Megha Reddy

Bangalore, India
Public Health with a concentration in Bioinformatics

Tell us why you chose Purdue University for your undergraduate education

I knew that as an undergraduate I wanted to pick a college that helped me explore my interests and understand what else is out there besides the professions we always hear about. With more than 200 majors, Purdue satisfied this goal of mine.

How would you describe the faculty and staff in the College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS)?

Most of my interactions with the faculty and staff at the HHS College have turned into opportunities. Be it a query about a student organization, an undergraduate research position, or just one of those silly questions pricking your head, the HHS faculty have always been there with an easy smile and an arsenal of resources.

What advice would you give international students who are about to start their first year at Purdue?

Your first year far from home and in a new country is nothing but an unforgettable adventure. With adventure comes risks, and it is these risks (i.e., stepping out of your comfort zone) that eventually become your doorway to success. Leave behind your shy self and speak up. If language ever becomes a barrier, remember that emotions are universal. As many undergraduates forget, there are two sides to getting a college education: one being the degree you hold on paper and the other the identity you have built for yourself. 

What is your favorite thing about Purdue?

My favorite thing about Purdue would be the beauty and greenery of the campus. The perfect balance of serenity as well as liveliness makes it easy to call Purdue my second home.

Tell us about some of your activities at Purdue.

I have an ardent interest in philanthropy, and the clubs I have joined at Purdue have helped me foster this passion of mine.  I am currently a student leader for Boiler OUT!, an organization that focuses on “Outreach, Understanding and Teamwork” through volunteering in community service projects. This organization is an especially great opportunity for international students to make friends with volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and to learn about social issues concerning the local community. This club gives me immense satisfaction. Working with different non-governmental organizations and community partners makes me feel like a responsible community member.

I am also a member of Purdue’s Project RISHI, an organization founded to impact villages in India by pursuing initiatives directed towards improving health, economy, education, energy and sanitation. This club gives me an opportunity to give back to my country and make use of my education to yield a positive change in rural India.