Hello everyone! My name is Aradhana Sood, and I am a first year student, and I am running for the role of Academic Representative of the College of Arts and Architecture. I was born and raised in New Delhi, India and moved to Massachusetts when I was thirteen years old. I grew up speaking both English and Hindi, and I still speak Hindi as a second language. I think that growing up in a different country gave me a different lens with which to view not only the world, but how people from different backgrounds are able to come together and collaborate on how to make their community better. It is so gratifying to be a part of something bigger than yourself, and I hope to bring my experiences to the table while learning about others’ as well.

Over the course of the Fall Semester, I had the wonderful opportunity to run in an election within my major of Graphic Design, as the representative for my major’s graduating class. I have worked closely with the Head of the Department of Graphic Design, and have been able to voice my opinions and concerns, as well as concerns that other students have within my class. In doing so, I am able to make impactful changes to the program in terms of how we would like the program to run more smoothly, what supplies students are in need of, and how to be more efficient in helping each and every student. I think it is incredibly important for each student to be heard and for their concerns to be voiced, and I would like to extend that responsibility to UPUA. I would like to represent not only my graduating class and my major, but my college as well, in creating change beneficial to each student.

The major of Graphic Design is part of the Stuckeman School, but the classes are not held in the Stuckeman Building. Because of this, I and many of my classmates often feel disconnected from the Stuckeman School. When representing my college, I would like to bridge that gap and hold more meetings or socials within my college that allow for Graphic Design students to feel more as though they are part of the Stuckeman School as a whole.

Outside of school, I love to read, listen to music, and watch tv. A lot of my comfort movies include family friendly ones I used to watch with my mom when I was little, like Parent Trap and Tangled. I love being outside in the sun, picnics on the beach, and driving around in my little blue convertible Volkswagen Beetle. I really hope to be able to represent my peers within the College of Arts and Architecture, and I ask that you please reach out at aes6874@psu.edu if you have any questions or concerns!