Monday
After a productive day at work (at engineering firm HDR), I used my time back on campus to have dinner with new members of my fraternity, Lambda Upsilon Lambda. It’s incredible to think that I’m now seen as a mentor or role model for new and younger brothers. It feels like it was yesterday when I was working hard to be elected into executive board positions on campus, and now I’m spending most of my time sharing the lessons learned while holding those positions. Furthermore, I’m translating the leadership skills I developed on campus into my everyday work, which includes not being afraid of being vocal during a meeting, taking initiatives with tasks, and communicating with my team. Of course I still have so much more to learn, but I definitely feel as if I’m starting ahead of the curve.
Tuesday
The morning started with my entrepreneurship class, which I’m using as a general elective. During my five years at Stevens, I’ve never thought about taking a business class. It’s refreshing to gain insight into a different industry. We talk about business models, value propositions, and so much more. All the buzz-words an entrepreneur would need. The day came to a close with my green infrastructure class, where we learn how to design effective stormwater mitigation systems. Talking about rainfall and stormwater mitigation puts most of my friends to sleep, but learning about innovations in the industry inspires me to bring new solutions to my nearby cities like Hoboken. What if I linked skills from entrepreneurship and green infrastructure to create a new business or consulting company?
Thursday
It’s done. My first presentation in a business class as an engineer is done. For the first time in about four years, I was nervous for a presentation. Presenting in front of groups about engineering or leadership related topics almost feels like second nature now, but to talk about business and use technical terms felt so uncomfortable. I was afraid of being exposed or someone judging me for not knowing the material well enough. When I told one of my best friends the day before about how I felt, he responded simply, “Life is about being uncomfortable.” A simple quote most motivational speakers use to push people beyond their limits. He was right. I put all of that fear behind me, and presented how I thought I should. It must have gone over nicely because not an hour later, the professor posted that my partner and I received over a perfect score. I didn’t even know college classes still gave extra credit. Regardless, I’m proud of how it went, and look forward to my next challenging presentation so I can learn more from the experience.
Friday
Tonight was the Founders Day Ball! It was my first, and man do I regret not going each year. Mostly everyone came in neatly pressed suits and gorgeous dresses. Others came in funny festive suits, including one gentlemen who came in a vibrant yellow suit, tie and top hat in honor of Stevens’ ducks. Regardless, everyone looked beautiful and handsome. We spent the night stuffing our faces and immediately burning the calories on the dance floor. Most of my close friends were also able to go so it was all a blast. My favorite part of the night was seeing everyone being their authentic self. That person who I usually see sitting quietly in the back of a classroom was laughing hysterically and busting a move. Orientation leaders I haven’t seen since the summer were all hugging and reminiscing about old stories. Seniors celebrated the midway point to their last semesters. Finally a night where students bond not just by complaining about how much work they have to do, how much sleep they didn’t get, or the quality of food at the dining hall. It truly was a great night.
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