You Don't Have to Have All the Answers to Begin

Building My Own Path: A Journey in Engineering, Courage, and Growth

My journey has taught me that success is not about having all the answers from the beginning. It is about being willing to learn, having the courage to take on challenges, and trusting yourself enough to keep moving forward—even when the path is uncertain.

I began my journey in Iran, where I developed a strong interest in science, engineering, and research. My academic years taught me the importance of discipline, curiosity, and perseverance. In 2018, I moved to Canada to pursue my master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in biomedical optics. Moving to a new country meant starting over in many ways: adapting to a different culture, building a new professional network, and learning to navigate unfamiliar environments. It was challenging, but it also helped me discover how much I could accomplish outside my comfort zone.

My research experience strengthened my belief in the power of combining engineering with healthcare to solve meaningful problems. Receiving the Best Thesis Award in 2020 was a particularly meaningful milestone, recognizing years of dedication and hard work. More importantly, my academic journey taught me that achievement comes not only from knowledge but also from asking questions, embracing uncertainty, and remaining persistent when things do not go as planned.

I later moved into medical-device engineering, where I could apply my technical background to real-world healthcare challenges. Working in research and development at Conavi Medical gave me the opportunity to contribute to complex intravascular imaging systems used in cardiac care. This work requires more than technical expertise. It demands critical thinking, collaboration across disciplines, attention to detail, and the ability to investigate difficult problems without giving up when the answers are not immediately clear.

My professional journey has continued to evolve, leading me to a principal systems engineering role at BD in California. Each transition has pushed me to grow, adapt, and take on greater responsibility. Looking back, I realize that many of the opportunities that shaped my career came when I was willing to step into something new before I felt completely ready.

As a woman in engineering, I believe one of the most important lessons I have learned is that you do not need to know everything before you speak up, share an idea, or accept a challenge. Confidence does not mean knowing all the answers; it means believing in your ability to learn them. Technical depth matters, but so do communication, collaboration, relationship-building, and the courage to make your perspective heard.

I also believe strongly in independence. Build your own professional identity, develop your own ambitions, and maintain your own sense of security. Relationships and support systems are valuable, but your future should never depend entirely on someone else. Invest in yourself, your career, and your personal growth.

If I could offer one piece of advice to young women, it would be this: do not wait until you feel completely ready to pursue something meaningful. Seek out challenging projects, ask questions, build relationships with people who encourage your growth, and recognize the value you bring to the table. You may encounter uncertainty, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt, but none of these mean you do not belong.

Your path does not have to look like anyone else’s. Keep learning, remain curious, and have the courage to build a life and career that reflect your own ambitions. You do not have to choose between being capable and being kind, between having a successful career and building a fulfilling personal life, or between listening to others and trusting your own judgment.

The goal is not simply to prove that you can succeed in someone else’s world. It is to build a world—and a future—that you can call your own.