Aryan Pasricha
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
Music has become a significant part of my life at Wake Forest. Performing my favorite songs, and even an original song, for friends was a deeply meaningful experience, symbolizing the strong connections I’ve built. It made me realize what it means to build a community full of supportive people around and that these friendships will last far beyond college.
Wake Forest’s Pro Humanitate motto is a guiding philosophy for many students and alumni. Did it have an impact on your student experience and has it influenced your plans for the future?
I connected with the Pro Humanitate motto early in my undergraduate career, as it closely aligns with the Hindu concept of Seva (selfless service), a core value I was raised on. I strive to incorporate these philosophies into all aspects of my life, which led me to join Campus Kitchen, where I now serve as Student Director. I find immense joy in serving the Winston-Salem community and addressing food insecurity, a challenge many local people face. It has been especially rewarding to work alongside fellow Wake Forest students and volunteers who share this passion for service.
Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?
One of my favorite Wake Forest traditions is Project Pumpkin. Seeing the Quad filled with children from the Winston-Salem community, student volunteers in costumes, and a shared sense of joy always stood out to me. It’s a tradition that goes beyond campus—it connects Wake Forest students with the local community in a meaningful way.
I remember this year when our table was Sponge Bob-themed, and the kids were so excited to color in outlines of different characters. They all shared markers, traded candy and had a smile while doing it, which captured what makes Project Pumpkin so special—bringing people together, creating joy, and making a real difference in someone’s day. It’s traditions like these that make Wake Forest feel like home, not just for students but for the broader community as well.
What surprised you most about your Wake Forest experience?
This may seem very simple, but I was surprised and valued how many different places there are to sit outdoors and hang out with friends on campus. These are some of my fondest memories when I could just relax outside and take the needed study break to be able to catch up with friends. My favorite spot consistently over the years has been the chairs outside Benson when the fires are burning.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?
One of the most rewarding experiences I had as a Wake Forest student was becoming Student Director of Campus Kitchen, where I helped lead student volunteers to redistribute, prepare and deliver meals to food-insecure communities in Winston-Salem. What made this experience so impactful was not just the hands-on service but the relationships I built along the way—both with the people we served and with fellow volunteers.
Campus Kitchen has also allowed me to maintain a broader perspective on how people require the help of others to meet their necessary life needs. It was through our small, consistent efforts that we could address food shortages and have a lasting impact on the surrounding Winston-Salem communities. I now have a better understanding of the importance of service, reminding me that addressing fundamental needs — like food security — is an essential part of building healthier communities.
Now that you are a graduating student, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself as an incoming student four years ago?
Approach each week of college as a fresh start. With our academic, extracurricular, and social lives moving so quickly, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Taking a moment at the start of each week to reset can help prevent past challenges from overshadowing future opportunities. This is a lesson I learned as a senior, but I wish I had embraced this mindset as a freshman.