By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart

Lejla Cehic’s mantra for the 2024-2025 academic year is, “It doesn’t hurt to ask!”

So far, asking questions has resulted in some pretty incredible opportunities for the second-year Engineering Science: A.S. student, including a paid summer co-op in the New Product Development division of The Raymond Corporation. Now, back in the classroom for the semester, Cehic is applying her engineer’s curiosity to her physics labs and engineering design projects. But even in those arenas, questions continue to open doors. 

Cehic, the daughter of Bosnian refugees, was born and raised in Chenango Bridge. As a young girl, her mechanically-minded father insisted that Lejla and her younger brother develop the ability to think creatively to solve problems. Under their father’s guidance, the Cehic children were encouraged to tinker to collaboratively discover solutions and improvements.  

Naturally gifted in math and science, Lejla assumed that she would follow in her mother’s footsteps and pursue a profession in healthcare. After honest self-reflection, however, Cehic admitted that she preferred studying physics to biology and was more partial to design labs than hospital units. 

During high school, Lejla’s school counselor noticed her aptitude and technical abilities and suggested that she explore Broome-Tioga BOCES’ Youth Apprenticeship Program. 

Through this specialized career pathway program, students balance their days between working as youth apprentices at some of the region’s top employers and completing their senior-level classes at their respective districts. Youth Apprenticeship Program students even receive college credits through SUNY Broome via the successful completion of Self-Management (BUS 122). Motivated by her love of hands-on learning, Cehic accepted a seat in the program and was assigned to The Raymond Corporation.

“I’d get to Raymond every day by 7:30 a.m. and spend two hours shadowing in different departments,” Cehic explained. “For the first six months, I worked in the Mechanical Systems department, drafting drawings and using CAD and 3D printers. Then, I spent the last six months shadowing in Embedded Systems, observing simulation and analysis. It was so interesting to watch the engineers bring the virtual world to life.” 

During this time, under the mentorship of Raymond engineers, Cehic began applying to all of the top engineering colleges and universities in New York. She, of course, was accepted by them all. While Clarkson University, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University at Buffalo (SUNY) were all calling her name, so was her community’s college. SUNY Broome offered Lejla the opportunity to complete the first two years of her engineering education at little to no cost through the College’s prestigious Presidential Honors Scholarship. Presidential Honors Scholars are in the top 10% of their graduating high school class and are selected based on their academic achievements and their community involvement through activities such as volunteering, club participation, athletics, and more. The scholarship, funded by generous donors, covers a PHS student’s full tuition for up to two years.

Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

Cehic’s close-knit family loved the idea of her studying close to home, and so did Lejla.

“I was very quiet in high school and appreciated SUNY Broome’s small class sizes,” Cehic shared. “I liked having direct access to my professors if I had questions or needed extra support.”

With her college plans solidified, Cehic was able to focus her full attention on making the most of her senior year/apprenticeship. As her time as an apprentice was coming to a close, Lejla mustered up the courage to ask Engineering Manager Brian Warner a pivotal question. “Could I stay a little longer? I’d like to learn more!”

Delighted by her desire to remain with Raymond, Warner responded, “I’ll figure something out!” That “something” turned out to be a fully funded co-op in the New Product Development division, to begin the summer after her first year of college. 

Driven by her success in not being afraid to ask questions, Lejla arrived at SUNY Broome ready for her curious mind to flourish. Surrounded by fellow soon-to-be engineers, she spent her days in the Applied Technology Building, mastering calculus and physics. Not deterred by the fundamentals of engineering, she instead was excited to apply her new knowledge to engineering projects on campus and in the field at Raymond. Professor Robert Lofthouse, Chair of Engineering Science & Physics, ardently believes in the power of applied learning and enthusiastically cheered Cehic on as she prepared for her summer employment. 

While many college students spend their summer breaks relaxing or traveling, Lejla proudly put in a 40-hour week alongside many of the engineers who once served as her high school mentors. Her time working in the field has helped to shape her future goals, both through selecting a specialty, and also through working amongst a growing number of inspiring women in STEM. 

“I love the combination of software and electrical engineering, so I’m planning to study computer engineering after I finish up my Engineering Science: A.S.,” Cehic said. “I know that in this field, I’ll get to spend my career ‘learning a little more’ everyday.” 

Did Lejla’s story inspire you to explore the hands-on disciplines within the STEM division? Apply to SUNY Broome for the Spring 2025 semester to begin your academic journey! Apply to SUNY Broome – SUNY Broome

Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

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