Nidhi Patel, Drexel Dandiya Co-Captain

Nidhi Patel

Major & Class: Health Sciences; Class of 2016

Hometown: Plano, TX

What are some of the differences between living in the south & living in Philadelphia? People up north don’t really participate in the whole southern hospitality thing, but it’s nice having people mind their own business. [The] weather is a complete change. Winters in the south were 30 degrees at it’s worst. You get a taste of what a real winter is like [here]!

Why did you come to Drexel? I really liked their co-op program and I really like Philadelphia as a city! 

What organizations are you involved with on campus? I’m a part of Drexel Dandiya. It is an Indian dance team that does a type of dance called garba/raas. 

What is the goal of Drexel Dandiya? Our dance team is nationally known amongst most other garba/raas teams across the nation. Trying to keep our name up as one of the most recognized teams out there is a goal for the team. 

How did you become involved with Drexel Dandiya? I used to volunteer for the national competition that was in Texas and I decided to join the team when I came to Drexel because I love the style of dancing! It’s a great way to make friends and travel! 

What is your position in the group and what does that entail? I just finished my year of being captain of Drexel Dandiya. I, along with my co-captain, recruited 14 dancers and taught them a six-minute choreographed dance that we choreographed ourselves! We were responsible for perfecting the dance and competing all around the nation! 

What’s the best thing about being captain? The best part about being captain was watching how much the dancers grew throughout the season and dancing with 13 other people who had the same passion as [I] did. 

What’s the hardest part of being captain? It was a pretty big time commitment. You’re life pretty much turns into it, so managing school and dance was a lot of work but it was worth it in the end. 

How has it affected your time at Drexel? I’ve made a lot of friends with people who are pretty much second family to me. It’s nice having a group of friends who are there for you whenever you need them. 

What do you want to do after you graduate? I want to go to [Physician Assistant] school. 

Has this experience influenced your career or co-op path? Yes. I’ve met a lot of people who also want to [be in] and are already in the field, who give me a lot of advice on it!

What opportunities has being apart of Drexel Dandiya given you? I have made a lot of connections with people all over the nation! Being able to put this on your resume is also a nice perk!