HONORABLE MENTIONS

“My involvement with SASE launched during my time at the [University of Minnesota - Twin Cities], where I tried a variety of student groups, searching for a community with which I resonated both professionally and culturally. It was not until the end of my sophomore year that truly gave me a chance to see what SASE was all about; I started attending events that semester and soon found myself applying to join the board. In all honesty, the mission and pillars pushed me to take that chance and I haven’t regretted it. Since then, I’ve been able to volunteer with different schools and students as a SASE Jr. Director, and it’s been so incredibly rewarding to see students from underprivileged backgrounds gain opportunities to learn and grow with the STEM field. In addition, seeing my own volunteers improve in communicative skills was just as amazing to see. SASE is a community that works and grows together, and I encourage anyone considering joining SASE to reach out when they feel overwhelmed. At the end of the day, it’s better to talk through any struggles with your team than to grind it out and potentially risk burn out. You’re a person first!” 

“Enticed by free food and the opportunity to meet peers with shared experiences, I attended NYU SASE’s ‘Rice to Meet You’ event in my first year. I was greeted by upperclassmen who immediately struck up conversation about anything and everything. From the dining halls to avoid to the professors to win over, the mentorship and advice I received from SASE members were invaluable. When leadership applications came out, I applied and was ecstatic when I was chosen to be event coordinator. I found my community in SASE and have since met some of my closest friends. 

This past semester, the NYU SASE executive board was craving something sweet after sharing lunch in Chinatown as a part of our SASEats program, and we thought of a place not too far from where we were — only two blocks down and across the street. Seems simple, right? Wrong. There was a Lunar New Year parade going through, and corner after corner, we were barricaded in. Determined to satisfy our craving, we walked through all of Chinatown before we finally found an opening and made a run for it. The dessert was mediocre, but the laughs and memories will last a lifetime.

 SASE is just so full of opportunities for your professional and personal growth; you just have to be on the lookout and make the best of it – and, don’t be afraid to ask for help!”  

“I first learned about SASE through my sister, Jenny, who was a member of SASE University of Texas at Arlington. Although University of North Texas has over 450 student organizations, I could not find an organization where I felt comfortable and that would help me grow both as an individual as well as in my career, so I founded my own chapter with SASE! In 2022, I attended my first SASE National Conference and made so many new connections. It’s also where I met my best friend, Lexus, and formed the ‘2 for 1 special.’ 

SASE is an amazing community and network of people, and I encourage all of my peers to accept every opportunity that comes their way, whether it’s to accept a leadership position or just join someone for lunch. Everyone can find lifelong friends in SASE.” 

“My involvement with SASE began when representatives from Berkshire Hathaway Energy reached out to the University of Calgary and introduced the SASE organization. At the same time, as students entered the classrooms for the first time since COVID-19, I was seeking avenues to enhance my social connections. SASE presented the perfect solution; joining allowed me to engage in meaningful advocacy work – supporting and empowering Asian scientists and engineers – and provided an excellent platform for personal and professional growth.

Right after in-person teaching resumed in September 2022, we organized an information session at the University of Calgary, hosting representatives from Berkshire Hathaway Energy, AltaLink, and the esteemed Khanh Vu from SASE. It was an exhilarating experience to meet these influential leaders for the first time, and, as the session unfolded, they shared invaluable advice and motivated us to persist in our cause and continue making a difference through SASE. Our encounter fostered a true sense of unity and purpose within the SASE UCalgary members. I’ve since discovered that SASE is a highly interconnected network, particularly when it comes to chapter building and member retention. Whether a chapter is established or just starting out, there is a wealth of knowledge and guidance available from other chapters, which facilitates collaboration and enables chapters to learn from one another’s successes and challenges. Our interconnectedness opens doors for mentorship and provides valuable insights into career opportunities, making it an indispensable resource for career-planning and professional development. 

Engage with your local SASE chapter and fellow members. Attend meetings, events, and workshops with an open mind. Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your own experiences. Seek out leadership roles within your chapter to develop valuable organizational and teamwork abilities. Lastly, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. SASE is a platform for growth and a vibrant community that thrives through active engagement.