International Bearcat life at UC - Season 3
On a lazy Sunday afternoon, as I watched the last episode of the evergreen show 'Friends' , I felt inclined to go find the producers and convince them to continue this show somehow (because obviously). I started thinking about the characters and the different seasons and subsequently started missing my friends in UC and high school. That is when it struck me. I was surprised by how I could draw a parallel between a TV Show series and life. I realized that my college life is like a TV show. In each new semester or 'season', I gained new experiences, met new people, faced new challenges as well as maintained my relationships and values made in past. With each new season, I found myself striving to do new things to develop my character and make my story interesting. I thrive in challenging environments, work hard, think big and always keep my mind open to being a constant learner. Having completed three seasons of the 'Bearcat life at UC', I enter my final season now with mixed emotions but first let's recap my action-packed junior year.
What? So What? "Kroger Co: The Best Place to Work at" - ranked by myself After my insightful experience at ARJ 2015, I did my second and last co-op rotation as an Indirect Sourcing intern with Kroger Co. Headquarters in downtown Cincinnati. My second time at Kroger saw me gain a holistic work experience by leading various projects, implementing new initiatives, giving presentations in bi-weekly department meetings, participating and networking in mentorship programs and getting a lot of free product coupons (which is one of the biggest perks of working at Kroger, believe me!). The best part about my work experience was I could take ownership of my projects and actually make significant impact in business. Also, I was surrounded by the most dynamic, smart, supportive and wonderful co-workers and mentors who not only taught me strategic sourcing and other professional skills but also life skills of how to stay golden always. Action-Packed Life: Having been a person who always strives for more, my goal in college is to add something new to my experiences and skills every semester. I did that in my junior year through my extensive involvement in UC's undergraduate Student Government, the Programs and Activities Council, Alpha Kappa Psi (World's biggest professional fraternity) and Honors and Lindner Ambassadors. I joined these different organizations for two reasons: for my passion of leading change, new ideas and initiatives on campus and for giving back to UC by serving the Bearcat community. Student Government(SG): Being a Co-Director of the International Student Affairs was my first experience of representing a diverse community, managing and leading initiatives and serving UC's student body. Also, joining the Students Rights & Interests Committee gave me an insightful experience about working with other passionate leaders to help enhance student lives on campus. One thing I've constantly noticed in SG is the passion for leading and serving students amongst all leaders has no bounds and it is a privilege to be part of such a prestigious organization. Programs and Activities Council (PAC): Joining PAC has undoubtedly been one of my biggest highlights of Junior year. In this organization, I've got the opportunity to enhance student lives through entertainment. Being a PAC member requires a different style of leadership in which I practice commitment, perseverance, teamwork, creativity, communication and events management. From passing out event fliers on mainstreet to having dinner with celebrities to setting up a concert of one of my famous rap duo Rae Sremmurd to dancing with other PAC members every time we hear music somewhere, it's been an exhilarating, consuming, enjoyable, work intensive and a great learning experience. Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) Eta Chapter: When I interviewed to join AKPsi, I had no idea I was getting into an organization that would instill strong values of professionalism, brotherhood and integrity and would be my family away from India. The relationships I made in AKPsi are special and meaningful because I've never seen so much brotherhood and love for other people in any other organization. In this fraternity, I've grown as a leader by being more empathetic, strategic and ambitious. For instance, one of my most memorable college experiences was when as the Professional Committee Chair, I organized a professional event by uniting my Kroger work experience and my fraternity relationships. With the help pf my committee, I organized a product pitch competition for active and pledge members who had to sell simple products on the spot with an alternate use. This event was judged by prof. Catalin Macarie and Indirect Sourcing's Vice President and Category Manager who were my supervisors at Kroger. This event was a successful one because of Kroger's involvement and fun and creative pitches by different teams and turned out to be a unique learning experience for all of us. I remember going to bed that night feeling relieved and proud of organizing a great event (thanks to everyone involved) and impressing my supervisors (who were wonderful to take out time for us on a Wednesday night) by presenting my versatile personality . Honors and Lindner Ambassador: Being an ambassador is one of the most rewarding and proud experience. I love representing the University Honors and Lindner Business School because these organizations have helped me develop my education and personality from day one. As an ambassador, I continuously hone my public speaking and marketing skills by giving presentations to convince prospective students and parents about why everything about UC is so great (because it really is). I love being an ambassador because I love meeting new people, answering questions about my experiences and mainly, because contributing to recruitment for my college and honors program is the most gratifying thing I can do. Now What? Now, after working on different projects, organizing events, speaking in front of crowds and leading initiatives that resolve student issues, I feel an adrenaline rush every time I apply for a position, or join an organization or raise my hand to question or answer someone, because I know that by doing so I am on the verge of becoming a better person and of helping others learn from me. Having had such great experiences, friends and mentors in my life as a bearcat, I am now ready for the final season. The memories I've made here feel like a flashing beautiful dream because time speeds when you are having fun. Being a senior instills a feeling of finally 'adulting' even though we enter college as adults. This is because at this point it feels like every decision I make magnifies into a life shaping decision. But I am beyond thrilled to be entering my senior year at UC because this is a dream come true that I live. All the hurdles, doubts, adversities faced to study abroad at UC were important in polishing me into a stronger person; all I had to do was move forward with self-belief, hard work and a winning attitude. I cannot help feeling excited for the amazing opportunities that are waiting for me as I work hard, dream big, smile 24x7, never back down and live life to the fullest. Senior year, here I come! |