Hometown:

Eranakulam, Kerala, India

Year in School:

Sophomore

Major:

Psychology, Pre-Nursing

Activities involved in:

ISO (International Student Organization), Psychology Club, Honors, and SGA (Student Government Association)

What is your favorite thing to do in Aberdeen?

One of the things I enjoy the most in Aberdeen is to hang out with my friends and to go on mini shopping sprees with them. I enjoy going on walks in parks and spending time at the Kuhnert Arboretum when the weather is good. During winters, I enjoy building snowmen and snow angels and having snowball fights with friends. I also enjoy going to the athletic events held on campus because they are filled with energy and are perfect for a good adrenaline rush.

My favorite thing about NSU is...

NSU being a small campus makes sure to involve its students in active decision making, hence creating a feeling of involvement. They not just hear but also ensure to implement some of the ideas brought up by the students. The campus also holds various events specifically focused for the students and is concerned with their physical and mental wellbeing.

Though a small campus, the atmosphere here at NSU is always welcoming and makes one feel home from the very first day. It is always easy to find a place for yourself here on campus. People here help you build your confidence and personality in more than one way. There will always be a place for you on campus, you just need to find it.

Other people would describe me as...

A cheerful and happy-go-lucky person. I try to look at the bright side of things and try to have a smile on my face everyday. They would say I am helpful and will try my best to help anyone who needs it.

Why did you choose Northern?

The international outreach program here at Northern was really good and the snow looked too pretty to resist in pictures. Northern had a beautiful campus and very helpful individuals who helped me from the time I applied to go to school here. They were eager to help me and meet me and treated me with kindness and empathy.

The person I look up to most is...

My mother. I call her Amma, which is malayalam for mom. My Amma is a strong woman who has built her own career with her own hard work. She is brave and ready to face any challenge that comes her way. One thing I know for sure is that she would never give up without a fight. She is funny, but strict. She can be adorable and clueless at times, and this is one of her biggest strengths. She does not hide her shortcomings and is well aware that no human is perfect. That is one thing that she has strived to teach me. She has taught me to see the beauty in my own imperfections and to accept myself for who I am just the way she loves me for the person I am.

When I'm not working, I am...

Most probably in a cozy corner somewhere in the library or by a fireplace either reading or finishing homework and catching up on homework. I love the fireplaces around campus and the round room in the library. Both of these places are super cool to spend your time at. You might also find me at my secret hiding place - that is, if you can find me.

What has been your biggest achievement in life so far?

I think for me it would be to move to a whole new country and start to build an environment fit for myself.

Favorite class that you have taken here?

Tough question. There are way too many good classes to choose from. To me, it is more of what preference falls under. I enjoyed music appreciation because it taught us how to play the ukulele. I enjoy most of my psychology classes because it is a subject that fascinates me.

One of my bucket list items is¡­

To go bungee jumping and to visit all the 7 wonders of the world. Well, I don't know if they are practical to have on my bucket list right now, but I would love to do it at some point. 

I could not live without¡­

Coffee, chocolates, books, movies, and friends.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a kid, even as an adult, I loved and loved chocolates. SO, one can guess what I wanted to be when I grew up. Yes, I wanted to be a chocolatier like one Mr. Willy Wonka and make some of the best chocolates in the world. I never really thought of the consequence of me finishing all the chocolates I guess.

A motto I live by is¡­

You only live your life once, so do not try to live that one precious life of yours trying to please others. Others might have different opinions on your life, but remember your life is your own, your decisions are the ones that should influence your life not others' feelings and judgements. Love your life and all that it brings to you and then maybe you would find the beauty in every day and every moment.

A favorite memory with my friends on campus:

Every moment is precious and valuable, but one of my favorite memories would be laughing with my friends for no apparent reason and going on late night walks. Having a good support group plays a key role in almost every college student's life. You will have someone to defend you, fight for you, and fight with you, and your friends do just that. My friends are some of my biggest supporters. They hype me up on a sad day and are always there when I need someone to lean on.

Tell me about a cool opportunity you've had at NSU:

Being a part of ISO and later becoming its president was one of the coolest opportunities I have had here at NSU. The same goes for the Psychology Club. I never thought I had it in me to lead clubs, but here at NSU, I have seen myself push myself and break all of my self restraining thoughts and feelings. I have learned to let go and give up as well as say no.

My best piece of advice for students considering NSU is¡­

College might seem like a big and scary place and I am not going to lie to you, it is. But here is the thing. It is that one part of your life where the first step will always be scary, but trust me when I say this, you will not regret it. Northern is a campus that will always be willing to help you. People here are willing to hear your thoughts and opinions and you will always be a valid part of Northern. So don't be afraid to voice your opinion and ideas. People are willing to hear you. 

Tell me a story about your favorite on-campus activity:

I think one of my favorite stories on campus would be how I meet with my friends. I met my roommate by going to the majors mingle. We had planned to meet multiple times before but got interrupted by random events. Both of us had never met before and never knew what to expect. She was walking around looking for a place to sit while I was with my professors, and we invited her to sit with us since we are in the same school. We continued to talk for a long time but forgot to introduce ourselves to each other. After about 10 minutes I went, ¡°Hi, sorry I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Ann,¡± and she realized that I was her roommate. It was kind of like a fantasy or, like I love to say, fates plays. I meet my other friends during lunch and by making random conversations with people.