic chemistry, and mechanics. However, the collaborative learning environment taught me more about learning styles and problem styles, which eventually helped with the courses., 

Enriching Humanities Experience

A highlight of my year was participating in the Senegalese Drum Ensemble through the HASS classes. While MIT is renowned for its STEM and research programs, the arts and humanities have enriched my education in unexpected ways. These classes provided a refreshing balance and allowed me to explore passions beyond STEM, which is crucial at a place like MIT. Additionally, I joined the South Asian Association of Students (SAAS), MIT Biotechnology Group (MBG), and the Sigma Kappa sorority.

Finding the Path

In the second semester, when most students have a general sense of direction they would like to take, pick their majors. I declared a double major in Bioengineering (Course 20) and Business Management (Course 15-1). My passion for bioengineering and a growing interest in the role of management in shaping organizations and developing products influenced my decision. I am grateful for the university's flexibility, allowing me time to explore options while maintaining innovation workshops and influencing K-12 curriculum development.

Research Opportunities

A cornerstone of my freshman year was working with Manolis Kellis and Dr. Langer through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP). Their mentorship has been invaluable, providing hands-on research experience that deepened my understanding and passion for biotechnology. Our projects focused on developing protein language models and lipid nanoparticle-based vaccines.

Looking Ahead

This summer, I look forward to continuing my research at the Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research- Langer Lab, focusing on faster and more accessible vaccine fabrication and delivery mechanisms utilizing microarray needle patches. Additionally, I plan to explore my interests outside of academics by taking sailing and art classes.

Advice for Incoming Freshman

For incoming freshman at MIT or any other university, here are a few pieces of advice:

• Explore the arts and humanities courses.
• Get involved in undergraduate research early; experience is invaluable.
• Experiment with different classes and step outside your comfort zone.
• Build a strong academic foundation with necessary courses.
• Join clubs and organizations for a holistic experience.
• Leave high school accomplishments behind; stay open to new passions and collaborations.
• Explore your city, take advantage of local opportunities and activities, and find ways to contribute to the community.

I am thrilled to be part of the MIT community and contribute to groundbreaking work while continuing to grow academically and personally. MIT has already given me so much, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. 

Wishing everybody starting university, the very best. Here's to the next chapter!