Mechanical engineering senior Ren Ishii shares her engineering journey at SWE's Student Last Lacture event.
Inspired by Randy Pausch’s famous last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University, and ASU’s Last Lecture series featuring faculty selected by students, the Society of Women Engineers at ASU presented the Student Last Lecture Series on November 29.
The evening featured talks by Susanna Young, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, and Ren Ishii, a graduating senior in mechanical engineering. Weaving the funny with the serious, both speakers shared their experiences as engineering students at ASU offering fellow students practical advice on finding happiness and accomplishing goals.
Susanna offered a blueprint for getting involved as a student—”creating an environment of opportunity.” She advised students to seek advice, get involved, step outside of comfort zones and to do the hard things. Susanna shared her experiences outside of engineering and how that contributed to her happiness and well-being as a student. She also advised students to surround themselves not only with peers but also with people in different places in life. She stressed not only finding a mentor but BEING a mentor to someone else.
Ren shared her struggles as a student and her efforts to overcome obstacles. She offered advice on knowing yourself and the importance of learning how to motivate yourself to accomplish goals. She also prepared students for the inevitable rejection in personal, academic and professional life and offered tips on how to deal with it.
The Society of Women Engineers at ASU inspires women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders; expands the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life; and demonstrates the value of diversity. Learn more: sites.google.com/site/sweasu
