When the opportunity presents itself, absolutely attend the Summit! Step outside of your comfort zone and network with your fellow Clark Scholars! Soak up all the experiences and remember to have fun! It will fly by faster than you think!
Name: Hailey Chawla (Cohort 5)
Major: Computer Engineering
Minor: Global Engineering Leadership
Give a brief description of the experience.
The Clark Scholars Program Summit happens once a year where all 11 universities that offer the Clark Scholars Program get together for a weekend of networking and fun activities! During the Spring 2024 semester, the CSP Summit was held at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Throughout my time at Vanderbilt University, I got to participate in various activities such as a trolley tour, late-night live music at Ole Red, a game show, learning how to line dance, and the NASA design competition. We got to meet various members of the Clark Foundation including Mr. Clark's daughter, Courtney Clark-Pastrick!
What was the most impactful part of the experience?
The most impactful part of the experience was getting to meet and work with other Clark Scholars students from other universities across the nation.
What surprised you?
I would say the thing that surprised me the most was how fast time flew by! Everything was “go, go, go” and I was trying so hard to soak up every moment from the NASA design challenge to line dancing to live music at Ole Red.
Did you make any personal and/or professional connections with peers?
Yes, I did! We were put into groups for the NASA design challenge and I was able to connect with my group members on LinkedIn as well as with other Clark Scholars whom I met throughout other different activities. We all followed each other on social media and even created a large group chat with all of us in it!
What were your major takeaways? What did you learn?
This experience taught me a lot of things! The NASA design competition deepened my understanding of teamwork in a fast-paced environment. Working with other like-minded engineers on a complex, forward-thinking project reinforced the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of diverse perspectives. I learned to think beyond the current limitations. I also learned a lot about the culture in Nashville while I was there. Participating in cultural events such as the trolley tour, live music, and line dancing gave me a chance to immerse myself in new experiences, fostering personal growth, and offering a balance between work and relaxation. These activities reminded me of the importance of fun and bonding in the process of learning. Lastly, I gained a deeper appreciation for the opportunities provided by the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, understanding how access to such experiences can shape my professional and personal journey.
How have your career or academic goals changed or evolved as a result of this experience?
The collaborative nature of the NASA design competition showed me the value of working with peers from various engineering disciplines. As a result, I now want to start looking into interdisciplinary projects and seek more opportunities that involve combining fields like software development, computer engineering, and other solutions. The Summit also reinforced my desire to take on leadership roles in tech-driven projects. I now aspire to aim for leadership positions in projects or organizations where I can leverage my engineering skills to address larger societal challenges.
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