Ayush joined Athenian in 10th grade. Coming from a large public school, he was quick to take advantage of Athenian’s many opportunities. When Mark Friedman shared an internship opportunity at John Muir Hospital early in his first year, Ayush jumped at the opportunity, committing three hours a week to volunteering through his senior year of high school. Though he aged out of the youth internship program upon graduation, Ayush is now a volunteer in John Muir’s adult program where he works in the surgery unit.
Why did you choose University of California, Berkeley?
For Ayush, going to a UC made economic sense. He said, “Berkeley ranked high, was affordable and close to home. I knew I’d get a great education and would be in a good position to apply to medical school.” And yet, UC Berkeley was not on Ayush’s college list until late in the process. He admits to having made some assumptions about the school that he began to reconsider after his father encouraged him to make an informal visit while at a nearby appointment. He applied to and was accepted at the College of Natural Resources, which would support his interest in pursuing a pre-med track. Now in his second year, he is majoring in Molecular Environmental Biology with a declared concentration in Human Health. Ayush has found the College of Natural Resources to feel a lot like a small college within a large University.
How did you feel Athenian most prepared you for college?
Ayush feels Athenian prepares students to do well in any college environment. “I didn't realize how self-sufficient I’d become until I started college. I knew how to study for classes that don't require homework for example. I knew how to use the resources around me to the best of my ability – that is just something Athenian fosters,” shared Ayush. He added, “the method and approach to education at Athenian is similar to what I’ve experienced in college – so much is up to you and how much you want to learn.” In addition to the academic skills, Ayush credits Athenian with helping him develop the skills to find his community in college. He knew how to connect with clubs and other interests outside of academics, and knew the value of striving for balance between academic and non-academic pursuits. As a former member of the Athenian hOWLers, Ayush has intentionally sought out ways to continue with his high school interests, including participation in an Acapella group.
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Something I'd tell myself and everyone in general is be yourself and have fun,” said Ayush. For those beginning to think about college, Ayush said, “A lot of the time people come into high school with a pre-conceived notion of what college they want to go to. It’s good to have intention, but don’t limit yourself and be open.”
