My IUPUI story has definitely been a journey. The position I am in right now would not have been possible without the support of IUPUI.
I look back to freshman year sometimes and think about what I was doing and how much I have changed over the past three years. IUPUI was the only school I applied to because my sister was already going here. I didn't think I was going to be involved on campus, but one IUPUI event completely changed my life.
As a freshman at IUPUI, I was admitted as a pre-medical student pursuing a college degree in Biology. IUPUI student affairs hosted their first-ever Field Day event, and I wanted to be a part of it because it looked fun. I registered as an individual, without a team, and was paired with a team of people who were heavily involved in Jagathon. During that event, they told me what Jagathon is all about and why I should become a part of it. After a lot of convincing from their part, I joined the committee and did not know what I was getting myself into.
I became heavily involved from the beginning because of two people: Pete Hunter and Darrell Pirtle. They are my biggest mentors to this day, and I cannot imagine my IUPUI experience without them. I joined the marketing committee as a freshman and my interest in marketing advanced when I was presented with an amazing opportunity to be on the executive board of Jagathon to serve as the Director of Marketing. After taking on that position, I learned that this was something I really enjoyed. I gained a deep appreciation and understanding of why marketing is so important, as well as enhancing my respect and admiration for the professionals in the field. Soon after I discovered that I enjoy marketing, I took the initiative to talk to my advisor about switching my major to marketing and transitioning my education path to the Kelley School of Business.
IUPUI is like a second family to me, and I could not be more thankful for this school.
Akash Khanna, Class of 2019
I was amazed at the varied opportunities available and the different facets of the marketing field I discovered after researching the school. Being part of a nonprofit organization has taught me valuable real-world experience. Jagathon raised more than $140,000 my freshman year and this was just the beginning of my experience here at IUPUI. When I had the opportunity to move up and become the Director of Marketing my sophomore year, we raised over $351,000. During that year, I was involved with IUPUI as much as possible. I was able to become a 21st Century scholar mentor for incoming freshman, joining the frontline team for the IUPUI Undergraduate Admissions Office.
Being a part of the IUPUI Student Foundation executive board has truly made me into a better person, leader, and student. Every year, the campus campaign launches around February 13, and Pete Hunter oversees this role as being an IU Foundation employee. He reached out to a couple of us for a photo shoot, and those photos were used for the website and posters. I was recognized by my peers and professors, and overall it was a great experience. Going into my junior year, my face was on two gerbil tubes. I did not expect it at all, and I found out about it through Chancellor Paydar’s tweet. I have been called a lot of names but “tunnel guy” was definitely a unique one.
At the start of my junior year, I was still a member on Jagathon’s executive board, serving as the Director of Marketing again and still continuing my work with the Undergraduate Admissions office. After mentoring for the 21st Century program for one year, I was fortunate to mentor a first-year seminar class the first semester of my junior year. I wanted to be more involved on campus and with the Kelley School of Business, so I decided to join Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity on campus. Most of my business friends were part of that group, and I wanted to be a part of it as well. When I joined the fraternity, I realized maybe I had taken on too many things at once because I did not have any free time, so I decided to take on the pledge class president role.
I like to be challenged and balancing school, work, organizations, and family really pushed me to do my best. This experience taught me how to manage my time and prioritize things that are important. Spring semester began and I was facing my toughest college semester which was I-Core. As a Kelley student, this program really makes you come out of your comfort zone and challenges you. The semester was flying by and Jagathon was here. After the 15-hour event, we raised more than $500,000 for the kids at Riley Hospital for Children. There were a lot of emotions, and it was by far the best event Jagathon has ever put on. After Jagathon, I was able to focus and finish I-Core and transitioned to become one of the Vice Presidents for Jagathon and DSP.
Now I am in my senior year looking forward to graduate in May 2019, doing a study abroad program over spring break, and waiting for March 2, 2019 which is Jagathon’s event date for next year. IUPUI is like a second family to me, and I could not be more thankful for this school.
Story courtesy of:
Akash Khanna
Class of 2019
