2021-Alisha Gangadharan
Throughout my life I’ve always been aware of the concept of “difference.” However, in my years of learning and living at Lafayette, engaging with and understanding difference became more important, and I developed a deeper appreciation for the idea. Especially at a predominantly white institution, “difference” is abundantly apparent in terms of identity, experience, opportunity, and privilege. But as a student of Lafayette and a resident of Easton, I’ve learned that I am part of a shared community, albeit laden with difference. And the most vibrant communities are the ones which seek to recognize why differences exist and celebrate them, while actively working toward combating the inequality and inequity brought about by them. This is the type of community I know I have diligently worked to build and support in my time here.
In my roles as Executive Director of Lafayette’s Pre-Orientation Service Program and President of Lafayette’s chapter of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, my overall goal was always to engage other students in intentional, informed, and meaningful service. I focused primarily on establishing strong and supportive relationships within these student groups, which then made it much easier to work collectively to push forward projects that were even more impactful for the people on both ends — those being affected by and those affecting change.
What I consider to be my biggest success stories have never been about me. Instead, I hear these stories told through the voices of underclassmen who I’ve encouraged to think about how they can put their words into action, the members of the Easton community who I’ve shown what intentional and compassionate service looks like, and all the people on campus to whom I’ve proven what it means to be an ambitious, committed, and outspoken woman of color.
Academic Activity/Award 1:
EXCEL Research Scholar-1-Worked within the history department to conduct literature review for research on the significance of nighttime in South African history.
Academic Activity/Award 2:
History Independent Research-1-Conducting research using historical methodology to analyze how language and rhetoric was used in the American Abolitionist movement as compared to the current Black Lives Matter movement.
Academic Activity/Award 3:
Writing Associate-1-Liaised with professors and students within the history and Russian studies departments to provide individualized feedback on student papers and assignments, and ensured that the professor’s expectations were met.
Academic Activity/Award 4:
Marquis Scholarship-4-Merit scholarship awarded upon acceptance to Lafayette.
Academic Activity/Award 5:
Dean’s List-4
Academic Activity/Award 6:
Phi Alpha Theta-2.5-National Honor Society for History. Inducted sophomore year
Academic Activity/Award 7:
Sigma Iota Rho-1-National Honor Society for International Affairs. Inducted junior year
Academic Activity/Award 8:
Pi Delta Phi-1-National French Honor Society. Inducted senior year
Academic Activity/Award 9:
LVAIC Global Student Conference-1-Presented History EXCEL research at 2020 conference sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges.
Campus Service Activity /Award 1:
South Asian Student Association-4-Served as secretary sophomore year and co-organized Riyaaz Qawwali performance on campus (traditional South Asian music group) funded through Tapestries program. Currently serve as co-President and work to carry out engaging virtual programming to create a support and inclusive environment for those who identify as South Asian/ South Asian American or anyone interested in learning more about the culture and identity.
Campus Service Activity /Award 2:
Orchestra-2-Violinist. Participated as assistant concertmaster sophomore year.
Campus Service Activity /Award 3:
Cadence – acapella-1.5-Joined junior year and worked to make the group more diverse and inclusive by restructuring outreach efforts and audition criteria.
Campus Service Activity /Award 4:
LiveWell wellness advisor-1.5-Served as social and environmental wellness chair. Created and promoted programming to support student wellness on campus.
Campus Service Activity /Award 5:
SHEESH-1-Member of new student organization that provides an accepting, inclusive and fun social space for women and nonbinary students at the college.
Community Service 1:
Pre-Orientation Service Program-4-Participated in the program as an incoming student, and took leadership roles thereafter as the teen program coordinator and Executive Director. Managed and facilitated leadership committee meetings throughout the 2020 semester and summer in order to plan and execute a week long program for incoming freshmen to engage in a variety of service opportunities– bridging the gap between Lafayette’s campus and the larger city of Easton.
Community Service 2:
Alpha Phi Omega – service fraternity-3-Served as Vice President of Membership sophomore year and President sophomore-junior year. Coordinated with community project collaborators (individuals and organizations) and oversaw all service and education committees for over 100 members. Led service projects concerning local and national need, and acted as liaison between the chapter and the national Alpha Phi Omega.
Community Service 3:
MOSAIC Programs-3-Participated in weekly volunteering with various community partners including: Safe Harbor, mentorship program with students at Easton Area Highschool, Easton Area Lifestyle Campus (senior center), and the Easton Home (assisted living facility).
Community Service 4:
LIME Mentor (Lafayette Initiative for Malagasy Education)-1.5-Selected along with 10 other students; prepared for a semester and spent two weeks teaching English and SAT skills to high-achieving students at Lycée Andoholo in Madagascar. Worked with students thereafter to apply to higher education in the United States.
Community Service 5:
Alternative School Break (ASB)-1-Worked alongside participants to plan and execute a year of educational programming and fundraising for a native population in South Dakota.
Community Service 6:
Landis Summer Fellow 2018-1-Worked with the Landis Center staff to prepare and structure programming for the upcoming year. Completed an 8 week internship with ProJeCt of Easton; tutored adults in basic language skills and created first ever impact statements for the organization to market and advertise opportunities to prospective students in town.
Community Service 7:
Hoff Award – 2019 Student Organization of the Year-1-Received award on behalf of Alpha Phi Omega while serving as President of the organization.
Community Service 8:
Class of ‘97 Community Service Award-1-Presented on behalf of the Landis Center to a senior who demonstrates sustained commitment to community engagement activities through participation and leadership in multiple Landis Center for Community Engagement programs.
Special Interest Activity/Award 1:
Sixth Street Shelter, Allentown – Family Resource Coordinator|1|Took a leave of absence in Fall 2020 to work full time at Sixth Street Shelter; met with shelter parents for job search help, resume writing training, and interview preparation. Worked with families to apply for welfare services and find local, affordable housing. Provided online school support and additional programming for children and teens in shelter.
Special Interest Activity/Award 2:
Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast PA – 2020 Intern-1-Researched demographic data on Northeast PA, contacted and consulted Feeding America foodbanks nationwide to understand and assess how to best allocate food resources and structure programs to serve populations of Northeast PA.
Special Interest Activity/Award 3:
St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser 2018-1-Raised over $2000 for childhood cancer research and participated in the head shaving event sponsored by Lafayette athletics.