Name: Anushka Shinde
Year: Third Year
Major: Computer Science (B.S.), Engineering Business minor
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
What are your involvements at UVA and why are they important to you?
Over the two years that I have been at the university, I have become actively involved with the Women in Computing Sciences (WiCS) club. As a first year still navigating different career paths I could take, WiCS provided me with resources to explore opportunities, obtain mentorship, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. I started to become involved with the club as a committee team head to plan the WiCS Annual Hackathon. Building upon that experience, I advanced the following year by accepting the role of WiCS Hackathon Chair, leading the committees in organizing the event. As I enter my third year, I will be taking on the role of the WiCS Mentorship Chair where I will connect members with upperclassmen and work closely with Microsoft to provide students with rewarding opportunities. My involvement with WiCS has become one of my most important commitments because it has provided me with the opportunity to develop my leadership skills, develop long-lasting friendships, and put my efforts towards a cause that is valuable to me: promoting the diversity of female computer scientists.
I am also involved in the Indian Student Association (ISA). As a member of the club, I have found a community of students that come from similar backgrounds as me. I have met some of my closest friends through this organization. My core memories have been through ISA, such as participating in India Day, an event where all the members and cultural groups come together to put on a performance for the community!
What has been your favorite class at UVA and why?
My favorite class at UVA that I have taken is CS 3710: Introduction to Cybersecurity. Professor Angela Orebaugh has so far been the coolest professor I have taken a class with. She truly cares about her students and is enthusiastic about connecting with all of them. I found that with this class, I was able to explore a different area of my major past the core knowledge we were taught in my required classes.
How would you describe your experience at UVA?
My experience at UVA has been a truly fulfilling and transformative journey. I have met so many intelligent classmates and professors that have broadened my insight on my career path and network. I found the opportunity to try new experiences such as participating in intramural sports, learning cultural dances, and cheering for UVA sports!
What are your thoughts about diversity at UVA?
Diversity is actively supported and encouraged at UVA. There are many organizations and events throughout the year that have allowed me to learn about different cultures and backgrounds of students at UVA. There are many opportunities to get involved in these groups, and I believe there is a community for everyone at UVA. Through my time here, I have been able to find my own communities of WiCS and ISA that have helped me feel represented and welcome in such a large university.
What is something you wish you had known during the college application process?
I wish I had understood that the best way to excel in the process would be to stay true to myself. I remember having a hard time coming up with ideas to write my essays on because I had set an expectation for myself to write the most perfect essays. This expectation did motivate me to spend time focusing on all the details; however, it also deterred me at times. I tried coming up with ideas that I had believed would be the most impressive, but I faced issues writing the essays because the ideas did not reflect who I was exactly. Through multiple attempts, I learned that the easiest way to write the essays was to just write about myself and stay true to my identity. This allowed me to delve deeper into my experiences and my interests, encapsulating the story I was bringing to the universities I was applying to.
What is your advice for incoming students at UVA?
My advice would be to not be afraid to try new things. During my first year, I was hesitant to explore outside of my comfort zone when it came to extracurriculars or experiences. However, with time, I realized that some of my core memories were made when I took a different route than what I was used to. First year is the time to try out new things and pave your own interests, so make the best of the time that you have!
Ella Millere
Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, and the School of Education and Human Development, Class of 2025
Public Policy and Leadership major, Youth and Social Innovation major (double-major!)