Hi there! I’m Florence Sakaya, an international SEED intern and a junior student at the Dar Es Salaam Institute Of Technology in Tanzania🇹🇿, currently pursuing a major in mechanical engineering.

This Is My Thrilling  First Week at Rice University OEDK!😊

I was really excited as I started a new phase of my life at Rice University’s Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen (OEDK). When I walked around the campus, I could feel the excitement growing inside me. Being an intern from Tanzania, it felt like a dream come true to set foot on American soil and Rice University was the key to this amazing opportunity.

The moment I entered the OEDK, I was greeted with a warm welcome and smiles from my team KIM K. The energy in the room was infectious, filled with the enthusiasm of individuals passionate about engineering and innovation. Feel super motivated when I realized the amazing journey that was waiting for me.

Throughout my first week at Rice University, the OEDK felt like my second home. It was a place where dreams come true, where ideas become real, and where people worked together to make new things. The OEDK brought together students, researchers, and industry experts to work together towards creating incredible projects with the motto of “Go make something awesome!” The collaborative nature of the OEDK was truly inspiring. Every day, I witnessed the power of teamwork as we bounced ideas off one another, exchanged knowledge, and supported each other’s progress.

Beyond the project work, my first week at Rice University offered countless opportunities for personal and professional development. By connecting with other interns, having networking lunches with Global Health professionals, attending workshops, and exploring the campus, I was able to broaden my perspective and establish connections with individuals who shared similar interests. Each interaction was a stepping stone, leading me further on this exciting journey.

As days flew by, I realized that my first week at Rice University’s OEDK was just the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. The stepping stones I had traversed during those initial days laid the foundation for future achievements and experiences. I was filled with anticipation for what lay ahead, eager to contribute my skills, learn from my mentors, and make a lasting impact.

As I reflect on my thrilling first week at Rice University’s OEDK, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such a vibrant and innovative community, gratitude for the support and guidance from everyone who contributes to make this possible, and gratitude for the chance to fulfill my aspirations in the heart of Texas.

Stepping stones may be small individually, but when placed strategically and with purpose, they become the path to greatness. My first week at Rice University’s OEDK was just the first step, and I can’t wait to see where this incredible journey will take me.

I’m excited to chat with you again in our next blog next week! 😉