The First ‘Hello’: Bridging Worlds in a Symphony of Minds
A reflection on making friends and overcoming the jitters of imposter syndrome
Walking through the iconic corridors of MIT, I am constantly reminded of the sheer brilliance that surrounds me. Here, every corner seems to buzz with the promise of innovation and breakthrough. Yet, amidst this symphony of intellect, a silent beat throbs—the universal quest for connection.
Since the day I received my offer letter, I had a mixed bag of emotions—feeling tremendously lucky but also fearing to step into a whole new world of brilliant minds from across the globe. Starting my journey as an international student at MIT felt like stepping onto a new planet—a place pulsating with intellect, revolution, and an overwhelming variety of cultures. It was easy to feel overwhelmed. During my first week in Cambridge, I met a postdoc at MIT who said that imposter syndrome is the unspoken shadow that trails many of us here. Honestly, I felt a bit relieved to listen to that. Over a few months, I figured that the way to get over imposter syndrome was through forging new connections and knowing this community well. As I got to know the stories of more people around me, I realized that most of us doubted ourselves the same way about not having knowledge and skills that are at par with our peers. Being aware that everyone here is learning from each other every day and getting community validation gave me so much more power and self-confidence.
So, how did I navigate connecting deeply with fellow people at MIT? Well, enthusiasm became my ally. Energetic greetings and showing genuine pleasure while talking to others can work wonders. It’s all about treating others the way you want to be treated—making them feel seen, appreciated, and welcomed. As I steered this cosmic dance of academia and culture, I’ve found that the simplest of gestures—a smile, a nod, that heartfelt first “hello”—can be the bridge between me and this amazing new world. The art of meeting new people in such a diverse global community is not taught in lectures. There’s no manual, no algorithm that can predict the outcome of an outstretched hand or a shared cup of coffee. Making friends, particularly in a place that can feel intimidatingly profound, requires a leap of faith.
One of my favorite experiences of meeting new people in my first semester was the “Coffee Buddies” activity in my Sloan MBAn course. Imagine having to share a coffee with a new classmate every two weeks. It sounds simple, yet it was a great icebreaker. Fast forwarding four months, this is how I met my capstone project partner—over a cup of cappuccino and a shared love for the tech world. In classes, I made it a point to partner up with different individuals for projects and labs. This not only broadened my academic horizons but also opened new avenues for friendship. You learn so much about someone when you see how they solve problems or how they react under pressure.
Spending time together brings you closer! This is me celebrating my 21st Birthday with my friends at MIT.
I found attending MIT events to be a great opportunity to meet like-minded people from various programs, and so these events became more than just a calendar entry. For those who find their voice gets lost in the crowd, preparation is key. Crafting a little introduction and a handful of thoughtful questions can turn the daunting into the doable. Remember, people love to talk about themselves, so a simple “And, what about you?” can keep the conversational ball rolling. Networking is an art in itself. Professional connections can be even more unnerving to form than friendships. Here, stories are your secret weapon. Having a few anecdotes up your sleeve, or thought-provoking questions, can melt the iciest of exteriors. Be relatable, be yourself—that’s the mantra.
MIT, with its symphony of accents, cuisines, and perspectives, is a testament to the beauty of diversity. It has taught me that our differences are not barriers but pathways to a more colorful and inclusive world. And at the heart of it, we’re all just people, searching for understanding and a sense of belonging.
A grad school isn’t just a place to study; it’s a place to live, to love, and to laugh—together. This captures the true spirit of MIT: where each interaction holds the promise to connect different realms, welcoming us onto a collective path of exploration and unity. So, here’s my invitation to you: Take the first step to making new friends, say that first “hello”!
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