Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth

The second semester of the academic year 2024-2025 has come to an intense and demanding close. It’s been a whirlwind of activity—a week and month filled with relentless schedules. Each day brought a new challenge, requiring hours of preparation for exams, quizzes, and final projects across three equally demanding subjects. Survival felt uncertain at times, but the mantra was simple: tackle one exam at a time, one requirement at a time, and one project at a time. This rhythm sustained me through what seemed an endless cycle of deadlines and expectations. 

My academic focus revolved around three subjects: AI 221 (Classical Machine Learning), AI 212 (Probability and Statistics), and IE 230 (Statistical Design and Analysis). Each subject presented its own set of challenges, and the calendar below captures the breadth of commitments: 

May 

• 2 – AI 212 Lecture 
• 7 – IE 230 Lecture 
• 9 – AI 212 Lecture 
• 14 – IE 230 Lecture 
• 16 – AI 212 Lecture 
• 18 – AI 212 Quiz and Journal 
• 22 – AI 221 Journal Critique 
• 22 – IE 230 Problem Set 
• 24 – AI 212 Final Exam 
• 25 – IE 230 Final Exam 
• 30 – AI 221 Final Project 
• 31 – AI 221 In-Person Presentation 

June 

• 4 – IE 230 Final Project 
• 6 – AI 212 Final Project 

Final projects demanded a great deal of effort, each requiring a minimum of two key deliverables: code and a manuscript. Quizzes and exams proved more challenging than anticipated, pushing the limits of perseverance and focus. Lectures were often long and exhaustive, testing not only academic understanding but also stamina. 

As I look back on this semester, gratitude fills me. Despite its grueling nature, I feel that I have emerged from these months both mentally and physically intact. I thank God for the strength that carried me through this academic journey. Now, I wait with cautious hope, praying that my efforts were sufficient to pass all three subjects.  Below are snapshots from our AI 221 in-person presentation and AI 212 final exam—a visual reminder of the hard work and dedication that marked this semester. Moving forward, I embrace the lessons learned and the growth earned through this challenging yet rewarding experience.