Priti Saxena

I attribute my success to my family and their support. I don't think I would be here if they would not be supporting me. Of course, my hard work plays a role, and God's blessing as well. The opportunities that came in my way, the good people that I've met in my life, and the good advisors that I had who laid a good path and provided me opportunities have all helped me get to where I am in my life. My husband and son have been my rock that I can rely on, and together as a family, we have been doing great together.

My advisor always tells me, just do your best, and if somebody says anything that you don't find beneficial or kind, just remove it like dust on your shoulder. He always tells me that don't bother what others say, just focus on your work and focus on your life. That has been advice I have been following forever. I also heard from my undergrad teachers to do your best and leave the rest. They always told me that I have potential and can do great things, just make sure that I stay focused. Those pieces of advice about doing my best and leaving the rest, not bothering about what others say, and staying focused have been major guiding principles that I can remember and have been following on my own.

I always say, speak your mind. Yes, we do think of consequences, but don't hesitate to speak your mind politely. Use polite words, kinder words, but speak up. I think it's very important for women to share their thoughts, because sometimes we can be taken for granted. Even if it's not a big thing, I think it's very important to speak up to be sure that you are present and showing up. No matter how hard it is, showing up and speaking up is crucial in any career. Of course, be kind and supportive to each other. If possible, try not to judge others, because we don't know what fights other people are having in their lives. It's important that you be kind and be supportive. Wherever you are, be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

Be respectful. If you don't respect your teacher, you will not learn. If you don't respect your family members, there will be no connection. So I think it's always be respectful. I always prioritize human values first. I always believe that data is important, but there is a human factor to it, and I should always have benefit of doubt towards the students. So in case if they are not able to do well in the class, instead of reprimanding them, I always go and ask them, hey, are you alright? Is something going on? I value the emotions. I value the human factor. I value that there's life beyond the work and beyond the class. Same thing at home, like my husband may be going through something, I need to be supportive. So yes, be kind and be supportive. Those are two of my major principles that I always follow. Make sure you don't invade other people's space, and if you need something, ask, don't assume. My principle with my students is if they're working for me, they have to get paid. I don't take people for granted, nobody for granted. If somebody's spending time with me, I pay full attention, or if students are working on my project, I make sure that they are paid off for that. I make sure that people are not taken for granted, anyone at home as well as at school.