Cultivating Resilience: A Journey Through Software Engineering, Motherhood, and Professional Growth

My name is Jihae Kim, a dedicated working professional, a mother, and a student. I currently hold a position as a DRAM/NAND sample management specialist at a prominent semiconductor company, where I have garnered three years of invaluable experience collaborating closely with field application engineers. When I embarked on this journey, my aspiration was to become an engineer, a goal I expressed to my manager early on. However, the path to achieving this dream required a degree, leading me to the Oregon State University Post Baccalaureate program.

In the vibrant tech hub of Silicon Valley, surrounded by brilliant software engineers, my heart resonated with a passion for software engineering. This passion, coupled with the desire for continuous learning, prompted my pursuit of a software engineering degree. Amidst my professional endeavors, I also embraced the joy of motherhood. My husband and I welcomed our son, a bundle of happiness, into our lives. His unexpected early arrival, 17 days before the due date, challenged us, but we found strength and joy in the midst of chaos.

The balance between career, motherhood, and education has not been without challenges. The initial stages of my software engineering education were particularly intense, with sleep becoming a luxury as I juggled assignments and work responsibilities. Despite the hardships, I persevered, fueled by the belief that action is the key to overcoming uncertainties. As I stand before you today, I have nearly completed my software engineering program, with just two classes remaining, including CS475.

Reflecting on my journey, I acknowledge the importance of adaptability and resilience. Life’s unexpected twists led me to reevaluate my approach, leading to a modified plan of taking one class per semester. This adjustment has fortified my determination. I am eager to immerse myself in CS475, where I hope to expand my knowledge and collaborate with exceptional teammates.

Thank you for your time and attention. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to learning and growing together in this class.

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