2022-2023, Year-in-Review

This past year has been one of the most transformative and impactful periods of personal growth in my life. As an international student, transitioning from high school to college presented numerous challenges, especially after emerging from the confines of the COVID-19 lockdown and leaving behind familiar faces and loved ones. Initially, settling down and finding a sense of belonging at the University of Cincinnati seemed like an insurmountable task. However, through my determination and resilience, I was able to overcome these obstacles and experience significant personal growth.

One of the key ways in which I grew this year was by stepping out of my comfort zone. Instead of succumbing to feelings of isolation and homesickness, I actively sought out opportunities to forge new connections and create lasting memories. Recognizing that my college experience was not going as I had initially envisioned, I took it upon myself to change the narrative. I joined clubs and organizations such as Engineers Without Borders and ACM, fully immersing myself in their activities and building meaningful relationships within those communities. This allowed me to feel more at home and see college life through a completely different lens.

Additionally, I pushed myself to explore new ventures by participating in the RaMP and ENED Honors Research experiences. These opportunities not only expanded my knowledge but also helped me connect with peers who shared similar interests. The research experiences provided a platform for personal and intellectual growth, further strengthening my resilience and determination.

Moreover, my participation in the Startup Weekend competition was a pivotal moment that fueled my curiosity and passion for entrepreneurship. Collaborating with a friend, we developed an innovative startup idea called PhizzIO, focusing on physiotherapy. Surprisingly, we received the second-place award and received positive feedback for our concept. This experience led me to join the Bearcat Ventures club and work closely with the Center for Entrepreneurship, broadening my horizons and nurturing my newfound interest.

Throughout these endeavors, I continuously demonstrated resilience by not allowing setbacks or initial difficulties to discourage me. Instead, I embraced challenges as opportunities for personal growth and learning. I learned the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and maintaining a positive mindset. These qualities enabled me to overcome the obstacles I faced during my first year at UC and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Moreover, I will continue to foster connections with my newfound friends and colleagues, as they have been instrumental in my personal growth journey. By maintaining these relationships, I can rely on their support and encouragement, and we can hold each other accountable for our individual growth.

In conclusion, this past year has been a transformative period of personal growth for me. Through resilience, stepping out of my comfort zone, and actively seeking opportunities, I was able to overcome challenges and establish a sense of belonging at the University of Cincinnati. By utilizing the resources available to me and nurturing my support network, I will hold myself accountable for continuing this growth and ensuring that my college experience remains filled with exploration, connection, and meaningful experiences.