Embracing the Unknown
When I received my internship offer from Indium Corporation in March, I was ecstatic. As a graduate student pursuing Industrial and Systems Engineering at Texas A&M University, this was a huge opportunity. It was a chance to work with a respected organization, grow technically, and apply what I had learned. I could already picture myself contributing to a real-world project. What I didn’t expect was the emotional rollercoaster that would come with moving from Texas—where I had built a home and a circle of close friends—to the completely unfamiliar city of Utica, New York.
As my departure date crept closer, my excitement was slowly met with nervousness. Leaving behind the life I had grown comfortable with—my friends, the familiar streets, my routines—was not easy. I kept reminding myself that growth happens outside of our comfort zones, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious.
The day I flew to Utica, I sat on the plane with a strange mix of feelings. My stomach was in knots, but I also felt anticipation for what lay ahead. I didn’t know anyone in Utica and wasn’t sure what to expect—culturally, socially, or professionally. Still, I told myself this was my opportunity to embrace change and learn to be independent.
Adjusting to a New Environment
The first few days were, as expected, challenging. Utica was unlike anything I had experienced in Texas. The most obvious difference was the weather. It was much colder than I was used to, and adjusting took time. But it wasn’t just the climate. The entire atmosphere felt slower, quieter, and more grounded. At first, the calm unsettled me. In Texas, life felt fast-paced and connected. Here, things moved at their own rhythm. I missed the energy, the joy of spontaneous plans with friends, and the comfort of familiarity.
But slowly, something shifted. I began to see the beauty around me: the kind of natural greenery I rarely encountered in Texas. There is a serenity in the tall trees, the walking trails, and the crisp air that made me pause and appreciate the present. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I could hear myself think. The silence that initially felt lonely started to feel peaceful. In that space, I noticed small but meaningful changes in myself.
Discovering Self-Growth
With no distractions, I became more in tune with who I was. I discovered a quieter, more positive version of myself—someone who wasn’t always rushing from one place to another, but instead took time to reflect, observe, and simply be. I found joy in solo walks, cooking my own meals, and journaling my thoughts. I was alone, but not lonely. I began to appreciate this solitude as a gift rather than something to fear.
Professional Growth at Indium Corporation
When the internship began, I was understandably nervous about stepping into a professional setting so far from my comfort zone. Those nerves were quickly eased by the welcoming environment at Indium Corporation. My team was incredibly supportive from day one. The culture of collaboration and mutual respect made it easy to ask questions and learn. It wasn’t long before I felt like I belonged.
Key Internship Project: Standardizing Databases
One of the highlights of my internship has been the project I’m working on: standardizing dimensional databases. While the concept may sound technical, the challenge lies in aligning various data formats into a clean, usable structure. It requires attention to detail, an understanding of manufacturing and engineering standards, and the ability to navigate complex Excel files and Power Query logic. It has been a unique learning experience, giving me exposure to practical tools and problem-solving strategies I hadn’t encountered in the classroom.
Building Camaraderie with Fellow Interns
What made the work even more enjoyable was the camaraderie with the other interns. We were all in the same boat—far from home, adjusting to a new place, and eager to learn. That common ground helped us bond quickly. Whether it was grabbing coffee after work or sharing stories about our backgrounds, having people to talk to made the experience richer.
Communication and Resilience
As the days passed, I began to look forward to going to work, not just for the tasks, but for the conversations and casual laughs. The small wins, like solving a tough problem or automating a tedious step in the workflow, made it even more rewarding. I realized that professional growth isn’t just about technical skills; it’s also about communication, collaboration, and resilience. I’ve learned to approach problems with more patience, ask better questions, and recognize when to take a break and reset.
Lessons Learned and Final Reflections
Looking back now, I’m grateful for the initial discomfort. It taught me how capable I am of adapting. It reminded me that change—while scary—can be the very thing that helps us grow. My time in Utica has been more than an internship; it has been a period of self-discovery and personal transformation. I came here expecting to gain work experience, but I’ve also gained confidence, clarity, and a deeper appreciation for quiet strength.
If there’s one thing I’ll take away from this experience, it’s that stepping into the unknown often brings out the best in us. Whether it’s a new place, a new role, or a new version of yourself, it’s worth exploring. Sometimes, all it takes is a little courage to board the plane.
