Wright College alumna Shlesha Patel has her sights set on a four-year degree in mechanical engineering. Thanks to a scholarship, fellowship, and more, she’s getting closer and closer to achieving that goal.
Shlesha was selected from a robust group of applicants as the Fall 2022 TCP-CTA Transfer Scholarship winner, which is administered by the City Colleges of Chicago Foundation and made possible by sponsors Transit Capital Partners and Chicago Transit Authority. She was chosen for her strong scholarship application, excellent grade point average, and extensive involvement in extracurriculars and work activities.
During her time at Wright, Shlesha served as the vice president of the American Chemical Society Wright College Chapter, and she worked as a research assistant for Dr. Doris Espiritu, the dean of the Center of Excellence for Engineering and Computer Science at Wright College. She explored whether student participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities helps students to develop a stronger sense of belonging and self-efficacy.
The surprise scholarship announcement came during Wright College’s Center for Excellence Showcase hosted on December 8, 2022. The event was held, in part, to give 16 groups of students from Wright’s engineering and computer science programs a chance to present their research projects to their peers and a panel of judges. Shlesha was busy in her role as one of the event’s presentation judges when she heard her name announced by Dr. Espiritu.
“I didn’t expect it,” she said. “I am so happy, not just because of the money, but because it was such a surprise. I feel so emotional and I’m proud of myself.”
Shlesha came to the United States from India in 2019 with her parents who immigrated, in part, to give their daughter more educational opportunities.
“In India, we lived with family elders who did not really like the idea of me furthering my education,” she said. “My parents have always been supportive, and I know my future was part of their decision to move here.”
Shlesha graduated from Wright College with an Associate in Engineering Science in May of 2023. This summer, she’s participating in Chicago Quantum Exchange’s Open Quantum Initiative Undergraduate Fellowship, an opportunity she was connected to by Dr. Espiritu. The 10-week program is helping Shlesha gain relevant lab experience and expand her network while working alongside a professional research team.
“This summer, I’m doing hands-on work, networking, and gaining experience in the lab. This fellowship is helping expand my knowledge of quantum and realize how amazing this field is. It’s making me excited for my future,” she said.
She’ll continue working towards that bright future at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Grainger School of Engineering this fall. Through Wright College’s Engineering Program, Shlesha’s transfer journey was guaranteed.