Pranav Mandavia

 

Expected Graduation: May 2015, Hometown: Parsippany, NJ

Major: Communication Studies

Three Words: Inspired, Dedicated, Blessed

Why USF:

USF has always been one of those places to me that I knew I could do great things. Coming from New Jersey, I wanted to experience another side of the world that was foreign to me and yet gain a wealth of knowledge and learn more about myself as a person. Many people state that they chose USF for the location; however, I didn't only come to USF for the beautiful city of San Francisco...I chose this university over all the others due to the fact that I weirdly felt connected to the school. Something just felt right when I visited the website daily....even virtually on a computer 3,000 miles away it felt like home.

USF Involvement:

  • Communications Director, Campus Activities Board
  • Sophomore Representative, ASUSF Senate
  • Public Relations Committee, ASUSF Senate
  • Orientation Leader, Get Oriented! Team
  • Associate Brother, Pi Kappa Phi
  • MAGIS Emerging Leadership Retreat
  • Indian Student Organization
  • Saint Ignatius Institute Scholar

Benefits of Involvement:

After a very sheltered first semester of freshman year stuck my dorm room, I decided to get involved. This was probably the best decision of my life. Never have I felt more at home than with the people of the organizations I belong to. Getting involved at USF has led me to experience so many great things that i can not even describe it and allowed me to build relationships with many different people who I would have never known existed if I had not gotten involved.

Leadership:

Leadership can be defined in such a wide variety of ways, but to me it is the ability to enact a positive change and inspire others to do great things in the world. To do this, skills are needed that include dedication, achievement, character, and strong morals.

Advice to First Year Students:

During orientation go learn about USF and all the activities offered. Do not miss the Involvement Fair each semester and make UC 4th floor your second home-that's where everything happens if you want to get involved!

Favorite Place in City: Union Square and Baker Beach

Random Fact:  I used to be a Tae Kwon Do Instructor for many years before college started!