Ilene Trach

Purdue University - Material Science and Engineering Major
Paly, Class of 2021

Q: What was your experience going to Paly?

A: Paly is renowned for being one of the best schools to attend and it really lives up to the reputation because of all the different opportunities it offers to students. My favorite memories from Paly was when I helped with float building during homecoming week. It brought out my creativity, dedication, and tenacity and the results of the float was really worth it. Spirit Week was a full week of events filled with school traditions and it was always fun to anticipate and get better year after year. It united our class in ways that were exclusive to that week which was pretty magical :)

Q: Which teachers or administrators at Paly were particularly helpful?

A: Shoutout to Lizzie DeKraai, she was the most compassionate, generous, and understanding English teacher I’ve ever had. She helped me through tough times when I was struggling mentally and it reflected in my class performance and participation. She showed me grace and I’ll forever be grateful that she put the extra effort in getting to know me.

Q: How did you decide which college to attend?

A: During my time at Paly, I tried taking Chemistry Honors. I was failing it pretty miserably and hated it after a month. When I dropped to regular Chemistry, I was actually pretty good at it and started to like the subject. It quickly became my favorite science and led me to choose Materials Science (which is very chemistry heavy). I’ve always had an inkling I wanted to pursue Engineering because of my interest in robotics during high school, but the typical path would be to choose Mechanical Engineering. The experience of being rejected from my first try at Chemistry and being redirected and redeeming myself has led me to my final major. (I also switched a few times going from Psychology to Exploratory Studies to Materials Engineering, so it took a couple tries).

Q: How did you decide on your major?

A: I was always interested in technology at a young age. My father studied a little bit of coding in Mexico when he was younger, so when he heard that I was interested, he entered me into a hackathon when I was in middle school. Afterwards I knew that if I went to college I would study computer science.

Q: How has RTE impacted your life?

A: RTE has helped me in ways I had never imagined. Not only did it help me financially, relieving me from worrying about how to afford college, but their mentorship program was the most rewarding to me. My mentor, Grainger, has guided and witnessed me grow throughout my years. I’m grateful that participating in the mentorship piece was mandatory to receive this scholarship because my younger self didn’t initially see the importance of mentorship. As I grew older, I grew more comfortable sharing things about my life with my mentor. Grainger may have not signed up for this, but in some way he was my mentor/life coach/therapist throughout my college years and I’ll continue to keep in touch for as long as I can.

Q: What has college been like for you? Describe your challenges and successes.

A: College was a rollercoaster. One huge challenge I faced was the adjustment and culture shock I experienced moving to the Midwest. I didn’t see the bubble I grew up in until I left it and met people from different parts of the country and all over the world. Feeling homesick was part of the journey but after 5 years of building my life there and coming back, there’s a part of me that feels the same homesickness I once felt for California. 

Q: What is your goal after college?

A: My goal right now is to enter into the semiconductor industry, aiming for a field application or process engineering role. I hope to spend my time re-learning and exploring hobbies from my childhood like dancing, singing, and learning a new language. Something I’d want to finish once I get the chance is completing my final hours for my private pilot’s licence.

Q: Who are your role models at the moment?

A: Right now John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer turned journalist, is my role model. I admire his communication skills and his story telling. His stories as a CIA operative are really interesting, as well as the important stuff he did during and after his time at the agency.

Q: What advice would you give to your high school self?

A: There are a few pieces of advice I would give:

The pressure to excel in school is all fabricated by someone else and is actually hindering you from doing well. 

Surround yourself with good and genuine people, they have the power to transform your every thought and therefore your next move. 

Rejection is redirection. With all that being said, continue to do exactly what you’re doing because it’ll all lead to a life you’ll be proud of.