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.