In their company, I feel an immense sense of belonging.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has been more than a workplace for me. As I had only very limited U.S. academic experience prior to joining UMD, the faculty and staff of this department became some of my first friends in the U.S. Through them, I learned much about the American way of life, including beyond academia. In their company—whether over a joint lunch or at some department-wide celebration—I feel an immense sense of belonging.
And the department staff and faculty have come through for me in meaningful ways. For example, I was in the middle of teaching ENME 331 when I had to take an unanticipated break to be with my wife and my newborn daughter; I just had to inform my teaching team and they took care of everything. I had a similar experience when I was teaching my first course in the department and had to rush back to India to be with my ailing father. It is no understatement when I say that this place radiates care and compassion and very often I am in my happiest space when I am at work. I look forward to many more years of association with this splendid department and its splendid faculty members and staff.
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