S M Ashik Rahman — Perseverance Award
Post graduation plans: Lighting Designer, SmithGroup
The Perseverance Award recognizes undergraduate students who persevere despite adversity – above and beyond the inherent perseverance needed in any engineering major.
What is your favorite memory from your time at ƷSMӰƬ?
It's hard to choose just one favorite memory from my time at ƷSMӰƬ, but I can say that the people I met throughout my journey here will always stay in my memory. The professors, classmates and friends I made have been crucial to my experience. Without their guidance and support, my journey wouldn't have been as smooth, and I might not be where I am today. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, either academically or personally?
I am personally very proud to see my parents happy about my accomplishments, but I am equally proud that after all these years, the knowledge I gathered will finally be put to use in helping people in the real world and improving their lives. The experiences and learning I gained over the past few years—from various classes, participation in different student organizations and involvement in on-campus activities—constitute my greatest accomplishment. This accomplishment will be truly fulfilled if I can use everything I have learned to make at least one person's life easier.
Tell us about a moment (or moments) when you felt like you hit your stride or felt like you were “officially” an engineer.
The moment occurred during the recent Ring and Pin Ceremony. As I began to realize my professional and ethical responsibilities to society and people, I truly felt like an engineer for the first time.
What was the biggest challenge for you during your engineering education? What did you learn from it?
After completing my first year of college, I needed to take a gap year and never thought I would be able to start again. However, my determination and passion helped me return and continue my journey without losing hope. The biggest lesson I've learned from my experience is that maintaining your determination will ultimately help you achieve your goals.
What is your biggest piece of advice for incoming engineering students?
If you find yourself in a bad situation physically, academically or emotionally, never lose hope. Be strong and try to keep yourself motivated. Try to work hard until the last moment. Nothing is impossible if you are honest with yourself and your effort. Be involved with the community. Don’t hesitate to reach out, whether to your professor, friends, classmates or academic tutoring services. Taking the first step is essential. Being involved with the community will help you grow and will open up many opportunities you could not imagine. We are lucky to have a community like ƷSMӰƬ engineering. Also, as I mentioned before, getting involved in the community is essential for personal growth, and helping your community to grow is also crucial because it is possible to change the world if we all work together.