Vishesh Bhatia is a junior majoring in Genetics here at Iowa State University. Originally from New Delhi, India, Vishesh was brought to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences by his passion to study genetics. With his active involvement on campus Vishesh has found a home away from home here at ISU. First check out Vishesh鈥檚 video interview and then continue to read about his ISU adventure below.
What was the hardest part of adjusting and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part of adjusting to Iowa State was, first things first, the weather. Being an international student I was not used to cold or snowy winters, and definitely having my first semester here was really hard with not knowing what to wear. Second, missing home or having homesickness is something many international students face. I overcame this by talking to my family every day or on the weekends.
What are the cultural difference you have noticed between the U.S. and your home country?
The main cultural difference that I noticed was the timing of food. Back home our dinner table is set up around 9 or 10 pm, while here people are ready for dinner around 5 or 6 pm. Which is really odd at first but then you just get used to that.
How are they similar?
Something similar that I noticed is a lot of unity. People are proud of their culture. Especially here, like Christmas or Thanksgiving people are very proud of this culture.
鈥淭he first day I stepped foot on campus I knew this was the place I could call my second home.鈥�
How has ISU made you feel welcomed?
Iowa State in general, the first day I stepped foot on campus I knew this was the place I could call my second home. Just because the first class I was in the professor was very welcoming and personally approached some of us and said if you need any help don鈥檛 forget to reach out. I believe this has become my motto over the two years I have spent at Iowa State.
Are you involved in activities at ISU? If so what are they?
I am involved in a lot of things. I am a Cyclone Aid for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, a Student Senator for Student Government, a Community Advisor in the Department of Residence, serve as the chair for the International Student Advisory Board, a CALS Ambassador, and on executive board for two other clubs.
What has been your favorite memory at ISU?
My favorite memory for sure would be the last TCU vs. ISU football game. That was the first football game I attended and we stormed the field and I taped Allan Lazard on the shoulder. That was the moment I felt that my experience at Iowa State was fulfilled.
What does international education mean to you?
International Education I believe is something that I am really proud of. Just seeing that difference between what is taught at home and what is taught here, the amount of lab research you can get here is really encouraging.
What do you hope to do in your future?
I really want to work in the field of pharmacology and toxicology. Or in the field of designer babies, in the field of genetics. That is something that I am really passionate about since eighth grade and has brought me here to study genetics.
Interviewed and Written by Amanda Fortman