Day 7: Reflecting on the Power of Education
in University of Colorado Boulder
The seventh day of my trip from Pleasanton, California to New York City has reached the halfway point after the detour. Today's destination is Denver, Colorado, with a special stop planned at the University of Colorado Boulder. The trip is about 400 miles and takes about six and a half hours from Rapid City, South Dakota.
The University of Colorado Boulder holds a unusual place in my educational journey in the USA. In 1990, CU Boulder was among the two dozen Ph.D. programs to which I applied and was rejected... Visiting the CU Boulder Engineering School today is a way to live an imaginary acceptance and reflect on how different my life might have been if things had turned out differently 34 years ago.
As I walked around the Engineering Center, thinking about the "Be Boulder" slogan I saw on the walls, a middle-aged man with a scholarly appearance approached me and asked if we were visiting. My first impression was that he must be one of the engineering professors. To my surprise, he introduced himself as a graduate student in electrical engineering. His openness and frankness immediately put me at ease. He shared his story, revealing that he was over 48 years old and used to work in a fire station. He developed a love for mechanics and initially preferred to study mechanical engineering, but could not find a place for himself in this graduate school. Now he has found great satisfaction in studying electrical engineering.
To help us get a great view of the campus, he volunteered to take us to one of his favorite and probably most unnoticed places in the building, a secret spot where he enjoys his morning coffee. This spot, with its large windows offering a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains, becomes the perfect setting for him to start his day! The beauty of the setting is amazing and provides a serene environment that I believe complements his story of resilience and determination.
His story of pursuing higher education later in life is so inspiring to me. His ability to balance his passion for engineering with his appreciation for nature shows a remarkable commitment and profound vision, and his attitude of balancing technical rigor with the simple joys of life is truly gratifying. All of these qualities illustrate his integrity with such honesty in front of us.
This leg of the journey is a tribute to the power of education and its lasting impact on one's life. My encounter with the CU Boulder engineering graduate reinforces the idea that it is never too late to pursue something greater than yourself and that every step in our journey, no matter how unexpected, can lead to fulfilling and enriching experiences.
I'm glad we got to meet!