Dear Senior Parents
Carnegie Mellon parents Samir and Elora Gupta write to parents of seniors with advice about celebrating the milestone of graduation with their student.
Congratulations as you prepare for your student’s graduation from Carnegie Mellon University!
Our family’s CMU journey began when our daughter Shreya (E 2017) was notified of her early decision acceptance. Shreya was overjoyed, certain that CMU was the place for her. Wanting the best for our daughter, we had suggested other schools, thinking we knew best where she would thrive. But Shreya is a strong young woman, and she convinced us through several campus visits that Carnegie Mellon was the right fit for her.
Over the next four and a half years, we watched with pride as Shreya immersed herself in campus life. She knew early on that she would study electrical and computer engineering, as well as biomedical engineering, and she devoted herself to her coursework. However, CMU also taught her to strike a balance between academics and her other interests. She enjoyed being a member of the CMU Rowing Club and Women in ECE, and she nurtured an interest in entrepreneurship through involvement in the Pittsburgh start-up community. Her confidence and leadership ability grew, and she developed negotiating skills with the help of faculty role models. We were thrilled for her, of course, but also found ourselves looking up to Shreya, admiring the young lady that she had become.
There were moments of uncertainty along the way, for us and for Shreya. She had enjoyed several internship opportunities, but was unsure about a more permanent move, especially to an area that might be unfamiliar. After graduation, she returned to campus to complete her master’s degree and ultimately accepted a position on the west coast, more than 3,000 miles away from our home in Maryland. Shreya continues to thrive, and we happily offer advice when she needs us. Our greatest happiness is that Shreya is pleased with the choices she made over the years. Her focused approach is paying off, and she is living her dream.
Our son, Shayan, is also enrolled at Carnegie Mellon. He is currently a junior studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. We are eagerly observing his trajectory, as well.
As you approach Commencement weekend, we have a few words of advice. The experience was overwhelming for us, with ceremonies, receptions and celebrations at every turn! It was hard to take it all in, but seeing our daughter at the podium during her diploma ceremony was a very special moment that we will never forget. We suggest you sit back, enjoy the festivities and appreciate the experience. Carnegie Mellon has prepared our sons and daughters for their careers but also for life. We now have the opportunity to enjoy the view and learn from them, as well.
Once again, congratulations to you on this family milestone!
Samir and Elora Gupta (P: E 2017, E 2021)
Shayan, Samir, Elora and Shreya Gupta