ACADEMICS:
- University of Chicago | AB in South Asian Languages & Civilizations and Human Rights
- SOAS, University of London | MSc in Development Studies
- Syracuse University | PhD in Cultural Anthropology (2026)
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
College, Graduate School, Scholarships
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
University of Chicago was my dream college because I loved learning and wanted to go to a school that emphasized learning for its own sake. My grades, however, while good, were not great, and my college admissions advisor told me UChicago would be a reach. When I was deferred after applying early admissions, I wrote a letter to the admissions committee explaining why, exactly, UChicago was my dream school and included an essay about my upbringing that demonstrated my ability to be both thoughtful and critical. My undergraduate experience and my years working in academia have led me to believe that far more than grades, your ability to express yourself, to demonstrate passion, and to ask the right questions are the greatest indicators of your ability to succeed in college and graduate school.
FUN FACT:
My decision to study Hindi for my language credit in undergraduate led to a degree in South Asian Languages and Civilizations and five years living, working, and conducting research in India with non-profits and academic institutions!
