Projects

I contributed primarily by writing the problem statement, conducting seven interviews, and creating the final video. I also served as the team’s unofficial project manager. While other teams focused on important topics like classroom space, common areas, and sustainability, I’m especially proud that we addressed the Harlem–Columbia disconnect—arguably a more sensitive and complex issue, made even more challenging by the confidential nature of the building plans.

• I can make meaningful contributions as a humanities major in an engineering class—I don’t need to doubt my skills and value.
• People are willing to talk and share insights—interviews aren’t hard to schedule, but initiating the ask is still a mental block I’m working on. I often worry I’m bothering people and hesitate to reach out.
• Always ask why, but also recognize that sometimes people don’t always know.
• Sometimes it’s good to take risks / not completely follow directions :)
• I really enjoy project management and think I have a knack for it!

This project was incredibly fulfilling since it gave us a chance to synthesize our academic coursework, interviews (with experts from NGOs, government agencies, academia, and local communities), and lived experiences from the program. Our team’s focus on mental health stigmas and community-based solutions was new to me, and I left the program with greater empathy and a deeper understanding of people and systems.