Hello! My name is Khushi and I am a rising Sophomore at the University of Chicago. I am double majoring in Public and Global Health and Neuroscience, with minors in Dance and Health and Society. I am passionate about Social Epidemiology and Harm Reduction, and involved with a couple clubs on campus that do work with that. I also love film and cinematography, and I love ballet.

Hometown

West Hartford CT, United States of America

Major(s)

Public and Global Health in Biology, Neuroscience

Minor(s)

Dance, Health and Society

Clubs, organizations & involvement

University Ballet of Chicago - Marketing Director, Meducate, Jail Solidarity Network (UChicago Harm Reduction), Whitney Lab Intern, UChicago EMS

Describe your college experience

My transition to college wasn't completely smooth, but it wasn’t rough either. I never struggled with homesickness, but I did struggle with not having a proper routine for the first couple of weeks. College gives you so much more freedom than high school, and while I love that freedom- I have grown used to stability. However, as time went on I found my groove, and made a good group of friends and a set of extracurriculars that keep me engaged and motivated! College can be hard a lot of the time, but there are enough good times to balance the scale. So far my experience has been wonderful! I've met some incredible people, and have learned so much.

Tip for future students

Before I came to college I was a little scared because of all the stories I had heard about UChicago (where fun goes to die etc etc). I wasn’t scared of the academic rigor however, as I had been used to it in High School. I can confidently say that the rumors are all lies! If you got into UChicago, you are most likely meant to be here - so college is 100% what you make of it. Jump at any and all opportunities you see to mingle! Try out new things (I auditioned for an improv comedy troupe for fun!)! And realize that it is 100% okay to not be surrounded by people all the time. Or to have your friend group shift. Or even to do slightly less well in class than you did at High School. College is difficult! But with time and dedication, everything truly does get easier. Reach out to your advisors if you need any help. And most importantly: don’t take things too seriously.

Favorite class

My favorite class I have taken has been Social Inequalities in Health: Race​/​Ethnicity & Class. Primarily, it opened my eyes to a passion of mine: Social Epidemiology- and has changed what education I want to pursue post undergrad (MPH before MD). It was also the first seminar​/​discussion class where I was truly engaged in the readings, the conversation, and felt as though my professor was truly incorporating the students into the way we learned. She truly cared about teaching us, and promoting growth instead of perfection. Additionally, it was a class that didn’t only include undergrads, but graduate students, med students, and doctors. As the youngest person in the class, it was a little threatening, but I learned so much, not only from the professor but from my classmates, and I made some wonderful connections.

Career goals

After college I hope to pursue an MPH before my MD, and I want to go into Emergency Medicine- maybe working abroad or in rural​/​underserved areas.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night consists of going out to eat a great dinner with close friends, walking around downtown, and coming home to eat chocolate ice cream while watching a movie (and then getting 9 hours of sleep!!!).

High school or secondary school

William H Hall High School, West Hartford CT, USA