My name is Sara Joksović and I’m a student in the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University in Novi Sad. Currently I am in the final year of my Bachelor’s degree and plan to pursue a Master’s degree. Recently I have been engaged in developing thin films of lanthanum manganites for application in electronics, and in this regard, I attended the 13th Meeting of Young Chemical Engineers in Zagreb at the end of February 2020. I plan to continue being active in this field and also to broaden my horizons and knowledge in the area of nanotechnology. 

My message to young people is to devote their commitment, persistence and hard work to what truly feels fulfilling because it is only then that they will not question whether they are making a mistake. I would also recommend they surround themselves with good and positive people as then they will learn what working in a team means, and will love their job even more and look forward to it each day. I wish to address young women in particular, those who are thinking of entering the world of STEM and wonder if it is the right choice for them. In my experience, it absolutely is! Each day I love the choice I made more and more. It is the wind beneath my wings. Therefore, dear young women, remember: the word IMPOSSIBLE is not in your vocabulary. And another important thing – never lose the true value system and never let anyone change it!  

As for my future goals, I see myself as a PhD student and I wish to become an expert in my area of work. I hope to be working on developing new materials and that my work will be a light that keeps getting brighter every day.  

Sara Joksovic, Final-year student at the Faculty of Technology in Novi Sad