Vinayak Sharma, a native from New Delhi, India, never truly saw himself pursuing his undergraduate career in the United States. Continuing his education in a country other than his own was a thought that had not crossed Sharma’s mind until he flew halfway across the world in the 8th grade. Looking back, Sharma appreciates the steps he took that led him to where he is today, and finds it incredibly rewarding.
When Sharma was in middle school, he participated in Model United Nations (UN) acting as a diplomat. It was an activity that allowed him to start developing his leadership skills and broadening his horizons. A few months into the program, Sharma’s school in New Delhi partnered with Alma College, a liberal arts school in Michigan, to be able to participate in a national Model UN conference. With a grand opportunity within reach, Sharma hopped on a plane with his teammates and flew across the world for the first time in his life. Much like him, other members of his family had never been to the United States before. Sharma was breaking new ground for him and his family.
Upon returning to New Delhi, Sharma instantly knew he wanted to return to the United States to pursue his undergraduate education.
“I started looking everywhere for computer science degrees, but more specifically software engineering,” explained Sharma.
