Hi there! My name is Ujala, and I’m a current undergraduate freshman at NYU. My interests are in activism (specifically helping the less fortunate) and the environment ​/​ sustainability, and in my free time, I love to bike, practice Kung Fu, and cook​/​bake.

Hometown

Bay Area, CA

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Cycling Club, Hindu Student Association, Indian Cultural Club, Aviation Club, Retail Sales Associate at Hollister Co.

Describe your college experience

College has been fun! It’s definitely overwhelming because you have a lot of newfound freedom, which comes with a lot more responsibilities than I had initially realized, but, that also makes it enjoyable and invigorating! NYU specifically has been difficult to get accustomed to because living in the city (without a proper campus) requires a lot more maturing than I had previously thought, but I am learning as I go along. Attending NYU oftentimes makes you feel like a single adult living in the city rather than a student, which has both its benefits and drawbacks.

Tip for future students

There isn’t really a sense of community at NYU in comparison to other schools with a campus (which makes sense). You’re in the city by yourself, and it can often feel very isolating, especially when all your other friends are attending schools with traditional campuses and experiencing things that you don’t get to (i.e. football games). It will seem as though you never see a familiar face or run into the same person twice, for that matter, but there is a different kind of beauty in that experience that just takes some getting used to.

Favorite class

Definitely my Environmental Science class I took last fall; it was so eye-opening — I learned so many things that I had never before known, such as how bad, for example, growing rice is for the environment!

Career goals

I want to start my own business, focusing specifically on the aspect of poverty as it relates to the current climate crisis. I feel passionately about both helping the impoverished and climate change ​/​ sustainability and my goal is to be able to make a substantial change in not only the betterment of individuals’ lives, but the world as a whole.

Ideal way to spend a free night

At-home movie night with friends or family! (With some freshly popped popcorn and a freshly-baked loaf of bread!)

High school or secondary school

Carlmont High School, Belmont, CA