A Dreamer Turned Doer

by Yeamin Ahmed


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yeamin Ahmed

Yeamin Ahmed

Yeamin Ahmed is a first-generation immigrant and LaGuardia Community College Alumni. Yeamin is currently working as a systems engineering project manager at Boeing. He graduated with High Honors from LaGuardia Community College in 2016. During Yeamin’s time at LaGuardia, he served as a summer research assistant under the supervision of engineering faculty members. After graduating from LaGuardia Community College, Yeamin continued his educational endeavor and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Stony Brook University. Yeamin also holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from North Carolina State University. He contributed to developing three inventions in the engineering field, one of which is certified and protected as intellectual property. Yeamin is passionate about professional development and community service; He is a registered member of the New York Blood Bank and volunteers with the Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS) as an after-school STEM teacher. He enjoys hiking, golfing, planning road trips, bowling, and watching thrilling series in his free time. Yeamin is also a food enthusiast and a passionate cook.

 


Since my childhood, I've been a dreamer, crafting an imaginative world filled with meaningful visions. Originating from the spiritually rich city of Sylhet in southeast Bangladesh, my aspirations took a unique turn. Unlike fellow kids aspiring to be doctors or engineers, my childhood dream was to become a trucker, driven by the desire to navigate a mighty 18-wheeler with precision. Little did I know that life had more to teach me, revealing that significance goes beyond the size of a truck.

As I grew older, my fondness for driving big and navigating life's twists and turns evolved from a childhood fancy into a habit and a passion, steering me towards significant, impactful, and meaningful endeavors. Today, I invite you to explore my story – a journey from dreamer to doer.

Coming from a middle-class family in Bangladesh, my formative years were characterized by a focus on social learning, discussions, and informal education. Engaging in various voluntary and social welfare activities, I gained a profound awareness of the challenges faced by the underprivileged in society. After completing high school with honors, I embarked on a new chapter by moving to the United States.

As a first-generation immigrant, I encountered early social and cultural challenges that fueled my commitment to advocating for equity. Balancing full-time work in a restaurant kitchen with studies, I pursued an associate in science degree at LaGuardia Community College. Despite the challenges, I was fortunate to receive multiple scholarships for outstanding academic and co-curricular performance. During my time at LaGuardia, I served as a summer research assistant, participated in co-curricular activities, and actively advocated for social justice. I graduated with an associate in science degree with High Honors in 2016.

Continuing my academic journey at Stony Brook University, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, earning two scholarships for academic and leadership excellence. Gaining hands-on experience in the university sensor laboratory during my junior year, I further expanded my knowledge through internships in engineering industries, culminating in a successful graduation in 2019.

Entering the world of aviation with Boeing as an Engineer in 2019, my role evolved from design review to serving as a systems engineering project manager. While navigating the skies of my professional life, I pursued a master’s in aerospace engineering from North Carolina State University, earning academic recognition. I am humbly grateful to have played a role in the development of three engineering inventions, with one of them earning the esteemed recognition of being certified and protected as intellectual property.

In my leisure time, I find joy in hiking, golfing, planning road trips, bowling, and indulging in thriller series. I also have a passion for cooking, endorsed by my mom, sisters, and friends.

My commitment extends beyond my professional pursuits to include a dedication to professional development and community service. I'm a registered member of the New York Blood Bank, actively advocating for blood donation. Additionally, I volunteer with the Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS) as an after-school STEM teacher, inspiring middle school students to pursue careers in STEM.

Reflecting on my journey from an immigrant teenager to an engineering professional, I attribute my success to perseverance and resilience in the face of failures. I strongly believe in the saying, "If you hang around a barber shop long enough, today or tomorrow you will end up getting a haircut," emphasizing the importance of determination and consistency.

I still hold onto the childhood dream that drives me to contribute meaningfully to society and human civilization. With time, this dream has evolved to be more selfless and mature, inspiring me to maintain a humble persona and lead a simple life.