Hi Matriculating Class of 2027!
My name is Taofeekat Lamina, a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, minoring in Engineering Design and, of course, a Rice Center for Engineering Leadership Certificate. I am the Head Student Director for this school year, and WELCOME TO RCEL 🙂!
First off, I would like to commend you for expressing interest in the program so early. When I was a new student, engineering was extremely new to me, and I was undecided on which discipline to pursue.
Eventually, during my sophomore year, I finally landed on Mechanical Engineering when I took my first RCEL class. It was the conversations I had with the professors that helped me clarify my confusion about how my interests aligned with the available majors. The difference was having access to many impactful engineers, whether they were alumni participating in a lab or a Faculty member who has experience working in industry as a professional engineer. RCEL has allowed me to connect with people who have been in my shoes and are excited to guide me through my process. These are real resources that honestly have placed me where I am, and I hope that you can see yourself taking advantage of these opportunities.
If there is anything that you take away from this letter, please remember:
- Take advantage of any and every opportunity you get here at Rice.
- Your first year is a perfect time to explore and really learn more about yourself and your passions.
- Be fluid and open-minded.
- This allowed me to study abroad in Paris, pursue different leadership opportunities, and meet people beyond my residential college and major.
- Don’t come in thinking you need to have everything figured out.
- It is honestly a part of the process to grow and change, and it’s okay to lean on your friends, advisors, professors, etc. Through those experiences and conversations, you can only learn more about yourself and become better and stronger at what you do.
I have no doubt you will find your place at Rice, and if there is anything I can do to support you in your process, please reach out (tol1@rice.edu)! I hope to meet some of you in RCEL 100 or RCEL 200 this fall!
Warmly,
Taofeekat Lamina