WINNER - 2006

Nangula Shejavali If we were all asked to independently define “the Lafayette Ideal,” there is no doubt that each definition would differ from the next – a concept that illustrates our diversity in thought, background, need, representation, and priority. I believe that a student who challenges complacency and strives to “be the change they wish to see in the world”1 embodies this “ideal.” It is around the notion of creating positive change that I have molded my life experiences, including my time at Lafayette. There is an African proverb that states, “When a needle falls into a deep well, many people will look into the well, but few will be ready to go down after it.” There have been many such needles both on and off the Lafayette campus, represented by issues such as diversity, social justice, cross-cultural dialogue, international understanding, and discourse on Africa. It is within the realm of these issues that I have personally striven to enact change at Lafayette, through my leadership of and/or participation in organizations such as the ISA, ACACIA, ABC, and Aya, and in my capacity as a (Head) Resident Advisor, LLE Committee member, and student representative for various committees and events. At the Africa Conference last semester, Asante Jr. advised, “If you make an observation, you have an obligation.” In fulfilling numerous obligations in response to my own observations, while simultaneously creating important and lasting friendships with a wide array of students, professors, administrators, and staff, and having both a challenging and rewarding learning experience along the way, I have lived my own definition of the “ideal” Lafayette experience. While I know that many issues remain to be tackled, I treasure the opportunity that I have had to dive into that deep well, along with several other admirable leaders who have been unafraid of challenging complacency and picking out the fallen needles. 1Mahatma Gandhi

 

Majors: International Affairs and Africana Studies


Academic Activities/Awards

• Phi Beta Kappa (4)
• Sigma Iota Rho (3,4)
• Africana Studies Scholastic Award (3)
• Dean’s List (Sp.1, 2, 3, 4)
• EXCEL Scholar with Professor Andrea Smith, researching the collective memories of French settlers of Algeria, and British settlers in the aftermath of colonialism (4)
• Senior Thesis: The Silent Cohort of HIV/AIDS Orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa – An Analysis of the Efficacy and Sustainability of Healthcare Systems for Orphans and Vulnerable Children: A Namibian Case Study (4)
• National Conference on Undergraduate Research paper presentation: Healthcare Systems for HIV/AIDS Orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa (4)
• Undergraduate Conference in Women’s Studies paper presentation: The Role of Class in the Formation of Power Dynamics between Women: A Critical Analysis of Federico Garcia Lorca’s “La casa de Bernarda Alba” (4)
• Interim Abroad Session to Kenya and Tanzania (3)
• Visited two classes (“Women in Africa and “Race and Oppression”) at Moravian College to engage students in dialogue about the role of women, colonialism, and apartheid in Africa (2)

Campus Service Activities

• Head Resident Advisor – Easton/Ruef (3); Keefe/Ramer/Farber (4)
• Resident Advisor – PT Farinon Hall (2)
• Facility Supervisor – Kirby Sports Center (3,F.4)
• Student Representative – Presidential Inauguration Committee (4)
• Student Representative – Skillman Library Rededication (3)
• Student Interview Committees for the following searches:
  Director of Religious Life/Chaplain (2)
  Asst. Director – Student Life Programs (3)
  Professor in Religious Studies Dept. (4)
  Provost (4)
• Coordinator – World AIDS Day Committee (4)

Community Service Activities

• ISA Philanthropy Project – Spring Gardens (3, 4)
• Landis World AIDS Day Initiative (2)
• Alternative School Break Trip to Chicago (1)
• Lafapalooza – Safe Harbor Project (4)

Special Interest Group Activities

• International Students Association (ISA), President (4); Public Relations Officer (2); Member (1,2,3,4)
• Africans Creating African Consciousness and Interest Abroad (ACACIA), Founder (2); Chairperson (2,3); Member (2,3,4)
• AYA Diversity Magazine, Intern (3); Public Relations Officer (3,4)
• Lafayette Leadership Institute, Committee Member (3,4)
• Member of the Following Organizations:
  Asian Cultural Association (1,2,3,4)
  Association of Black Collegians (1,2,3,4)
  Hispanic Society of Lafayette (2,3,4)
  International Affairs Club (3,4)
  Lafayette African and Caribbean Students Association (1,2,3,4)
  Lafayette Association of Fair Trade Advocates (2)
  Minority Scientists and Engineers (1)
  Nia (1,2,3,4)
  Students for Social Justice (1,2)
  Wine Society (4)
  WJRH – co-hosted the Strictly African Rhythms show (1)
• Event Committees:
  Kwanzaa (1,2)
  Black History Month (2)
  Wellness Day (2)