Vrinda Brahmbhatt

Vrinda Brahmbhatt is a biological sciences major from Crystal Lake, IL

Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2026

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the NIU merit scholarship based on my GPA. I am grateful for NIU's financial support as it has made my experience more positive. As a result of this scholarship, I have less financial stress, which helps me be focused on college and my classes.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
While growing up, I have always wanted to become a doctor. I loved the idea of being able to help others when they need it the most. I am majoring in biological sciences right now, and I plan to become a physician assistant.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in biological sciences and minoring in psychology. I have always had a passion for medicine and how human bodies work. I love to learn new things about how living organisms function and their characteristics. As a result, I also developed a high interest in learning about the behavioral and mental processes in humans, and not just the biological ones, which is why I decided to minor in psychology.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was surprised by the number of resources and opportunities NIU offers to support its students. This showed how much NIU values and cares about its students.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have joined multiple clubs and resource centers, which is how I came in contact with people who share the same interests as me. I find events hosted by the University Honors Program highly helpful in making connections and meeting new people.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am a part of the Asian American Resource Center, Chemistry Club, the University Honors Program and the Biology Undergraduate Student Association. These have enabled me to become more involved at NIU, meet new people and make new connections. I feel that being involved at NIU makes it easier to call it your home for four years.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The honors program and the Asian American Resource Center have helped me make new friends and have a good time after a long day.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The freshman mentorship program has allowed me to understand everything that goes on at NIU. My mentor provided me with a great plan to graduate with honors at the end of my four years. The Conversations on Diversity and Equity (CODE) Workshops have made me a more open-minded person and taught me to be grateful for what I have.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I love how much freedom it provides to the students. There are lots of opportunities to get involved, which makes it easier for students who are busy with classes or have something else going on to find something they can join. They host a variety of events over the entire year, which gives students more options to find something that interests them. I enjoy these events with the company of the friends I have met through the honors program.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Mitchell Irwin has been one of my favorite instructors. He taught ANTH 240: Becoming Human. He is one of the most helpful professors I have ever had. He would ask questions during class to keep his students engaged and would explain the content very well. His exams were fair, and we were allowed to go over them to find out what we missed. He would go over them with us to make sure we understood what we got wrong. I really enjoyed his class as it was very interesting, and he was great at teaching.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class every day and actively listening to the professor allows me to understand the material quite well. The notes I take in class are very helpful when I go over them before an exam. This makes it easier for me to get a good grade in that class.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The library. I get most of my work done there. It has a very calm, peaceful and positive environment, which allows me to focus well.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Mainly, please don't get stressed over the process, and have faith because everything works out in the end. In addition, the cost of the college and its ranking doesn't really represent the quality of that college. I would advise paying a visit and finding out everything you can about that college, thereafter, make your decision.

Why is a college education important to you?
Ever since I was a little kid, I have always dreamt of being a doctor and being an independent woman. Having a college degree allows me to be both, which is why it is very essential for me to get a college education.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I use my prioritization skills to manage my time. I have a daily schedule that I follow and keep track of all the assignments and exams to make sure I can plan my day well.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow all the clubs and resource centers I like on Instagram to stay updated on their events and services. Following the official NIU page on Instagram is also very helpful in staying updated.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I hang out with my friends, watch my favorite TV show or listen to music.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work at CVS Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician. My hobbies include playing badminton, tennis and table tennis, reading books, listening to music and sketching.