Blog
While my Manhattan bridge walks and studies at one of the most prestigious universities in the world became my everyday reality, I keep wondering: if someone had told me ten years ago that this would happen to me, I’d have laughed in their face.
There is no school I attended from beginning to end according to any program. Even my choice of profession changed in the blink of an eye from journalism to civil engineering. From 2012 to 2022, construction projects took me to places I would never have imagined going, and at some point, I realized my bachelor’s degree was not enough anymore – especially if I wanted to utilize my entrepreneurial mindset.
Initially, there was no intention to study in the U.S., and I tried two universities in Finland to complete my master’s degree. Meanwhile, I was taking remote Construction Administration courses by Columbia University on Coursera, and found them exceptionally beneficial. What if I’d study there? How about the costs? How to get there? I saw the goal and didn’t mind the obstacles.
The link to the Fulbright website popped up quite quickly. Getting familiar with the opportunities took a while, and the requirements felt high. Despite that, I decided to apply for the Fulbright-Technology Industries of Finland Grant with a curious attitude: even if I won’t be chosen, that must be an experience!
The applying process helps you learn about your goals and values
Collecting recommendation letters took me closer to my recommenders, and I am happy we still keep in touch. Formalities such as other documents, the CV, transcripts, personal statements, and other papers were done in two months with a systematic approach: there is a deadline, and I am working on meeting it. Finally, in mid-May 2023, everything was sent, and I moved my focus to my hectic working life.
In August, there was an interview with the Fulbright selection committee. There was nothing to be specifically prepared, if the ambitions were clear and your personal statement was what you believe in – but I am still quite sure they saw through the camera how nervous I was…
In early September I was leading a meeting at work, with a dozen attendees, both remotely and in a meeting room. Due to the nature of our industry, we happen to keep our phones on even when leading meetings. This time there was an email from the Fulbright Finland Foundation, and the first word was “Congratulations!” – everything was clear in just one second. My colleagues knew I was waiting for a decision, and yes, there was a small meeting break to recognize the moment.
I received the ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant and there was a year ahead to prepare for the move. English tests were good, verbal reasoning part of GRE not that good, but luckily many universities don’t require it anymore.
While my original intention was to study at Columbia, I also applied to other schools. I had never heard a word about New York University, it was a school added to the list by my IIE placement advisor’s recommendation. April 2024 was full of expectations, when admission letters came from Texas A&M University, New York University and, finally, Columbia. I looked back to my childhood, reflected on my background, and believed that everything was possible.
Nice to choose between good, good, and good
If there was something I could say to anyone aiming big, I’d say “go for it”.
The decision was tough. I like Texas, but at the same time, industry life requires networking. NYC was an obvious place to go. Comparing Columbia and NYU wasn’t easy at all, but eventually I’m endlessly happy with my choice: NYU Tandon is known as a very good engineering school, and I have an opportunity to agree on that after every lecture.
If there was something I could say to anyone aiming big, I’d say “go for it”. The world is full of opportunities, and in my case, Fulbright was an efficient kick to my social climb. There is a lot of work behind and ahead, but challenges exist so that we can face them, and stereotypes so we can overcome them. I’d be happy to help anyone applying for a grant by sharing more detailed experiences, and if there is anything I could do for you as a future Fulbrighter – reach out, Fulbright can be a turning point in your life!
To be continued… stay tuned.
Lada Sokolova
2024-25 ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant; New York University, NY
Lada Sokolova is pursuing her 2-year Master's degree in Construction Management at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. With international industry experience and a multicultural background, she aims to learn more efficient Construction Management practices in the U.S. to share them across the Finnish construction community.
