Aman Khemlani
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What is the most fundamental change you’ve experienced since your time as a first-year student?
My first year in college was certainly abnormal, to say the least, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From not being able to eat in the pit or being written up by the RA for not wearing a mask in my room, it was not what anyone expected what freshman year of college would be like. Despite this, I developed a deep sense of what it means to be a Demon Deacon and a profound appreciation for Wake Forest. During my freshman year, I was still trying to figure out who I was. As COVID restrictions eased and socializing became easier, I was able to feel at home and thrive on campus. I would just remind myself to take a deep breath and that I was meant to be at Wake.
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
I think going to football games, basketball games, LR, and hanging out with my friends on weekends have been the most meaningful. Especially as I have made life-long friendships that mean so much to me, that would not have happened without being here.
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?
It definitely did. A decent amount of people come to college to get a degree with the goal of making money. While everyone wants to be successful, the motto of Wake Forest has helped me change my definition of success. It’s not just about how much I earn, but about how I make a meaningful impact through my work. I want to work in a field I believe in, where I’m not just working for money but making a difference in a meaningful way.
What was your favorite class outside your major or minor areas of study and why did it appeal to you?
My favorite class outside my major and minor was EDU 120 with Professor Brian Calhoun. This class really made me think about my life goals, how I want to use my time in college, and the steps I should take to reach my academic and professional objectives. It resonated with me deeply because college can be intimidating, especially at a place like Wake Forest where everyone is highly motivated and driven. It’s easy to feel like being confused or uncertain is wrong. This class helped me clarify my goals and understand that I did not want to be a doctor and that was okay.
Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?
My favorite tradition at Wake Forest has to be Rolling the Quad. I think I love it so much because it’s truly unique to our community. This tradition is deeply understood and cherished by both students and faculty. It’s moments like these that make Wake Forest feel like home. Senior Spring the best moment of rolling the Quad was when we beat Duke!
What surprised you most about your Wake Forest experience?
The ability to make a change, having a meaningful relationship with professors outside the classroom, and the size that enables making more meaningful friendships.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
That is hard to say as there have been a few all for different reasons. The former Associate Chaplain of Muslim life helped me develop as a person who thrives to grow as an individual emotionally and socially. Learning that it is OK to be wrong and to not repeat mistakes involves acknowledging it and making a game plan to address it from work, school and self actions. From my highs to lows, Naijla knew about it, was there and helped me throughout the process. Even when I didn’t ask for it, she would check in to see how I was. Professionally, Andy Chan helped me work on going about goals for a career, talked to me when I felt lost or was overwhelmed with everything from internships to looking for jobs, and checked in during the whole process while seeing how my overall wellbeing was.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?
I have been super involved on campus, and there have been many meaningful experiences for me. However, my time on the Hindu Student Association executive team has been one of the most impactful. Helping to revitalize a community on campus and create a safe space for Hindu-American and Indian-American students has been incredibly rewarding. All of us are involved in various organizations, from Greek Life to professional-service fraternities and numerous clubs. Yet, having a dedicated space for people with similar experiences is amazing. We grew from having 10 members and no resources to 130 members with a prayer space, community space, and soon, a Hindu chaplain in the fall. I know I have made a difference on campus for the better.
Now that you are a graduating student, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself as an incoming student four years ago?
That it is okay to not know – especially as it can feel like you need to have everything figured out right away. Everyone from professors, administrators and staff just want you to succeed; never be afraid to ask to talk about advice or goals. Also and more importantly, enjoy freshman year and try to meet as many people as possible; it is OK to put yourself out there.