Reflecting on My Growth Through My Co-op Journey

When I began my co-op journey, I did not expect it to span three consecutive terms. Spring, Summer, and Fall became a continuous learning experience that shaped both my technical skills and how I approach real-world problems. What started as a computer programming internship turned into one of the most meaningful parts of my time as a student.

Spring and Summer at Crysalis 

My first two co-op terms were with Crysalis, and they set the foundation for everything that followed.

At first, I was focused on understanding how things worked. I spent time learning existing systems, reading through code written by others, and getting comfortable with tools that were completely new to me. It was a big shift from classroom assignments to writing code that supported real operations.

As the summer term progressed, my role became more hands-on. I started contributing more independently, thinking through solutions instead of just following instructions, and understanding how technical decisions impact a business as a whole. Working alongside experienced team members showed me how important communication and collaboration are in a professional environment.
 
One of my favorite memories from my co-op at Crysalis, celebrating an Indian festival together. 

Fall at Fermworx

For my final co-op term, I joined Fermworx, which allowed me to build on everything I had learned earlier.

This experience came with greater responsibility and more ownership over my work. I was encouraged to think beyond individual tasks and consider long-term goals and system design. I found myself approaching problems with more confidence and clarity than I had at the start of my co-op journey.

What stood out most during this term was realizing how much I had grown. Challenges still existed, but I felt better equipped to handle them and more comfortable asking the right questions.

What Three Terms Taught Me

Completing three co-op terms back-to-back helped me grow in ways I did not expect. Beyond technical skills, I learned how to adapt, communicate effectively, and stay curious even when things felt unfamiliar.

These experiences taught me that growth happens gradually through consistency and willingness to learn. I am grateful for the mentors, teammates, and advisors at RIT and the opportunities that supported me throughout this journey, and I am excited to carry these lessons forward as I continue building my career.