The Stories

Between Doubts and Passions: My Journey in Engineering
WHO I AM AND HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Hi!
My name is Ginevra, I’m 24 years old and currently in my second year of the Master’s degree in Environmental and Land Engineering, with a focus on Climate Change.
Choosing this path wasn’t easy; after five years of classical high school, I was quite confused about what I wanted for my future. My options ranged from philosophy to environmental sciences, and eventually to environmental engineering. However, the figure of an engineer intimidated me: I imagined a stern man, with a notebook in hand and perpetually furrowed brows, very rigid in thinking and not much of a sense of humor.
In the end, I decided to enroll in Environmental Engineering, albeit with some hesitation, driven by my strong passion for the environment and the desire to “make a difference” through my work.

OVERCOMING THE FIRST CHALLENGES: FROM CALCULUS I TO A NEW CITY
The beginning wasn’t easy, especially with Calculus I: my math knowledge stopped at derivatives, and realizing I was one of the few in the room unfamiliar with the topics was frustrating.
I remember one time after a lecture on complex numbers, thinking—because of the name (complex numbers, come on, they must be hard, right?)—that it was a new topic for everyone. I turned to the person next to me and said, “Tough class today, huh?” hoping I wasn’t the only one struggling. But they replied, “Not really, I already studied them in high school.”
And there were other times, too, when doing Calculus exercises made me feel like it was all completely beyond me.
Adjusting to a new, much bigger city than my hometown was also tough—I felt so small in a place where I knew no one.
Luckily, I began to meet some girls who later became close friends and helped me through those hard times. We shared lunches, tears, and study sessions. January’s exam session went well: I even passed Calculus I (though it took another three years to pass Chemistry). Passing Calculus remains one of my proudest achievements. Overcoming what felt impossible gave me the strength to face the rest of my university journey with a new awareness: I could do this.

THE DOUBTS AND THE TURNING POINT
Of course, not everything was smooth sailing afterward (a quick tip: never believe anyone who tells you that everything gets easier after Calculus I—they’re lying). At the beginning of my second year, in the middle of the Covid pandemic and remote learning, I seriously considered changing universities.
The courses still weren’t specialized, and I hadn’t found anything I was passionate about.
That image of the stern, gray engineer—so unlike me—started haunting me again, making me feel like I had made the wrong choice.
Thankfully, I opened up to a classmate, and during a long phone call, I learned that he felt the same way. We decided to wait until the second semester when we’d start courses like Environmental Chemistry and Ecology.
By spring, I had fallen in love with the subjects, and from that point on, I never had any more doubts. I even confirmed my choice by enrolling in the Master’s program.
Over time, that gray, frowning engineer image faded away, replaced by the smiling faces of my classmates, the passionate voices of some professors, the reassuring presence of PhD students—so different from that intimidating figure I had imagined—and especially by all the amazing girls I’ve met along the way.

A JOURNEY THAT CHANGED ME
In the end, this journey has brought me so much satisfaction, helped me find my place in the world, and given me countless opportunities—like meeting people who are now very important to me, such as my roommates: four other girls who, like me, study at Poli.
Between philosophical debates, late nights, and tea sessions, we’ve made these four years unforgettable.

ADVICE FOR THOSE JUST STARTING OUT
Studying at Politecnico is no walk in the park: the subjects are challenging and require a lot of energy, and at first, the environment may feel unwelcoming—especially if you find yourself among the few girls in the room.
But what I’ve learned from my experience is that with the right amount of time and determination, everything is possible.
Never rush or compare yourself to others: everyone has their own pace and unique path to follow.
As for the environment, it’s normal to feel a bit lost or alone at first, but remember: we’re part of a large student community.
We’re surrounded by people who, just like us, are facing the same challenges and share our passions. And before you know it, those same people will become your study partners, your friends to share laughs, struggles, and maybe even a spritz or two after a long day.

One crucial thing I’ve learned over these years is to never be afraid to follow your passions, even if at first you feel a little out of place.
If you keep believing in yourself and persevering, you’ll find the right people and your place—that place where you’ll truly feel you belong.

I WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD
Hi, my name is Martina, I’m 24 years old, and I want to change the world.

Have you ever heard that little voice inside telling you to do something bigger? That unstoppable desire to leave a positive mark on the world? I’ve always had it. Since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of creating a better future, one where technology serves humanity. But how do you turn a dream into reality?

I took my first step by studying computer science at a technical institute. For university, though, I wanted to try something different—something that could give me a more comprehensive knowledge base. Plus, I was already a bit bored with computer science. So why not give electronic engineering a try?

I imagined my future among circuits, calculations, and software, creating an innovative and sustainable transportation system capable of revolutionizing how people commute to work or travel the world.

I dove headfirst into this new adventure, far from home, my family, and my friends. I was both thrilled and terrified. Soon, something wonderful happened during my university journey: I found lifelong friends who became a cornerstone in my life. Every time I thought, “This isn’t the right path for me; I can’t do it,” they were there to give me the strength I lacked.

Often, these fears stemmed from the differences I felt compared to my peers, who seemed to know everything about cars and engines simply because they had been encouraged to explore this world from a young age—something that didn’t happen for me as a girl. Fortunately, I wasn’t alone. There were other women who shared my insecurities, and together we found the strength to truly become part of an environment that often felt closed off to us.

It’s easy to lose motivation in a challenging program like this, so it’s crucial to keep your goals in mind. Being part of a student team helped me a lot. It gave me a break from the monotony of lectures and brought me one step closer to realizing my dreams. Seeing a project you’ve worked on come to life—a car built with your contributions racing—is an indescribable feeling. You realize how essential your efforts are, and all the anxiety and fear you felt just moments before vanish, replaced by pride.

The message I want to share is to believe in yourself and never compare yourself to others. Each of us is a world of our own, with our unique way of tackling studies and achieving goals. The journey that leads us to build the future should reflect our individuality. Whether you’re the engineer who plays sports in their free time, the one who builds circuits and models and never stops thinking about engineering—not even in their sleep—or the one who loves traveling and only attends class when necessary, what matters is that you stay true to yourself and fight for your ideas without letting anyone influence you.

To succeed in this challenge, which everyone sees as a monumental task, you need dedication. But nothing is impossible. We have intelligence, creativity, and strength to accomplish anything, and we should always aim high. Maybe I won’t change the whole world, but I can certainly contribute to creating a better future. So, why set limits?

Hi, my name is Emanuela, and I am in the final year of my Master’s program in Mechatronic Engineering, specializing in e-mobility.

I grew up in Rieti, a small city near Rome that is historically known as the geographical center of Italy. My university journey began in 2021 when I enrolled in the bachelor’s program in Automotive Engineering in English. The decision was prompted by the fact that the Italian-taught course was structured inconsistently: in the first year, most exams were in Italian, while in the second and third years, the majority were in English. Hence, enrolling directly in the English-taught program made more sense to me.

In the first two years, I attended classes with Mechanical Engineering students. Needless to say, there were very few women. There were only five of us in total, and in Automotive, I was the only one. A bit sad, but I have to say I was fortunate because I met amazing friends who always treated me with respect and as an equal, never making me feel inferior. The Automotive group became like a family to me.

Challenging Undergraduate Years
The undergraduate years were far from easy. Unfortunately, I had to complete my first year entirely online due to the pandemic, which didn’t help at all. My first exam was Calculus 1, and for some inexplicable reason, I did very well. That made me think, “Politecnico isn’t that hard.” Spoiler alert: it absolutely is. I failed the Chemistry quiz shortly after. It took me four attempts to pass Chemistry. The summer session was even worse: I managed to pass only Technical Drawing, and with a very low grade. It was a tough year, and I often felt like giving up, but my dream was bigger, and I kept going.

In September, I moved to Turin to start my second year, still needing to pass Physics 1 and Linear Algebra. A funny story about Linear Algebra—I only passed it at the end of my third year, and not without difficulties, despite it being considered one of the easiest subjects. During that time, I felt a bit behind compared to others. Ironically, a subject I initially hated and found extremely difficult has now become the foundation of my master’s studies and probably my future career.

From the first day, I met wonderful people who stayed with me throughout the bachelor’s program. In class, there were about 30 of us between Mechanical and Automotive students. Our Mechanical friends were incredibly diligent, always sitting in the front row, studying, and giving their all. Meanwhile, we often arrived late to lectures and usually sat in the back row, especially during Thermodynamics classes, where we spent the first 30 minutes eating lunch. Despite everything, we always supported each other. The best part came during the exam sessions—we practically lived together.

I, living closest to the university, was the one who reserved spots in Study Room 1 (the “noisy” one) every morning at 7:45. We spent hours there studying, joking, crying, and laughing together.

Graduation and Moving Forward
In July of my third year, some of us graduated, and our group began to shrink. I graduated in March 2024, but even though we took different paths, we stayed in touch. We still have our WhatsApp and Instagram groups, where we share silly car-related memes.

Meanwhile, even as I was busy completing my bachelor’s degree, I started my master’s in Mechatronics in October 2023. It wasn’t easy to embark on a new adventure while wrapping up another. Unfortunately, I didn’t fully realize what graduating meant, as it happened while I was already in the midst of my master’s classes. I didn’t have time to savor this small milestone.

The master’s program, however, has flown by. Now, as I near the end, I can hardly believe it. It’s been so fast and demanding. Alongside my academic journey, I’ve always maintained a busy personal life. I’ve spent most weekends working as a rally race track marshal. Since last year, I’ve been part of the Squadra Corse Driverless team, and since my first year in Turin, I’ve also tutored high school students. Additionally, I volunteer with TEDxTorino.

I’m sharing this list to show that university doesn’t stop you from having a life outside of studying. I won’t claim I succeeded thanks to extraordinary organizational skills—because I’m probably the least organized person you’ll meet. I’ve experienced many periods of burnout, to the point of nearly facing depression. What helped me through the toughest moments, especially when I felt overwhelmed, were the people I was fortunate enough to meet along the way. The right people, at the right time, helped me feel better and live more peacefully without even trying.

Despite the many difficult times, if I could go back, I would do everything the same way, mistakes included, because they are an integral part of my growth and personal fulfillment.

The only advice I would give is to live your university journey without being influenced by others. In the end, everyone has their own pace and way of experiencing things.

ENGINEERING AT THE POLITECNICO DI TORINO: MY JOURNEY TOWARD SELF-AWARENESS
My name is Elisa, I’m 21 years old, and I’m currently in my first year of a Master’s program in Management Engineering. During my undergraduate studies, I majored in Cinema and Media Engineering.

What led me to enroll at Politecnico di Torino was, truthfully, a mix of recklessness and uncertainty about what I wanted to do after high school. I thought this specific program could combine my interests in science with my passion for the humanities, which I had always nurtured alongside my education. Looking back after a few years, I can say that engineering is a truly diverse field of study that opens up countless opportunities.

First Challenges and the Fear of Quitting
The beginning of my journey in Turin was anything but easy. I doubted my abilities and felt that my foundational knowledge, even after attending a science-focused high school, was lacking—especially after spending my last year and a half in remote learning due to Covid. Moreover, I found myself in an entirely new city, and my shy and introverted nature didn’t help when trying to meet new people or embrace new experiences. After the first winter exam session, where I didn’t achieve any results, I even considered giving up.

Thankfully, I gave myself a second chance, and I pushed myself to face my fears. It was during this “crisis” period that I started opening up to other women about how I was feeling and my study methods. This exchange turned out to be a turning point in my academic journey and beyond. With them, I shared some of the most memorable moments I’ve experienced here in Turin.

The Journey
Starting in the second year of my Cinema and Media Engineering program, I delved into more specialized subjects, which required a lot of group collaboration. This opportunity became one of the highlights of my experience—it allowed me to connect with new people and grow together through lessons and exam sessions.

In our group dynamics, the gender imbalance was evident, with more men than women. There’s still a prevalent belief that STEM subjects are better suited for male minds, but this does not reflect reality. The presence of women in teamwork proved to be not only helpful but essential for making final decisions, managing conflicting opinions, finding common ground, providing a different perspective, and fostering creativity and cohesion within the group.

Milestones
When I think about what this journey has given me, I don’t just consider the degree itself—which is undoubtedly fulfilling—but also everything behind that achievement, giving it a unique and deeper value. It’s the cumulative experience of growth over the years, the lessons learned, and the shared adventures.

The initial challenges didn’t resolve themselves, but I learned to manage them over time. Politecnico is a demanding environment, but it also offers so much to those willing to take on the challenge: student teams, various meetings, and above all, a supportive community. Here, I learned to see difficulties not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth.

Politecnico shaped me as an engineer but, more importantly, it helped me become aware of my value and abilities. Women play a crucial role here, and our contribution is not only necessary but irreplaceable. We can truly make a difference!

For Julia, science is what allows us to understand everything around us and is the driving force behind progress.

Since she was little, chemistry has always intrigued her; she was always holding “The Little Chemist” in her hands.
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Being an engineer, according to Julia, means continuing to learn and understand new things every day. For her, science is the most effective way to improve the world, and every day she strives to make her contribution, adding her brick to the great building of progress.
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The scientist she is inspired by is definitely Margherita Hack, as she has always been an example for Julia in conducting her research in an independent, strong, and free manner.

Eleonora is a student of management engineering 📊 at Politecnico di Torino.
For Eleonora, science is answering the big questions, it is the spark that ignites change.

Eleonora chose to study engineering during her last year of high school. “The first three months were not easy but I found support from colleagues and professors” Eleonora, born and raised in Turin, was immediately struck by the heterogeneity of the Politecnico: students from all over Italy and the world.

The woman she is inspired by the most is her cousin, who works as management engineer in a large multinational company.

I have been living with my anxiety for 22 years, a long relationship that who knows if it will ever end, maybe someday we’ll learn to get along, who knows. Our bond certainly grew stronger when I started university: I became aware that during these years I would be shaping my future, and that has always felt like a heavy weight on my shoulders, which maybe now has lightened a bit and I’ve learned to manage better, but it still shows up from time to time.

BREAD, ANXIETY, AND ENGINEERING

Here’s how my first semester went

Even though I attended a science-oriented high school and was objectively prepared for an engineering program, I still spent the first semester of my first year doubting my abilities and wondering if I was really in the right place.

I was extremely nervous; the courses seemed difficult, and the very thought of exams terrified me. In fact, the question that kept tormenting me was, “Am I studying the right way?” (spoiler: I still wonder sometimes). I was afraid of studying the wrong way, maybe too superficially and not thoroughly enough, which gave me terrible anxiety. As a result, I threw myself into studying, but this only helped partially because the anxiety and lack of confidence in myself were still there, and I couldn’t shake them off.

In the end, I took the first-semester exams and was even satisfied with the grades I got, but at what cost? After the first semester, COVID hit, and that was when I realized that for six months I had completely devoted my life to studying, but how much had I really explored Turin? Very little. How many times had I gone dancing? Zero. This obviously wasn’t good, because then, the one time I did go out, I felt guilty and anxious because I wasn’t studying.

The Exam Chapter

The COVID period was probably the worst; the anxiety I felt completely shut me down: error 404, Chiara.exe has stopped working.

This, of course, led me to make really stupid mistakes, which made me very angry because in the end, I was so panicked that I was only thinking about the time ticking away and my brain not functioning.

This situation was obviously made worse by the fact that the exams were held remotely, I couldn’t talk to anyone before the exam, so I couldn’t distract myself, and my anxiety only kept growing.

At some point, I got fed up; I asked myself why I should ruin my exams by panicking.

So what I learned to do, and still do now, is to just go for it more. I try to think that I’ve studied the material, and if I stay calm, I might even get an idea for that exercise I have no clue how to approach. Worst case, the exam can be retaken. In fact, when I feel myself starting to panic, I try to stop for a moment and think that maybe there’s an exercise I can’t solve, but I don’t give up, and during the exam, I give 100% of myself, so I can say I tried, and at least I won’t have any regrets. If I panic, I end up making mistakes even on things I was sure I knew well.

In the End, I Learned Something

Now that I’m in the first year of my master’s degree and have a bit of experience under my belt, I can say that I’m even too relaxed when it comes to studying and exams. But what I’m truly proud of is that I’ve learned to dedicate much more time to activities that aren’t strictly related to the university (sometimes maybe a bit too much), but at least I enjoy life a lot more, and I finally know Turin better.

Of course, anxiety still pops up now and then; I don’t think it will ever go away because I’ve understood that that’s just how I am. It’s a part of my personality and represents me, but now I can manage it better, and I no longer feel guilty if I go out for a walk on a Saturday instead of studying.

What I’ve realized over these years is that, in the end, a bit of healthy self-confidence never hurts, and indeed, perhaps it’s that along with calmness that can get us through even the toughest exam.

BREAKING STEREOTYPES: MY JOURNEY FROM CLASSICAL HIGH SCHOOL TO ENGINEERING

Today I want to share my experience of transitioning from a classical high school to engineering. My name is Mariapia, I’m 22 years old, and I grew up in the world of classical studies, until I found myself among circuits and transistors here at the Politecnico di Torino.

Deciding to enroll in engineering was an important and, I admit, frightening step. The first year was particularly difficult. The scientific subjects were a real challenge, especially for someone like me, who had a primarily humanities background. Mathematics and physics required a different approach compared to classical subjects, such as Greek and Latin. But fortunately, fear didn’t take over, and here I am, in my third year of Electrical Engineering.

Overcoming Preconceptions

The first step is to break free from prejudices. It’s often thought that those who attended classical high school are unsuitable for scientific studies, but I’m not the only one disproving this stereotype. A classical education develops analytical skills, critical thinking, and a solid cultural foundation—skills that prove valuable in any field, including STEM subjects.

Although fewer in number, over these three years at the Politecnico di Torino, I’ve met other girls who, like me, decided to pursue engineering with a humanities background. We shared the initial fear of not being able to make it, but also the strength and determination to face it.

The Advantages of a Humanities Background in Engineering

As the years went by, I realized that my high school education often proved to be an advantage. The ability to write and communicate effectively, analyze complex problems, and think critically are all skills I acquired in classical high school that have been useful in engineering. Moreover, the discipline and time management I learned during my high school years turned out to be essential for handling the workload.

Life as an Out-of-Town Student

As an out-of-town student, I also had to face the challenge of adapting to a new city and a new life. Turin is a perfect city for the university experience, but at first, it wasn’t easy to cope with being far from home and managing university commitments. However, living on my own taught me the importance of independence and, at the same time, of forming lasting relationships. I learned to organize myself better, balance study and social life, and find my own equilibrium.

Don’t let prejudices or initial difficulties discourage you. The skills you acquired in classical high school will be useful in ways you can’t imagine. Engineering needs people with diverse perspectives and backgrounds, and you can make a difference.

Have the courage to learn things outside your comfort zone, seek support from your classmates and professors, and never stop believing in your abilities.

Giorgia, Cinematic and Media Engineering 🎥⁠

For Giorgia, science is a certainty. ⁠Something that cannot be arbitrary. ⁠

In the middle of the last year of classical high school, Giorgia decides to move to Turin to study at the Polytechnic. ⁠ For Giorgia, choosing Engineering was a leap into the unknown. She took the entrance exam twice, achieving the necessary score only the second time. ⁠

“The first year wasn’t easy. I had deepened my knowledge of mathematics and physics to pass the test, but especially in the first semester, I struggled with Analysis 1. Fortunately, I wasn’t alone. The professors were always very helpful. I went to consultations several times, attended tutoring courses, and managed to pass the subject in the first available session.” ⁠

Giorgia draws inspiration from Margherita Hack for her free and unconventional thinking. ⁠👩‍🔬✨

Laura is studying Computer Engineering at the Politecnico of Turin. 🖥️👩‍🎓

Laura believes that the Politecnico is the right environment for the growth of curious young minds. As an out-of-town student, she decides to move to Turin during her last year of high school, drawn by the degree program. In the first weeks at the Politecnico, during the presentation of activities by CUS Torino, she discovers the rowing team. Joining the team, she is later selected to represent her university at the World University Rowing Championship in Shanghai, China, the following year. She returns from Shanghai with the gold medal. 🚣‍♀️🏅

An athlete and a student of Engineering, her female role model is Katherine Johnson, an American mathematician, computer scientist, and physicist who made fundamental contributions to U.S. aeronautics and space programs, starting from the early use of electronic computers by NASA. 👩‍💻🌌

Michela is a Mechanical Engineering student at the Polytechnic University of Turin. Learning to perceive our limits for what they truly are, and not based on our preconceived notions, is what can lead us on the path of science, which belongs to everyone. Michela has taught us that what might appear to be a “double limit” – coming from a classical background and being a woman – may simply not be a limitation.

Michela
Mechanical Engineering 🛠️👩‍🎓