Surprise, we’re still in Season 1, but this one feels different. Call it a summer edition, a bonus chapter, or just a moment that needed to exist before we officially wrap things up.
In this episode, I sit down with my brilliant and quietly powerful friend Cece Harrison, a Nuclear Engineering major at NC State, to talk about what it really means to be a woman in engineering. Not the glossy poster version. The real one, filled with doubt, pressure, purpose, and the occasional moment of joy when you realize you're building something that once felt off-limits.
Cece opens up about almost not choosing engineering at all, the impact of a female mentor, and why representation and outreach matter more than we think. We talk about surviving toxic environments, the myth of the “girlboss,” and the quiet courage it takes to show up exactly as you are in spaces that weren’t designed for you.
This isn’t just about Nuclear Engineering. It’s about rewriting what power looks like, supporting each other when the system pushes us to compete, and realizing that you don’t need to be extraordinary to belong. You just need to be there, and to stay.
Wherever summer finds you, I hope this episode keeps you good company. I’ll be heading home to Germany for a bit, hopefully catching some cooler air, definitely losing my English fluency, returning with a slightly thicker German accent and maybe a few pastry or cheese reviews.
More soon, with another chapter, after the summer break, and ideally from a room with working AC.
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What is Identity Library?
Welcome to the Identity Library, a captivating podcast hosted by Veronika Becher, a German student exploring life in the United States. Join me as we unravel the different layers of identity and embark on a quest for authenticity. Each episode delves into how our backgrounds, cultures, and personal journeys sculpt our sense of self.
Every month, we journey into a new cultural landscape with our guests, sharing stories and experiences from the tapestry of life. Whether you're forging a path in a foreign land or simply curious about the forces that define us, The Identity Library invites you to write your own narrative or uncover fresh perspectives.
So, settle in with a cup of tea and immerse yourself in tales from around the globe with some sense of humor. If you don't find your story here, keep exploring—there are countless books with chapters waiting to be discovered. Identity Library is a podcast by WKNC 88.1 FM HD-1/HD-2.