Physics, Persistence, and the Power of Mentorship: My Hunter College Story

I found my outlet when I took my first art class in Fall 2022, following a challenging semester where I performed poorly in my Electromagnetism (E&M 1) course at CUNY Hunter College. That semester had not only crushed my confidence but also dimmed my passion for physics, which had always been a significant part of my identity as a scientist. The physics department at my college is known for its cutthroat environment, which lacks resources and support and contributes to a toxic culture. The statistics are sobering: nearly 40% of students who begin physics degrees do not complete them, often citing a lack of support and feelings of alienation. I remember sitting in my room, grappling with self-doubt and thinking, “Maybe physics isn’t for me.”

It was then that I reached out to the Double Discovery Center (DDC) at Columbia University. I contacted my DDC guidance counselor, seeking advice on how to move forward in such a toxic environment. Through conversations with my counselor, I felt a sense of understanding that had been absent elsewhere in my academic journey. The DDC counselor listened to my struggles with compassion and encouraged me to seek balance in my life, she even reminded me that there were other ways to cope and heal besides staying isolated in my studies.

In moments of despair, I reminded myself that I couldn’t afford to fail. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, education was my only path to a better future. My mother had instilled in me the belief that education is powerful and transformative. When I received notice in early May that I was on track to fail my courses, I froze. My DDC counselor’s advice echoed in my mind, sometimes, we need to explore new paths to regain balance. I was introduced to the idea of exploring arts through a fellow physics major who also double-majored in studio art.

It was then I realized that I had been neglecting a healthy way to cope with my stress, which might have contributed to my struggles in E&M. Following my counselor’s and my friend’s encouragement, I decided to test the idea that engaging with art could be the key to overcoming my challenges in physics.

At first, I felt nervous and out of place, grappling with feelings of imposter syndrome as I compared myself to my peers. Though I had dabbled in art during high school, I lost that connection once I started at CUNY Hunter College, leaving little time to practice or grow my skills.

The art department enveloped me in a sense of belonging I had longed for; the professors and students were kind, friendly, and genuinely supportive. Feeling welcomed inspired me to seek out mentorship and positivity within the department, providing much-needed relief from the pressures of my physics courses.

Engaging with art not only positively impacted my mental and emotional health but also significantly enhanced my performance in physics. I began earning more A's than ever before. Art became my sanctuary, a place to escape, release stress, and mitigate the burnout I had been experiencing.

My first research opportunity was at the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA), where I was introduced to computational astrophysics and presented my work at two symposiums. The next summer, I conducted astronomy research at UT Austin, where I visited the McDonald Observatory and collected real data.

I hope my story serves as a reminder that it’s okay to seek support and mentorship from different avenues. The art department and DDC played an enormous role in my success, and I truly believe that if I hadn’t sought their guidance, I might not be prepared for graduate school today. In every application, I’ve expressed my deep appreciation for DDC and the impact they’ve had on my life.

The success I’ve achieved—getting accepted into Brown University for physics and UTSA-SWRI for space physics—speaks volumes about the transformative power of the support I received from both the art department and DDC. Their mentorship and guidance have not only helped me navigate the challenges I faced but have also instilled in me the confidence to pursue my dreams. I am truly pursuing my dream; in January 2025, I will begin my PhD in Space Physics at UTSA-SWRI, where my first thesis project will contribute to the rocket payload development for NASA’s TRACERS mission, set to launch in April 2025! I am forever grateful for the meaningful experiences I’ve had at both institutions. They have reminded me that success is a journey, and it’s one I don’t have to walk alone.