By Madison Ray

Today’s #HCSS is on Ashni Walia, an Accounting and Mathematics sophomore from Ambala, India! She is an Honors student worker, Honors Advocate, president of the Association of Women in Mathematics, and chancellor of Delta Sigma Pi.

Ashni Walia stands outside College Hall.

MR: What has your experience been like majoring in Accounting and Mathematics?

AW: I’ve had a great experience so far. I like how the business degree is structured to give us a broader understanding of all the other majors as well. The education and networking opportunities offered by the College of Business have also helped me get internship offers. Moreover, the Mathematics Department has always made me feel like a valued part of the community apart from offering courses that are preparing me well enough for professional exams.

MR: What is your favorite thing about the Honors program and why?

AW: I literally work, play and sleep at Honors College. It has provided me with a community of high achieving students who push me to do better academically but at the same time are so fun to hang out with in the CAB. Moreover, I love how the Honors degree gives you a creative space to earn credits. I once wrote a research paper about Childish Gambino’s This is America for an honors contract and that has definitely been the highlight of my academic program so far.

MR: What would you like to achieve during the rest of your time as an undergraduate student?

AW: My main goals for the last two years of college are to be a summer intern in New York, be the President of the Honors College Council and to graduate Summa Cum Laude.

MR: What have you achieved so far that you’re most proud of?

AW: Moving to the United States by myself is something that I’m very proud of. I didn’t know anyone in the country two years ago so I feel really blessed to have such loving friends around me here now.

By Madison Ray

This week the #HCSS spotlight is on a few of our student workers! Anushka Shrestha is an Accounting and Finance junior from Grand Prairie, and originally from Kathmandu, Nepal. She is an Honors Advocate and a team leader on the Honors Programming Board. She’s also vice executive president in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Stay tuned for another spotlight this week!

Anushka Shrestha stands outside College Hall.

MR: What made you choose your major?

AS: Balancing the balance sheet makes me happy…. I am passionate about math and money made me choose my major for accounting. I also like investing in stock markets, so I felt finance was the right major for me.

MR: Why did you want to join the Honors program?

AS: I wanted to join [the] Honors program because first I liked how it will looked at my degree. Also, because of the benefits it provided.

MR: How has the Honors College impacted your life?

AS: First thing as [an]… Honors Advocate, it has helped me improve my public speaking. It has impacted me to work hard on my classes.

MR: What do you want to do after graduation and why?

AS: After graduation I want to go to grad school to get my master’s in accounting. I want to do that so that I can get my CPA. Also, I want to work at one of the Big 4 accounting firms.

MR: If you could speak to yourself entering college in your first semester, what advice would you give to yourself?

AS: The first advice I’ll give myself will be to not to procrastinate on school work. Also, that college is way different than high school.

By Madison Ray

The first #HCSS of 2020 is on Dominique Lange, an Interdisciplinary Studies junior! Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Lange is an Honors Advocate as well as an ambassador and historian at the Center for Service Learning. She also works as an administrative assistant in the Office of Admissions.

Dominique Lange

MR: Why did you decide to major in Interdisciplinary Studies?

DL: My decision to become an Interdisciplinary Studies major happened very quickly (almost overnight). I was giving a presentation to prospective honors students at Senior Academic Excellence Day when I discovered that the Honors College houses the INTS program. I had never heard of the program before, but I was immediately convinced that I would benefit as a student.

MR: What are your INTS specializations and why did you choose them?

DL: My INTS specializations are Political Science, Leadership, Law and Legal Studies. I choose these specializations because I was struggling to find a major that combined all the areas of study I wanted to look at. The INTS program has allowed me to take the reigns in my education and determine my educational path that is best for my career.

MR: What has your experience been like as an Honors student so far?

DL: As an Honors student I have been very lucky and blessed to meet people who are just as ambitious as I am. When I am around other Honors advocates and staff, there is not a moment when I am not laughing or smiling. These are the moments that I will cherish as we all go our separate ways to start our careers or go into more schooling.

MR: Do you have any idea what you would like to research for your final capstone project?

DL: I am constantly changing my mind about my capstone project. Whenever I think I am sure about a proposal, I find myself looking at a new subject. However, I am certain that I want my capstone project to center around community and public policy.

MR: What would you like to accomplish during your time as an undergraduate student?

DL: For now, I would like to enjoy my experiences and freedom as [a] student, but I am always looking forward to the future. I am always game for taking advantage of all the opportunities that I am permitted through the connections I have made. Both UTA and Honors College have given me a leg up and an opportunity to separate myself from the pool of students.

MR: Do you have any goals for after graduation? If so, what are they?

DL: After graduation I plan on attending law school. I want to be involved in the process of creating a national conversation around the importance of community leaders and education. I am unsure of where exactly my education will lead me but I know that I am bound to do great things.