Name: Siddharth Saravat
Year: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Econ/Math
Meet Sid! He is extremely involved on campus and is one of the friendliest people that you will ever meet.
What activities are you involved in on Campus? – RA in Haines, Sophomore Senator, Secretary for South Asian Student Association, works at Telefund, Dance Production
What qualities do you have that makes you a natural leader? – I’m confident, talkative, and friendly (He also communicates his thoughts very well)
Why are you drawn to leadership positions? – “I should always give something back to the community, especially Oxy, since I’ve received so much. Plus, I find it really fun actually. Also, I feel like it’s going to help me in the future and my career interests (he wants to go into financial services, possibly consulting). I want to go into philanthropy once in my life, hence the consulting. I enjoy seeing things take shape and watching things progress and change over time because it’s very rewarding planning something and watching it unfold successfully.”
What it’s like being an RA? – “It has been a lot of fun and a lot of work. Haines is laid back and I’ve made a lot of friends and have really enjoyed getting to know the staff.”
What’s it like being a Sophomore Senator? – “Senate is a funding body and most of our meetings have been around funding clubs and their ethical practices and as senator, I want to make sure that our class is represented and that we’re funding things that students need and want. I am working on a project right now, where I’m trying to increase the visibility of Senate. We plan to have office hours for Senators in the Green Bean where students can approach us with their concerns. This helps raise visibility to the Senate and helps build a healthy relationship with the students. Our first meeting even went until 1am!”
Tell us more about the South Asian Student Association– “We do a lot of cultural events, our Bollywood movie night was really successful. Right now we’re planning a huge dinner in November (November 16th!!) with tons of new food. We want to raise awareness about our culture on this campus. And it brings together everyone in this community into one place. SASA is a very young club and we’ve done a lot in the few years that we’ve been here and we’ve hosted one of the largest cultural events on Campus, which was the Diwali Dinner last year, and we’re doing it again. All of you should come!”
Are you a gifted dancer? – “Definitely not, and last year was my first ever performance in front of a huge crowd and my enthusiasm showed through. I give credit to my choreographer Marisha, she made dancing fun and enjoyable.”
Why do you think you’re a Campus Celebrity? – “I’m humble and I think it’s because I’m involved in many activities across campus. I feel that my friends are very supportive of what I do which gives me more confidence to do what I do.”
Why did you choose Oxy? – “I’m from Bangkok and I was looking at liberal arts schools in the US and Oxy’s diversity, location, and scholarship are what attracted me. I came to Oxy in order to meet a diverse group of people and share their experiences. Plus, I read about Oxy in Obama’s book, which is how I found out about it. I’m really glad I made this decision, and I love it here.”
Have you been able to have cool experiences with being involved on campus? – “Telefund has been amazing because 50 to 60 students raise 1 million dollars for the school each year – it’s amazing being a part of that. In addition, because of my involvement in ASOC, I’ve gotten to work with the Deans and the Dean’s Advisory Council and it’s great to provide student input with other students. Our Deans are great and it’s been great getting to know them.”
Who inspires you the most? – “My parents work really hard for my brother and I and that inspires me to work really hard because of all their sacrifices they made for me. I also read a lot of biographies as a child, reading about the amazing things that people have done and that’s something that has pushed me forward to being like them.”
Who are your role models? – Tony Stark (i.e. Iron Man), Bat Man, Steve Jobs, Barack Obama, and my Dad
What’s some advice you would give to a student that’s losing steam and hope? – “Find something that you like doing, and try really hard to excel at it. You’ll be satisfied doing it and that definitely boosts confidence. Talk to people, talking to people helps you figure yourself out.”
Photo Source: Siddharth Saravat