Lexy Arinze — Nigeria
Engineering Education, Ph.D.
Lexy overcame imposter syndrome at Purdue by learning from mistakes and connecting with peers. Lexy's advice: 'Push past limits and trust your strengths.'
Q
What is a word describing Purdue University: College of Engineering?
A
Home.
Q
What is one fictional character you relate with; describing you and your relation with COE?
A
I would compare myself to Natsu Dragneel from the anime "Fairy Tail". COE would be like the Fairy Tail Wizards' Guild-a community of people with diverse skills, backgrounds, experiences, and quirks who appreciate each other's unique differences. Natsu sees the guild as his family, and while he always strives to be the best, he also fiercely defends it.
Q
What is particularly special about Purdue University for you?
A
The community is large and diverse, and you can always find people with similar interests. The people here are kind, and the faculty consistently prioritize students' well-being and interests.
Q
Biggest challenge you faced and how you overcame it?
A
The biggest challenge I faced was imposter syndrome, especially during my first semester at Purdue. My first midterm made me feel like I wasn't smart enough. However, I learned from my mistakes, built connections with my course-mates, and started to feel like I had what it takes to thrive because I realized I wasn't alone.
Q
What is your favorite activity?
A
Working out, and watching anime.
Q
What are your future career aspirations?
A
I currently have two potential career paths in mind: working towards management level in a civil/structural engineering firm or a quantitative researcher in a think tank/research institute.
Q
What is your advice for prospective students?
A
Nothing good comes easy; you need to push past your limitations and failures. Always play to your strengths. If you made it through the rigors of undergraduate studies, then you have what it takes to get into graduate school.