Senior Spotlight: April 2011
Amanda Varanasi
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In Spring 2010, Neuroscience major Amanda Varanasi from Irvine, California was initiated into Mortar Board for her superior scholastic ability, outstanding and continual leadership, and dedicated service to the community. Amanda was elected by her peers to serve as the Chair of the Selections Committee, on which she is responsible for managing the recruitment and selections process of Mortar Board. Outside of Mortar Board, Amanda is the President of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, an intern for the Medicine Department of Accessing Resident C-ICARE, and an Advocacy Chair for Colleges Against Cancer. In addition, she conducts research for the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. While at UCLA, you can find Amanda volunteering, reading, writing, or just playing with her friends! Please continue reading as we turn the spotlight on Amanda! |
Describe your personality in three words.
Compassionate, Organized, Ambitious
What is your best quality? Give an experience when you have put this quality to use.
Well, I like to think that I’m helpful. Maybe even naively so. I simply can’t say no to people.
I volunteer for an Indian charity called Ekal Vidyalaya, which is Sanskrit for “one teacher, one school”. It is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide educational services to the rural children living in the underdeveloped regions of India who otherwise have no access to education.
I can remember one instance in high school, it was finals week. Remember how we used to have two or three finals in one day? The weekend before, the director of the Pacific regions of Ekal called me and asked if I could be the Master of Ceremonies at a fundraiser taking place that weekend. While my mind was frantically calculating how many hours of studying I would lose for the all night event, I was already saying yes and talking logistics about the program. It was a wonderful fundraiser and in hindsight, while a stressful, sleepless next couple of nights, it was worth it. Somehow, I’ve learned that if you put someone else’s needs above your own for a good cause, serendipity kicks in and it all works out in the end.
What are your interests?
When I tell my mom I feel like I could make a career out of being a full-time student, she gives me the sternest look possible and launches into an hour-long tirade about how I actually can’t do that and kind of need to have a real career. I can’t help but laugh inside, because the truth is I love to learn. Anyone who knows me well teases me endlessly about this, but it is what it is. I love to listen to people talk about their opinions about philosophy and politics. I love to write. I write down everything—my to-do lists, my thoughts, my dreams. I love to read and be transported to another era or be inspired by the teachings of great leaders. I won’t be offended if you call me the ultimate nerd.
Be that so, even more importantly, I love to make other people around me happy. I grew up in a family that stressed the importance of seva. Seva is a Hindu concept that emphasizes selfless service for the betterment of society. It’s hard for me to truly explain what seva means to me personally, but let’s just say I am happiest when I feel I am performing selfless service. Too many people to count have been selfless in their dedication to help me during some of the most trying times of my life, so the least I feel I can do is pay it forward.
What do you like about UCLA?
I came from a sheltered family and a safe town, where curfew is 10 pm and crime simply doesn’t exist. I remember walking through Bruin Walk, a scared first-year desperately trying to hide my map even thought it was pretty obvious I was hopelessly lost, thinking that I was no longer in Irvine. I was in a small microcosm of what the real world looked like, which all sorts of different people with different interests, and that no one was there to shelter me or hold my hand. The diversity UCLA prides itself upon is not lost upon me. I’ve learned that it’s not a question of right versus wrong, but simply a matter of a difference of opinion. I’ve learned not to be so rigid in my own beliefs and UCLA has allowed me to be more open-minded than I ever thought possible. I’m appreciative of that.
What is one thing you would like to change at UCLA?
Given that graduation is inching closer and closer, the obvious question that will inevitably be asked of us graduating seniors is what would we have liked to done here that we didn’t get a chance to. Suffice to say, when I come back to UCLA as an alumni, whether it be next year or a decade from now, I’d hope that there’s a stronger sense of community on campus. UCLA is a dynamic place, and given the diversity on campus, it would be nice for student to feel like they can fluidly move from one group—differentiated by major, race, interests—to another.
What has been your biggest learning experience?
That’s a hard one. In terms of life experiences, I’ve learned that everything happens for reason, and you don’t always know what that reason is right away. Life isn’t logical or rational and it isn’t easy to just find the answer for why something transpires that way it does in a textbook. It’s unpredictable and at times seems unfair. More often than not I’ve thought I know what’s in my own best interests, but it’s not always the case. It’s better to just grin and bear whatever obstacles are thrown your way, and not get caught up in the nuanced, acute pain of the present.
Name two movies you could watch over and over again? Why?
Apollo 13, hands down. My dad worked at NASA before I was born, so my play toys when I was growing up included miniature rockets and solar system models. It didn’t hurt that at the time I sincerely thought I was going to become an astronaut and travel to Pluto or something. That is until I watched those horrible space movies where there’s always that scene where the astronaut get cut off from the spacecraft and is helplessly bobbing up and down for all eternity in the disconnectedness of space. Effectively ended my astronautic dreams.
There are really too many Indian movies to count—and in too many languages! But there are those movies that just touch you the first time you see them. The Namesake was one of those movies for me. It parallels my life in more ways than one.
What is your favorite book and why?
This is really a hard one. But I will say that I’ve fallen in love with everything I’ve read of Ayn Rand. It’s definitely a two-way tie between Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. Two books that take place in alternate universes where being honest and truthful can hurt so much, yet those that are brave enough to do so prevail.
If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?
Again another hard one. I would say thought I would like to have met my great-grandfather on my mother’s side. He came from a poor village, and in that time, save enough money to put himself through law school and earn his degree. I remember hearing stories of how he would study outside by candlelight, straining to see his own handwriting and braving the horrid monsoon weather and incessant mosquitoes. He ended up being the richest man on his village, and ended up building a temple that to this day is the biggest of the village. I would like to speak with him and find out where he got all that strength and will power to succeed.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
India. Not matter how many times I’ve been there, no matter how many other places there are to see, it’s my home away from home.
What career would you like to pursue after graduation? Why?
Well, I’m going to be going to graduate school to get my Master’s in Public Health (specifically, Health Policy and Healthcare Management). After that, it’s medical school for me. Did you think I was lying when I said I could study forever? Welcome to the next decade of my life! :)
What characteristics does it take to become a great leader?
I’d say first and foremost perseverance. In the face of challenging circumstances, when it seems like failure is all but inevitable, it takes a lot of will power and determination to believe that you will pull through and the end is not near. A good leader sees mistakes made as learning opportunities and is able to unify people in trying times. A great leader is able to go above and beyond what is required and realizes that going above and beyond is nothing to be lauded about, but necessary. A great leader doesn’t feel the need to be recognized. Being able to put pride and ego aside in the name of enhancing the quality of life of others is not an easy task, but something that a great leader accomplishes with grace and ease.
Name one person you admire? Why?
This is an easy one. My mom. She’s extraordinary. I love her more than anything. She has the purest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. She goes above and beyond what is humanly possible to make others happy. She’s so strong in the face of adversarial circumstances. She doesn’t take “impossible” as an end solution ever. She’s the type of person who’s quiet and calm, but deep down has this fiery passion and won’t hesitate to lash out if she feels someone is being treated unjustly. She can’t bare to see someone being hurt in any way, and stands up for her morals. I can talk about her forever, but I’m afraid I’ve come to the point where words are not simply enough. I just hope I’m half the woman she is when I get to be her age.
Who has been your most influential professor and why?
Professor Arnold Schiebel was instrumental in affirming my love of neuroscience. He teaches Neuroanatomy 102. Suffice to say, it was truly the hardest class I’ve ever taken, but so rewarding. His unintimidating way of making the hard material seem like it was part of a storybook and his calming presence made me look at him like the grandfather I never had.
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
Liz Lemon from 30 Rock is kind of adorable. She so blatantly honest and uncouth in her ways it’s hard not to love her for attempting to be normal and yet failing miserably. I appreciate her ultimately just embracing who she really is and running with it.
What are the three most played songs on your iPod?
At the moment, that would be You Only Live Once by The Strokes, Change Your Mind by The Killers, and C’mere by Interpol. Great bands.
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?
A koala. They’re cute.
Have you traveled outside of the United States? If so, where?
Yes, I have. Does it surprise anyone anymore when I say India? Haha! I would go back in a heartbeat. My culture, my people—being there is all it takes to make me jump out of my shell and get excited about the prospect of meeting someone new who will teach me how to be a better person. Doesn’t hurt that our cricket team is kind of awesome.
Which is the funniest prank played on you or played by you?
Oh gosh. Where to start? Most of my friends know I’m not exactly the most graceful person. In fact, I’m a bit of a klutz. And when I say a bit I mean completely. Last year, I was a camp counselor for an Indian organization I’m a part of. In the middle of May, we had a get-together for the Memorial Day weekend. It started snowing (more like hailing) towards the end of the camp, conveniently after everyone realized how graceless I truly am. Coerced into go outside shoeless, I was subjected not only to the most ridiculously unfair snowball fight I’ve ever been a part of, but fell an uncountable number of times, to the jocular amusement of everyone who unkindly formed a circle around me and were yet still unwilling to help me in my state. To this day whenever I see anyone from that get-together, they unpleasantly make fun of my wailing movements and attempts to keep from falling. I’m counting down the days when I can take my revenge :)
What does being a member of Mortar Board mean to you?
It’s hard to describe, but you know that feeling of being completely free and open? Mortar Board has helped me feel that way. There’s very few places where I feel completely comfortable and at ease, but it’s hard not to feel this way when I’m surrounded by so many talented and dedicated human beings who just want to use their skills to better our society in a plethora of ways. It has certainly led my own personal growth and has emboldened the leader inside of me to be more confident of my thoughts and instincts.
Compassionate, Organized, Ambitious
What is your best quality? Give an experience when you have put this quality to use.
Well, I like to think that I’m helpful. Maybe even naively so. I simply can’t say no to people.
I volunteer for an Indian charity called Ekal Vidyalaya, which is Sanskrit for “one teacher, one school”. It is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide educational services to the rural children living in the underdeveloped regions of India who otherwise have no access to education.
I can remember one instance in high school, it was finals week. Remember how we used to have two or three finals in one day? The weekend before, the director of the Pacific regions of Ekal called me and asked if I could be the Master of Ceremonies at a fundraiser taking place that weekend. While my mind was frantically calculating how many hours of studying I would lose for the all night event, I was already saying yes and talking logistics about the program. It was a wonderful fundraiser and in hindsight, while a stressful, sleepless next couple of nights, it was worth it. Somehow, I’ve learned that if you put someone else’s needs above your own for a good cause, serendipity kicks in and it all works out in the end.
What are your interests?
When I tell my mom I feel like I could make a career out of being a full-time student, she gives me the sternest look possible and launches into an hour-long tirade about how I actually can’t do that and kind of need to have a real career. I can’t help but laugh inside, because the truth is I love to learn. Anyone who knows me well teases me endlessly about this, but it is what it is. I love to listen to people talk about their opinions about philosophy and politics. I love to write. I write down everything—my to-do lists, my thoughts, my dreams. I love to read and be transported to another era or be inspired by the teachings of great leaders. I won’t be offended if you call me the ultimate nerd.
Be that so, even more importantly, I love to make other people around me happy. I grew up in a family that stressed the importance of seva. Seva is a Hindu concept that emphasizes selfless service for the betterment of society. It’s hard for me to truly explain what seva means to me personally, but let’s just say I am happiest when I feel I am performing selfless service. Too many people to count have been selfless in their dedication to help me during some of the most trying times of my life, so the least I feel I can do is pay it forward.
What do you like about UCLA?
I came from a sheltered family and a safe town, where curfew is 10 pm and crime simply doesn’t exist. I remember walking through Bruin Walk, a scared first-year desperately trying to hide my map even thought it was pretty obvious I was hopelessly lost, thinking that I was no longer in Irvine. I was in a small microcosm of what the real world looked like, which all sorts of different people with different interests, and that no one was there to shelter me or hold my hand. The diversity UCLA prides itself upon is not lost upon me. I’ve learned that it’s not a question of right versus wrong, but simply a matter of a difference of opinion. I’ve learned not to be so rigid in my own beliefs and UCLA has allowed me to be more open-minded than I ever thought possible. I’m appreciative of that.
What is one thing you would like to change at UCLA?
Given that graduation is inching closer and closer, the obvious question that will inevitably be asked of us graduating seniors is what would we have liked to done here that we didn’t get a chance to. Suffice to say, when I come back to UCLA as an alumni, whether it be next year or a decade from now, I’d hope that there’s a stronger sense of community on campus. UCLA is a dynamic place, and given the diversity on campus, it would be nice for student to feel like they can fluidly move from one group—differentiated by major, race, interests—to another.
What has been your biggest learning experience?
That’s a hard one. In terms of life experiences, I’ve learned that everything happens for reason, and you don’t always know what that reason is right away. Life isn’t logical or rational and it isn’t easy to just find the answer for why something transpires that way it does in a textbook. It’s unpredictable and at times seems unfair. More often than not I’ve thought I know what’s in my own best interests, but it’s not always the case. It’s better to just grin and bear whatever obstacles are thrown your way, and not get caught up in the nuanced, acute pain of the present.
Name two movies you could watch over and over again? Why?
Apollo 13, hands down. My dad worked at NASA before I was born, so my play toys when I was growing up included miniature rockets and solar system models. It didn’t hurt that at the time I sincerely thought I was going to become an astronaut and travel to Pluto or something. That is until I watched those horrible space movies where there’s always that scene where the astronaut get cut off from the spacecraft and is helplessly bobbing up and down for all eternity in the disconnectedness of space. Effectively ended my astronautic dreams.
There are really too many Indian movies to count—and in too many languages! But there are those movies that just touch you the first time you see them. The Namesake was one of those movies for me. It parallels my life in more ways than one.
What is your favorite book and why?
This is really a hard one. But I will say that I’ve fallen in love with everything I’ve read of Ayn Rand. It’s definitely a two-way tie between Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. Two books that take place in alternate universes where being honest and truthful can hurt so much, yet those that are brave enough to do so prevail.
If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?
Again another hard one. I would say thought I would like to have met my great-grandfather on my mother’s side. He came from a poor village, and in that time, save enough money to put himself through law school and earn his degree. I remember hearing stories of how he would study outside by candlelight, straining to see his own handwriting and braving the horrid monsoon weather and incessant mosquitoes. He ended up being the richest man on his village, and ended up building a temple that to this day is the biggest of the village. I would like to speak with him and find out where he got all that strength and will power to succeed.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
India. Not matter how many times I’ve been there, no matter how many other places there are to see, it’s my home away from home.
What career would you like to pursue after graduation? Why?
Well, I’m going to be going to graduate school to get my Master’s in Public Health (specifically, Health Policy and Healthcare Management). After that, it’s medical school for me. Did you think I was lying when I said I could study forever? Welcome to the next decade of my life! :)
What characteristics does it take to become a great leader?
I’d say first and foremost perseverance. In the face of challenging circumstances, when it seems like failure is all but inevitable, it takes a lot of will power and determination to believe that you will pull through and the end is not near. A good leader sees mistakes made as learning opportunities and is able to unify people in trying times. A great leader is able to go above and beyond what is required and realizes that going above and beyond is nothing to be lauded about, but necessary. A great leader doesn’t feel the need to be recognized. Being able to put pride and ego aside in the name of enhancing the quality of life of others is not an easy task, but something that a great leader accomplishes with grace and ease.
Name one person you admire? Why?
This is an easy one. My mom. She’s extraordinary. I love her more than anything. She has the purest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. She goes above and beyond what is humanly possible to make others happy. She’s so strong in the face of adversarial circumstances. She doesn’t take “impossible” as an end solution ever. She’s the type of person who’s quiet and calm, but deep down has this fiery passion and won’t hesitate to lash out if she feels someone is being treated unjustly. She can’t bare to see someone being hurt in any way, and stands up for her morals. I can talk about her forever, but I’m afraid I’ve come to the point where words are not simply enough. I just hope I’m half the woman she is when I get to be her age.
Who has been your most influential professor and why?
Professor Arnold Schiebel was instrumental in affirming my love of neuroscience. He teaches Neuroanatomy 102. Suffice to say, it was truly the hardest class I’ve ever taken, but so rewarding. His unintimidating way of making the hard material seem like it was part of a storybook and his calming presence made me look at him like the grandfather I never had.
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
Liz Lemon from 30 Rock is kind of adorable. She so blatantly honest and uncouth in her ways it’s hard not to love her for attempting to be normal and yet failing miserably. I appreciate her ultimately just embracing who she really is and running with it.
What are the three most played songs on your iPod?
At the moment, that would be You Only Live Once by The Strokes, Change Your Mind by The Killers, and C’mere by Interpol. Great bands.
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?
A koala. They’re cute.
Have you traveled outside of the United States? If so, where?
Yes, I have. Does it surprise anyone anymore when I say India? Haha! I would go back in a heartbeat. My culture, my people—being there is all it takes to make me jump out of my shell and get excited about the prospect of meeting someone new who will teach me how to be a better person. Doesn’t hurt that our cricket team is kind of awesome.
Which is the funniest prank played on you or played by you?
Oh gosh. Where to start? Most of my friends know I’m not exactly the most graceful person. In fact, I’m a bit of a klutz. And when I say a bit I mean completely. Last year, I was a camp counselor for an Indian organization I’m a part of. In the middle of May, we had a get-together for the Memorial Day weekend. It started snowing (more like hailing) towards the end of the camp, conveniently after everyone realized how graceless I truly am. Coerced into go outside shoeless, I was subjected not only to the most ridiculously unfair snowball fight I’ve ever been a part of, but fell an uncountable number of times, to the jocular amusement of everyone who unkindly formed a circle around me and were yet still unwilling to help me in my state. To this day whenever I see anyone from that get-together, they unpleasantly make fun of my wailing movements and attempts to keep from falling. I’m counting down the days when I can take my revenge :)
What does being a member of Mortar Board mean to you?
It’s hard to describe, but you know that feeling of being completely free and open? Mortar Board has helped me feel that way. There’s very few places where I feel completely comfortable and at ease, but it’s hard not to feel this way when I’m surrounded by so many talented and dedicated human beings who just want to use their skills to better our society in a plethora of ways. It has certainly led my own personal growth and has emboldened the leader inside of me to be more confident of my thoughts and instincts.
