Introduction⌗

Figure 1: Unimore, me and my Thinkpad graduating.

On the 26 October i got my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

I will never forget this day, surely one of the most important in my life. This has been the culmination of all the efforts and commitment I put into completing my course of studies with the highest grades possible.

I’ve never been a ‘smart’ student, someone who arrives at the answer before others. The only two things that brought me to this result are willpower and the great passion I have for the subject I tackled. With these two things, anyone can make it to be a top student. With this post I want to share with you some thoughts that you might find interesting and usefull for your academic journey.

About team work⌗

Figure 2: Me with my study buddy!

One of the most important things to perform (and live) well in university is to find a good friend to share your day with. Somebody that you can trust as a friend and that you can rely when working in team (it is a common practice in STEM to give group projects to students). I’ve spent many great moments with my teammate, and we’ve also worked well together. I wish him a successful career continuation and a prosperous life.

Having a mentor⌗

Figure 3: Me and my brother, prof. Lugli

Whatever you do in life, it’s always crucial to have someone who has gone through the phase you are experiencing as a reference. The person in the photo is my brother, now an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry. He has a lot of experience in research and academia, so I’ve always turned to him for doubts or clarifications.

Family support⌗

Figure 4: Me and family

A significant part of my success is also attributed to the support of my family, who has always assisted me both financially and functionally to continue my studies. While some of it may be a matter of luck, strive to actively support your family and be there for them in times of need and in everyday life.

Friends⌗

Figure 5: Me and my friends

Try to maintain a few hobbies outside of your studies, but not too many to distract yourself excessively. These are some of my friends, on my left and right you see Luca and Enrico: they live in my neighborhood and we often play D&D and boardgames in the evening. On the right you see Giovanni of the “Decumano Ovest” group from high school.

Work for something⌗

Figure 6: Me and my girlfriend

In addition to my passion for the subject, having someone I love by my side has always guided me, someone with whom to share moments of joy and sorrow. We have always given each other the strength to rise above all the challenges in life. What is an achievement if you can’t share it with those you love?

About hard work⌗

Figure 7: Me working with my laptop

But after all, sometimes it’s just you alone.

You need to find that inner fire that makes you want to work also while on vacation. That is what science is to me, it’s what I wake up in the morning for and what think of before going to bed.

I don’t know if that’s going to be the case for the rest of my life, but it is surely what sometimes pushed me beyond my limits.

Have a nice day,

Matteo 🐨