Biyanka and I met over cupcakes. It was a mutual friend’s birthday so naturally there had to be cake. Ever since then, we’ve become close friends by fangirling books and Disney movies. Not forgetting the several late night froyo and coffee runs, because what’s better than bonding over yummy treats? Keep on reading to find more about Biyanka!
Major: Biology, genetics and biotechnology
Hometown: Hanover Park, Illinois. Originally from Gujarat, India
Favorite Hobby: Reading and doing anything that I find interesting, fun and fanciful
Best book you’ve read: For someone who is a serial reader, asking what they’re favorite book is a moot point. I have an enormous amount of books that I like, but there are those that do come up near the top of the list. Among the top entails the Harry Potter series, Kite Runner, The Book Thief, The Outsiders, The Maze Runner and many more.
Favorite make-up brand: I prefer makeup that works and looks beautiful, but doesn’t break the bank. ELF makeup is very good for its price. I like the general makeup from the drugstore, but Colorpop and Lorac are worth the money. I like makeup because I like the way it looks and the way it makes me feel, which is great. I don’t go out of my way to spend my free time on makeup (I do that with reading), but I enjoy the process of putting it on and the outcome of it. What’s your dream holiday destination?
Any island! I love the idea of basking in the warm sun and soaking up sunlight. Any place with warm weather, water and fun things to do. I’m quite the adventurous type, so I’m always looking for activities where I can get my adrenaline fix. If I had to name some of places I’d love to visit, though, it’d be Guam and Bora Bora. The Greek Islands look gorgeous, as well.
What made you choose your major?
Biology always fascinated me. I wanted to learn about it, understand it and find out more. It really interests me how life can manage to form and evolve under conditions that are so vastly different from each other. I became particularly interested in genetics and biotechnology because I wanted to know and learn of the effects of evolution on organisms and what makes them unique. I wanted an area that had a certain structure but still gave me the room to mess around and be creative, and biotechnology will allow me to do that.
Do you have a particular class you would say was your favorite this year?
No favorites this year. As I’m more of a scientific person, I don’t really find anything special about English or Maths. However I do really enjoy chemistry. Even though it’s a class that stresses me out, I find it intriguing overall, so it’s pretty balanced.
Do you have advice for incoming freshmen?
Get up, dress up, show up and don’t give up. Even when you think you can’t do something, don’t give up. It’s better to get help if you don’t understand something and make an attempt nevertheless. Also, do your work on time. Scheduling is very essential because you can easily forget something or get distracted. If you plan out your tasks and do them properly and diligently, you will not fail. Make sure you don’t forget to study. Even when you think you don’t have the time, make time to do it.
When did you realize what you wanted to do?
I realized what I wanted to do after taking a class in high school about biotechnology. I’ve always wanted to do something in the field of biology, but didn’t know what. When I took that class, I was captivated by the workings of biotechnology in genetics and the many things that can be done using it, specifically. Also, you get to find out which one came first, the chicken or the egg.
What do you prefer doing on the weekends?
I’ll probably go for a movie or go out to dinner with my friends. The CAB services at the IMU always put great movies on, so we sometimes go for that if there’s a good movie showing. I also like to cook and read, and both of these activities help me relax after a long week of school. Also, while I do like relaxing, I also like to study and keep ahead of my work if I can, if I manage to find some. It’s always better to stay ahead than be left behind.
What’s your favourite spot on campus?
Sitting at the back steps of the old capitol building, during summer, fall and spring. Because you get to see the sunset, plus there’s a great view from up there, and if you haven’t been there yet to study or just hang out with friends, you should totally do that.
If there were a show about you, what would it be about?
If there were a show about me, I would want it to be a crime mystery. I personally love crime and mystery shows. I watch Sherlock and would love if the show would be something across those lines. It would be cool if it were like a sci-fi mystery drama as well, but if it were about my life, it would be a pretty boring show. I like the idea of an adult me working in a lab and doing really cool things.
Who inspires you the most?
Loads of people would say family, so I’m going to go with that as well. I would say my mom inspires me the most. She’s supported my decisions and is there when I need a hand. Plus, she works very hard to provide for my family, which for I’m thankful, and she is a pretty cool mom.