I come from a small industrial town in the eastern part of India called Asansol. After earning my bachelor’s in 2011, I worked as a software developer in Kolkata. Although the work was interesting, I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. Pursuing higher education in the U.S. was my dream, but quitting my job—not to mention the financial implications—kept me awake at night with worry.
Making matters worse, hardly any of my friends or family believed in my dreams. The lack of support—well, to say the least, it was disheartening. Nevertheless, I had pictures of the ECE building and the Engineering Fountain on my bedroom wall. Every night before going to bed and every morning when I woke up, I would look at them to remain focused on my goal. I submitted an application to Purdue and waited.
Then, a few days after my birthday in 2015, I received an admission letter. It was the biggest morale booster. Here in my hands was confirmation that my dream wasn’t so crazy after all. I quit my job and came to Purdue that fall as a master’s student in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Arriving in West Lafayette
This was my first time in the U.S., and what I saw at Purdue was beyond my imagination. The red brick buildings, the vast green spaces, the sheer amount of talent and exceptional coursework—it was a dream come true.
I remember the first time I saw the engineering fountain. I stood there for quite some time comparing the picture on my bedroom wall to the real thing. To be honest, I got goosebumps. All the hurdles—physical, financial, and emotional—that I had crossed were all worth it. I felt ready for this new life and inspired to face the challenges ahead.
As I settled in to life at Purdue, I stayed in touch with my family over the phone. We spoke daily. They were curious about what I was studying and worried about my health. My father—who hadn’t been so sure about me quitting my job to come to the U.S.—would now ask me every day what I learned in my robotics or controls classes.
I was fortunate enough to not only take classes, but also do research at Purdue. My time at the Maha Fluid Power Research Center was the best time of my life. Working with people from around the world—different countries, cultures, and backgrounds—was an eye-opener. There was so much I learned in and out of the classroom. I love making friends and was amazed by the warmth, intelligence, and attitude of the people I met.
The work ethic that I learned from my advisor, Monika Ivantysynova, has stayed with me. She was the personification of hard work, discipline, and determination. I consider myself fortunate to have been under the tutelage of someone like her.
As engineers, we need to solve problems by staying true to the science. When we enter the industry as Purdue graduates, we must never forget that we represent what our lab (and Purdue) stand for—humility in excellence.
Life After Purdue
I got a job right after my graduation, and I owe it entirely to Purdue—everything I learned inside a classroom and outside.
A degree from Purdue goes a long way. By the time you graduate, you’re already familiar with the ingenuity needed to multitask and the value of discipline and hard work. Those skills are valued in any industry. I also found myself relating to some core Midwestern values, like humility and letting your work speak for itself.
I joined Purdue expecting a rigorous engineering program—where I would find my interests, discover myself, and learn as much as possible to evolve as an engineer. In that, Purdue exceeded all expectations. In my current professional role as a controls engineer at Cummins Inc., I can truly feel the importance of my degree and my training from Purdue.
I have been away from West Lafayette for more than two years now, yet I remember every second spent at Purdue. I try to visit every year during Homecoming. Enjoy a football match with some chili cheese fries and Coca-Cola. Attend the big event typically organized by Purdue University Tagore Society in October. I have also taken part in the webinars organized by the Purdue Alumni Association and interacted with many current and past alumni in the engineering fields. I am still in touch with some of my colleagues from the Maha lab.
The midnight coffee doesn’t taste quite the same as it did while doing assignments at Hicks. All I can say is Purdue has changed my life. Hail Purdue. Ever grateful, ever true.