🎓 Ph.D. Accomplished! In January 2022, I arrived in Fargo from Addis Ababa, wearing a warm jacket, as advised. But when I landed around midnight, everything was covered in white. That first night, I felt completely lost and emotionally overwhelmed. The next week, emails started popping up every second. It was my first time receiving that many emails in a single day. As a PhD student, there were many stressful moments. I had to adapt to the weather, live alone for the first time, miss my family, and sometimes I felt down every 10 minutes without any reason. It was my first time handling everything on my own, living, cooking, and managing daily life. It was not easy, but I kept going. I missed my sisters’ graduations, weddings, and other important milestones. I have not been back home since I started. The homesickness is real, but I am happy to see my loved ones succeed, even from afar. Despite the difficulties, I am incredibly grateful. I was fortunate to be advised by Dr. Ying Huang and Dr. Chau Le, who both played pivotal roles in my success. It was my first time applying for a PhD program. I am not saying I was the most intelligent student, but my advisor, Dr. Chau Le, gave me the opportunity. Nothing means more than giving someone an opportunity. He did not stop there. He held my hands and showed me each step, one by one. From the very beginning, he guided me with consistent support, clear explanations, and constructive feedback.  If I tried to list everything he did for me, it would take the whole day. I wish I could be just like my advisor, someone who becomes the reason for another person to grow personally and professionally and to live a better life. Interestingly, I was one of Dr. Le’s first PhD students, and I am really happy about that. Dr. Le introduced me to the real meaning and practice of research. Before starting my PhD, I had just one journal paper. Now, I have a total of 16 journal and conference papers. To Dr. Ying Huang, thank you for your constant encouragement and for appreciating every step of my progress. Your guidance helped me stay grounded throughout this journey. Thank you to my committee members, Dr. Harun Pirim and Dr. Ranjit Prasad Godavarthy, for your valuable insights and support during the dissertation process. I am also grateful to the AI SUSTEIN project and team for funding and supporting my research. Special thanks to Dr. Daba Gedafa and Dr. Girum Urgessa for your unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance from day one. I am lucky to have a brother like you, Dr. Tadege M. A.. You were with me all the time. Calling you felt like having a 24/7 online helpdesk. I also faced personal and health challenges along the way, and my sisters, you were my doctor and guardian angel, managing countless things for me from afar. Finally, thank you to my family and friends for your unwavering love and daily encouragement. This degree is as much yours as it is mine. Onward to the next chapter. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lemlem-abebaw-asaye_phd-accomplished-in-january-2022-ugcPost-7336150771358453760-GkXC?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAABCCNngBQ8qCQwuu7g99cdWiXbMkuDv6kHU&utm_source=social_share_video_v2&utm_campaign=copy_link