SASE is a club at OSU that celebrates Asian identity in the science and engineering context. SASE stands for the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, and “prepares Asian heritage scientists and engineers for success in the global business world, celebrates diversity on campuses and in the workplace, and provides opportunities for members to make contributions to their local communities,” according to its mission statements.
As a member of SASE, I had the opportunity to go to the SASE National Conference in Chicago, Illinois. At this conference I was able to connect with fellow Asian scientists and engineers, listen to professionals in the industry in a wide variety of workshops, and connect with companies providing opportunities in the science and engineering field. Workshops I attended included a workshop led by the founder of a non-profit. In it he discussed his struggles with his Ivy education and identity as he found success in non-profit work. On a separate note, another workshop I attended discussed marketing yourself. This information was useful, as SASE set up a career fair where I was able to further use and develop my skills.
Through this experience, I learned about the intersection of success and identity, and developed my knowledge in both areas. I will use the information I gained in the future to develop myself as a leader and better market myself and my ideas. This will help in my goal to become a global change-maker as I work toward my education, both in class and in extracurriculars.