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!