Thankful to be a Boilermaker
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Being a student at Purdue University, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities, experiences, and communities that have made my time here so far unforgettable. Here are just a few of the things that make Purdue so special and why I’m so thankful to call this place home.
In the Women in Engineering Learning Community, I found a support system of peers who shared my passions and challenges. Having these connections gave me the confidence to get through my first year. Along with this, I had the opportunity to take ENGR 194, a seminar for Women in Engineering, which was one of the most inspiring moments of my freshman year. Hearing the stories of successful Purdue alumni made me feel like I wasn’t alone and that I, too, could achieve great things. Joining a learning community is one of the best decisions I made at Purdue, and I’ll always be thankful for the friends and inspiration it provided.
I can’t talk about being thankful for Purdue without mentioning Boiler Gold Rush (BGR). This orientation program gave me a chance to meet people from all over the world, learn about Purdue traditions, and settle into campus life before classes started. As an out-of-state student, I was nervous about leaving my hometown and stepping into a completely new environment. BGR helped ease those fears by introducing me to a welcoming community that made Purdue feel like home from the very beginning. It’s an experience I’ll always cherish and one that made me feel like I truly belonged.
Additionally, for those who enjoy playing sports but don’t want to commit to a rigorous schedule, intramurals are the perfect opportunity. With offerings like volleyball, basketball, and soccer, these games are a fun way to make new friends while staying active. I’ve met some incredible people through intramurals, and it’s been a great way to unwind, stay competitive, and create lasting memories.
As a student, walking into IR is both exciting and empowering. IR has opened my eyes to the possibilities that await, and it’s a reminder of how much Purdue invests in its students’ success. Whether you’re a freshman exploring options or a senior preparing for the workforce, IR is an invaluable experience that sets Purdue apart.
Today, I’m incredibly grateful to be able to give back through WiE by mentoring and connecting with prospective students. Knowing that I can inspire and support others in the same way I was supported is deeply fulfilling. WiE has introduced me to lifelong friends, invaluable mentors, and amazing opportunities to grow both technically and personally. It has shaped me into the person I am today—confident, capable, and passionate about making a difference.
Learning Communities
Starting college can be overwhelming, but Purdue’s learning communities make the transition so much easier. These groups connect students who share similar academic interests or hobbies, creating friendships and collaboration from the very beginning. Joining this helped me find my first circle of friends providing a sense of community when everything else felt so new.In the Women in Engineering Learning Community, I found a support system of peers who shared my passions and challenges. Having these connections gave me the confidence to get through my first year. Along with this, I had the opportunity to take ENGR 194, a seminar for Women in Engineering, which was one of the most inspiring moments of my freshman year. Hearing the stories of successful Purdue alumni made me feel like I wasn’t alone and that I, too, could achieve great things. Joining a learning community is one of the best decisions I made at Purdue, and I’ll always be thankful for the friends and inspiration it provided.
Boiler Gold Rush (BGR)
I can’t talk about being thankful for Purdue without mentioning Boiler Gold Rush (BGR). This orientation program gave me a chance to meet people from all over the world, learn about Purdue traditions, and settle into campus life before classes started. As an out-of-state student, I was nervous about leaving my hometown and stepping into a completely new environment. BGR helped ease those fears by introducing me to a welcoming community that made Purdue feel like home from the very beginning. It’s an experience I’ll always cherish and one that made me feel like I truly belonged.Co-Rec and Intramural Sports
Staying active in college can be a challenging balance, but Purdue’s Co-Rec makes it incredibly fun and rewarding. Whether you’re into lifting weights, attending yoga classes, or running on the indoor track, this amazing facility offers something for everyone. Not to mention, the welcoming atmosphere makes it a space where you can feel inspired and motivated, surrounded by others who are also striving to prioritize their health.Additionally, for those who enjoy playing sports but don’t want to commit to a rigorous schedule, intramurals are the perfect opportunity. With offerings like volleyball, basketball, and soccer, these games are a fun way to make new friends while staying active. I’ve met some incredible people through intramurals, and it’s been a great way to unwind, stay competitive, and create lasting memories.
Industrial Roundtable (IR)
Purdue’s Industrial Roundtable (IR) is one of the most incredible opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals and explore career paths. This massive career fair brings together hundreds of companies from around the world, offering students the chance to network, learn about different industries, and even land internships or full-time positions.As a student, walking into IR is both exciting and empowering. IR has opened my eyes to the possibilities that await, and it’s a reminder of how much Purdue invests in its students’ success. Whether you’re a freshman exploring options or a senior preparing for the workforce, IR is an invaluable experience that sets Purdue apart.
Women in Engineering Program (WiE)
The Women in Engineering (WiE) program has played a crucial role in my Purdue experience. This community not only supports women pursuing engineering but also empowers us to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field. From the Mentee and Mentor program and alumni events to their learning communities and seminars, WiE has helped me grow into a more confident and capable engineer.Today, I’m incredibly grateful to be able to give back through WiE by mentoring and connecting with prospective students. Knowing that I can inspire and support others in the same way I was supported is deeply fulfilling. WiE has introduced me to lifelong friends, invaluable mentors, and amazing opportunities to grow both technically and personally. It has shaped me into the person I am today—confident, capable, and passionate about making a difference.
In the whirlwind of everyday life, we can often forget to take a pause to acknowledge the good. This Thanksgiving as I write this post, I am able to reflect on all the wonderful experiences, opportunities, and community that make Purdue such a special place I've come to call home. May you find plenty to be grateful for this holiday season.
Get stuffed and stay thankful!
Get stuffed and stay thankful!
Boiler Up!
Mia Ortlieb, ME
WE Link Leadership Team
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