Maya Singh — Academic Engagement Award
CBEN
Post-graduation plans:Pursuing a PhDin bioengineering at the University of Washington
This award recognizes undergraduate students engaged with academics to an extent that elevates their own and/or others’ learning experiences.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Ƶ Boulder?
My favorite Ƶ memory was seeing Doja Cat and Tyga in concert the week before we had to leave campus due to COVID. It was one of my favorite concerts as we got really close to the front, and I had a great time experiencing the concert with my friends. Afterward, we spontaneously explored downtown Denver that night and the following morning. The concert was one of my last memories of freshman year, and it wasgreat to getcloser to my friends while exploring a new city.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, either academically or personally?
I am most proud of being nominated for the Colorado Engineering Council silver medal award. I was the sole nominee from my chemical and biological engineering class, and to be chosen made me feel proud of everything I have done. I am grateful to my peers and mentors for guiding me through my undergraduate journey to this point.
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 I felt like an engineer was when I became a course assistant (CA) for the first time. I learn the most from teaching, so when I was able to give back and teach other students, it made me feel like an engineer. I enjoyed teaching students during my office hours, and this experience inspired me to be a CA for the rest of my undergraduate years.
What was the biggest challenge for you during your engineering education? What did you learn from it?
My biggest challenge during my engineering education was navigating core chemical engineering classes during COVID. More specifically, in the spring of my sophomore year, I experienced various personal challenges that caused me to lose focus on my academics and mental health. During this time, I leaned heavily on my family and friends to help me get back on track. I learned you must rely on your support system during tough times; you cannot struggle alone.
What is your advice for incoming engineering students?
My biggest piece of advice is to be open-minded to new things that come your way. Don't let fear dictate your decisions; you never know what doors could open if you say "yes."Everything happens for a reason, and you have just to trust that you will learn and grow from the situation.