Vir Gupta
What is the most fundamental change you’ve experienced since your time as a first-year student?
One thing that stands out to me is learning the hard way that I needed to put myself out there and make connections. As an international student, it was a complete shift in terms of culture, people and references as well. I didn’t necessarily have to change who I was, but I honestly had to adapt to my surroundings and really take a hard look at why I was studying in the US: for an experience to interact with folks I never would have otherwise. I have not only learned about what others’ cultures and traditions are, but I have been able to introduce some of mine to my peers.
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
I have been a resident advisor in Collins for first-year students for three years now. I have never moved out of South campus, and being able to form a community that not only me but my residents enjoy coming home to every day has been life-changing. Seeing and interacting with what is essentially three generations of my hall, 2-B has taught me so much about how to form a bond with someone, what brings people together and how the uncertainty of moving to a new environment can be so daunting. Being able to provide some reassurance and be more of a friend with several residents who I thoroughly enjoy seeing on campus even years after they have moved on is truly gratifying.
What song or songs will always remind you of your time at Wake Forest? Why?
“Gypsy” by Fleetwood Mac stands out to me. Many of the songs that I have had on repeat have been in part/in association with me discovering them or being shown them by residents. This is one of them that was shown to me by one of my favorite residents from last year and has been with me ever since. The sort of fleeting yet upbeat feeling of the song really means a lot to me in terms of the idea that life here moves very fast if you don’t take a second to slow down and see the beauty in front of you. This semester, I have been able to really reflect and all I have done here and this really summarizes how that in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, there are moments, relationships and people that I will never be able to let go of.
What surprised you most about your Wake Forest experience?
Having not visited campus, I really didn’t know too much. It was a shot in the dark and moving across the world, alone really was unsettling. I have been happily surprised with just really how you can do anything and everything you want to do. You can have your hands in as many different places on campus with not many restrictions of people saying no to you. It’s been a blessing to try new things, love them, change my opinion on an activity or sometimes just come to terms with the fact that I need to take it easy because there are so many things I want to do but only some I can do.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
Professor Brook Davis from the theater department. A shining light and one of the loveliest humans ever. She took me under her wing and through her own practices really taught me what it truly means to be selfless. She embodies the idea of Pro Humanitate in every way possible. Ever since I entered the theater department, she has always had her door open in case I need to talk to her about anything. And, she also really values the feelings and thoughts of her students. She has been a great pillar of strength for me in every way possible. And, she serves as an integral part of the theater department as a conduit for student voices and caring for all those around her.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?
My life as an RA has been immensely special. I was very close to not taking the job when I was first offered the position, but I am so glad I did. I am very close to my boys. And, it is the small things like seeing them take on advice that you gave them and it turning into something or them shouting me out as a connector for an interview for a club has just been so incredible. It’s the small things, but just to know that I have made a difference, even in the smallest way has been the greatest achievement in my time here.
Imagine you return to campus for your 10-year reunion. What do you hope will remain the same? What do you hope will be different?
I hope the food will remain the same because I love the food. And I hope the number of minorities here goes up.
Compare your career plans as a first-year student with your career plans now. Why did your plans change or not change?
One of the prime reasons I came to the US was a level of uncertainty I had when it came to knowing where I want to be in life as a professional. After four years of dabbling in a variety of fields, I feel fulfilled and much clearer of what I want to do. If anything, I have learned that it is really just what you’re passionate about that matters the most. As long as I am happy and it never seems like I have to work a day in my life, I will be at peace. And, Wake has taught me that over the past four years. This experience has made me love the things I did even more and give me the technical and practical knowledge of film making that I don’t think I would have otherwise. A lot of trial and error later, I am at peace and am happy with my degree and what is set to come next.