The Master’s in Energy for Smart Cities students face a much bigger challenge than traditional equations; we are expected to develop business ideas, apply design-thinking methodologies and to work productively in a team. This team consists of people who barely know each other and come from very different backgrounds with distinct personalities and strengths. How and where do we even start debating an idea or a topic?

Suddenly the rational approach to solving a complex problem could not be applied anymore. We had to dig deep to find creative ideas and solutions and force ourselves to develop alternative ways of thinking. The emotions unlocked through this process were undeniably fascinating. The way we evolved and learned to approach problems in brand new ways was astonishing. We were in awe; however, did not quite understand how this internal development had happened. The same language was used to communicate since the very beginning, however every word was perceived very differently after the first week together.

As it turns out, this evolution happened in the “in-between” moments. The moments where we discovered unknown worlds through the stories told by our fellow students.Deep conversations led to surprising euphoric moments and real connections.  Each one of us had a different story, but  we shared the same purpose, to make the world a better place. In a way, we felt like we were the same passionate person – just in different sizes and colours. We truly learned what Jim Henson meant with his infamous quote “There’s not a word yet, for old friends who’ve just met.”

Embarking upon this journey as a Masters student, I thought it was about acquiring knowledge. What I didn’t understand is that it was also like buying a one-way ticket to a new me. One-way because you can never really go back to being the same person again – not after your perception of the world around you. Because whether or not you realise it, you become a completely new person, challenging and modifying your own values and thoughts.

I went into Smart Cities, thinking it was about the technology behind it, I have never been more wrong in my life. It is about how you connect the individual parts together, how you are able to see-through how every component is in some way connected to the other. This time it was not Mr. Miyagi who showed me the way, it was my fellow students. People who have turned this master’s experience into an unforgettable journey and have become my very own Smart Family.

With a heavy heart, our Smart Family will now separate after this last stop of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship journey. It’s been an incredible ride, and we might not know exactly where and when we will meet again, but we know that we will always stay connected and be a part of the incredible InnoEnergy network At this point it does not matter where we end up, we separate knowing that we will always have a place in each other’s homes.

by InnoEnergy Master’s in Energy for Smart Cities student, Noran Kamal