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ATCE, for me, is not just about individual recognition but rather a platform for networking and collaboration. Engaging with professionals from various corners of the industry opened up new avenues for partnerships and knowledge exchange. The collaborative spirit that permeated the event showcased the collective dedication of the industry to innovation and progress.

Embarking on a nearly decade-long SPE adventure is like riding a rollercoaster through the fascinating landscape of the Energy Industry. It all began back at FUTO when ALP delegates waltzed into our lives, delivering mind-blowing lectures. I remember thinking, "I want to be as smart as this people!" It wasn't just about studying petroleum engineering; it was about catching glimpses of real-life energy pros who weren't just smart—they were passionate rockstars of the industry. Then came the game-changer: the SPE student mentorship program. Picture this – I signed up as a student and got paired with the incredible Yetunde Asekun from Total Energies. Her mentorship was like having a backstage pass to the energy industry concert. It wasn't just instrumental; it was the rock anthem that propelled me this far.

This pic right here is my proudest moment to date! I came to Brazil with a dream.☁️ I never heard about an FPSO until 2017 when Exxon Mobil started to talk about bringing Lisa Destiny to Guyana. My goal then became to come to Brazil and learn as much as I could so I could return one day and work in Guyana. This dream slowly died when I arrived in Rio in 2019 and at the beginning of 2022, I was counting down the days to April to return back home in Trinidad. But the universe had other plans for me and I started my new job on April 4th! I made my first embark on PetroRio Frade on May 3rd for 10 nights as part of our new Audit to Optimize Service (A2O) in Schlumberger. It wasn’t my first time #offshore but it was my first time on an FPSO and an experience I will never forget. Now this Caribbean girl has bigger dreams, to visit more FPSOs in Brazil and throughout the world! My advice to future engineers, plant the seed and let it grow. All manifestations first start with a thought. It might not happen tomorrow, next week, next month, or even next year. But, never give up on the things that make you feel alive. Everything comes in time with hard work and sacrifice.

Flying home from an ATCE in the 1980s, I happened to sit next to George Hirasaki, whose chemistry research at Shell I idolized. He was reading the huge Proceedings volume, and I mustered up the courage to tell him I had learned a lot from his SPE papers. This PhD smiled, closed his book, and asked this young chemist girl about her tar analysis project at Texaco and offered suggestions. That's what's great about SPE members: they are happy to share their expertise and mentor younger members. I made it a point to do the same as a Senior Professional.

At 16, my dreams of football or journalism vanished and I faced few choices: farm life, city work, or trying to be the first in my family to go to a public state university. Against the odds, I pursued a tuition-free Petroleum Engineering degree inspired by a Petrobras' Pre-Salt propaganda which had an FPSO being explained at the TV. In Professor Luis Novaes' "Introduction to Geology" class, a crucial lesson shaped my career. Prof. Novaes emphasized that as new Petroleum Engineering students, we were already Petroleum Engineers needing further training. This early insight altered our mindset – work ethics, commitment, and discipline were imperative. Meeting colleagues who became lifelong friends was memorable, but Prof. Novaes' fundamental lesson resonated. Time passed and I joined Premier Oil (now Harbour Energy) in Brazil, worked in the HSES and Drilling department as an intern, and then moved to the UK where I had the chance to work on an FPSO. The dream came true, a farm boy worked at an FPSO.

Data Sciences: Transforming the Energy Industry was the theme when I first attended an SPE conference at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in the year 2020. Since I was new to the oil and gas industry, my aim was to seek out mentors, coaches, or peers who could offer me guidance, feedback, and support. At the conference, I was able to ask them about their experiences, challenges, and best practices. I listened to their advice and insights and also networked with other professionals in the field to expand my knowledge and perspective. Four years later, I still have fond memories of that event.

SPE provided exceptional opportunities for career development. Being in a technical discipline, I was given the chance to make presentations at technical conferences, such as ATCE, which led to being invited on technical panels, which led to being asked to moderate panels and webinars. I joined an active SPE Technical Section which in turn led to attending and eventually organizing symposia, workshops, and forums.