Hi, my name is Ashwin. I am a rising 4th year at the University of Virginia, and I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering, on the Pre-Medicine track. I am from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and UVA is probably my favorite place I have lived at. I am so excited to give you guys a tour of this beautiful university, and answer any questions you have in terms activities, extracurriculars, and any other questions you may have.

Hometown

Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States of America

Major(s)

Biomedical Engineering

Minor(s)

Computer Science

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Indian Student Organization, Biomedical Engineering Society, Engineering Student Council, Hoothon, Remote Area Medicine (RAM)

Describe your college experience

Going from High School to College is a big transition, where you go from having a schedule set by the high school, to where you can customize your own schedules. You are basically your own boss, and you get to dictate how you turn around your life. There are many opportunities and resources at UVA, and I have made sure to utilize them to the best of my ability. Initially, it was hard for me to ask for help for classes or ask questions in general. In high school, the teachers play a closer role in helping you succeed, but in college that is all in your hands. You must take initiative to be successful, and there isn't going to be anyone to push you or care about your success. You get so much free time, but there is a reason for that: you have to use it effectively to build your resume, and prepare for your future.

Tip for future students

1) Do not room with your best friend from high school or people you know. Try to get out of your comfort zone to make other friends, and chose a roommate that you have never met. This will not only get you out of your shell, but will benefit you by making you more friends and connections. 2) Do not be lazy! Do not procrastinate your work, and be sure to stay on top of everything. It is very easy to fall behind, and you never know when you will have a rainy day. Many professors are very strict on their class policies, so you might not have the same flexibility that you had in high school. 3) Start everything early. Do not wait till the last minute to do anything, submit applications, join clubs...etc. 4) Have a good work and fun balance. College is supposed to be some of the best time in your life, so live life, but at the same time, prioritize your school work, and be sure to work hard so that you can play hard. UVA is a party school, so there will be many distractions and there will always be some form of functions going on. You must prioritize your work before you have fun, or else you will fall behind. 5) Maintain a time schedule​/​daily schedule. This will help you stay organized. 6) I cannot emphasize enough on this: Please attend office hours conducted by professors and TAs. This will help you a lot more than you think. This is the only time you will get personal help, especially in gen ed classes that have 200-400 people in it. 7) Join Club! Get involved and use the resources the university has to offer! 8) Be yourself! There are many groups of people at UVA, and you will find a group. Be sure to take initiative to make yourself be out there.

Favorite class

My favorite class in college: IDEAS Lab; I enjoyed the team collaboration aspect of this class, and the labs, despite their length, were very interesting.

Career goals

Attend Medical School to become a Surgeon.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Hangout with friends, go to the gym, play basketball or pickleball, go to the Corner to get food and hangout.

High school or secondary school

Ocean Lakes High School Mathematics and Sciences Academy; Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA

Previous college

n​/​a