Chat With ... Ashita Singh

HOMETOWN: NEW DELHI, INDIA
SECOND YEAR STUDENT AT WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY, KANSAS
MAJOR: MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

Why did you decide to come to the U.S. to study?

The U.S. provides the world’s finest higher education in the world and offers much more opportunities than India. U.S universities have a wide variety of programs, and having a degree from an American university will certainly boost my career opportunities.

How did you choose Wichita State University?

My brother got his undergrad and master’s (degrees) from WSU and is also currently working in Wichita. My parents wanted me to stay with him so that I don’t feel homesick or face any kind of difficulty.

How did you choose your major?

I had taken commerce in my high school and wanted to pursue a management course. My brother suggested I take Management Information System because of its future scope. I finally chose MIS after a lot of research.

Do you live on or off campus?

I am currently living off campus.

Devlin Hall is home to the university's Center for Entrepreneurship.

What’s your favorite place on campus?

The Heskett Center because there is a diverse choice for fitness, recreation and leisure activities. I usually go there for swimming and badminton.

Do you ever feel homesick?

When I feel homesick, I call up my family and friends on Skype. If they are not available due to the time difference, then I involve myself in some kind of activity to get over that feeling.

How often do you go home?

Once or twice a year.

What do you think of American food — on and off campus?

As I am an Indian, I crave spicy foods — and American food on campus has little or no spice! I love Philly cheese steaks and Bionic Burger off campus.

Are most of your friends American or other nationalities? What’s your advice about making American friends?

Most of my friends are Indians, but I also have American friends from my class.   Students must introduce themselves to American students in their classes and offer to study or work on a project together.

Have you done an internship?

I haven’t done an internship yet, but I am planning to do one in the summer in India.

What do you do in your free time?

I usually spend my time watching TV series, completing assignments and working out at the gym.

How did you become involved with the Indian Student Association? What does the group do?

I searched for Indian organizations on campus and found ISA. The aim is to familiarize the West with the fascinating and diverse cultural colors of India.

What has surprised you the most about the U.S.?

The variety of products and fast food available. The typical supermarket has at least 100 varieties of frozen pizza, 50 brands of trail mix, etc. I was astounded by the different kinds of products available even at small gas-station convenience stores.

What has been your biggest disappointment about life in America?

My biggest disappointment in America — especially in Wichita ­­— is poor public transport. You need to own a car or know someone who owns one.

What do you see as the most important issue facing today’s college students?

Many students exert a lot of stress on choosing a major.  Most think that their major will dictate their future career and how much money they will make at their future jobs.

What so you wish you had known before you came here to study?

Work hard at the beginning of each semester because it’s easy to slow down but very hard to catch up if you find you’re not working hard enough.

What are 3 pieces of advice you would give to students from India about studying in America?

1. Stay in touch with the professors and TAs (teaching assistants).
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something.
3. Spend time with your peers, talking about whatever subjects you have in common.

What are your plans for after graduation?
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I will probably search for a job and enroll for an MBA. I also want to start my own business in India.