Graduation Day
Today, a 5 year long life chapter came to an end. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who helped me to succeed in this journey. In particular my colleagues and advisors, family and all the friends I have found in London. Each of them has their personal share on that achievement of graduating with a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London.
There were many lessons on that journey, both on a research skills level, but also on a personal and spiritual level. All the interactions and communications with the unique individuals I met shaped not only my research but also my personality. Some lessons become clear only in hindsight, revealing themselves on an ongoing basis. Time and again, the right hand and resolution arrived just in time after I have tried everything I could, allowing me to overcome challenges and make progress.
At the graduation ceremony in Royal Albert Hall, Vindi Banga, Chair of the Council, delivered a speech that deeply resonated with me. he remarked “Imperial is pretty tough to get into, and even harder to get out of.” I can certainly attest to that. The final year of my PhD was intense - I committed myself fully, and with perseverance and faith, I was able to achieve what once seemed impossible. Completing all the experiments and writing up my thesis within such a short time frame required resilience, patience, and trust that, in the end, everything would work out for the best. And it did.
Furthermore, he reminded the graduates: “Use your head and also your heart when making career and life decision. A combination of both is the compass to your true nod. Do what you enjoy, and you will be great at it.” With so many potential career paths ahead, it’s easy to be baited by high salaries or prestigious company names. However, I believe that beyond logic and rational analysis, an intuitive sense of what feels right is just as important when making life decisions.
That being said, there is so much technological value to be created in the world, especially in the field of my passion in materials engineering, where nanoscale materials solutions are in high demand in semiconductor and catalysis industries and other fields yet to emerge. I trust that many of us will find our true calling and path where we are able to make impactful contributions to the world.
A new phase of life, is an opening for new missions and opportunities, and look forward the blessings life is going to give to me. As part of my journey, I start his blog here, where I share my passions including to books, research articles and companies that inspire me, and personal lessons.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey. Let’s stay in touch,