mason-50370057
mason-50370057 @mason-50370057

It’s 2023 and I’m a computer science major at a prestigious university in the US. My parents are both engineers who immigrated from India, so there is some pressure on me to excel academically. As a result, I put my own interests aside for most of high school to focus on studying, but since starting college, I have been trying to rediscover myself and find what truly makes me happy. Some hobbies I enjoy include playing guitar, reading philosophy texts, practicing yoga, and exploring the outdoors when possible.

Outside of academics, I love fashion – I believe it can be a great way to express one’s personality! In my free time, I like to follow various fashion blogs, watch runway shows on YouTube, and shop at thrift stores for unique pieces. My personal style tends towards bohemian chic, but if I’m being completely honest, the majority of my wardrobe consists of the same three pairs of jeans.

Growing up in an Indian-American household has been interesting – there are certain expectations placed upon me as a woman that sometimes conflict with what I want to do with my life. For example, my parents would like for me to pursue a career in medicine or engineering, but I have always had a passion for computer science and art. This tension between following societal norms and pursuing one’s own passions is something I am still navigating today.