He’s the most interesting man on Earth – just ask anyone who knows him. At only age 18, O’Neill freshman Prathm Juneja has worked on the political campaign for highly-respected Mayor Pete Buttigieg and has a patent for an autonomous drone. He’s also the Freshman Class Representative for O’Neill Hall, an avid coffee expert, and most importantly a loyal friend.
This is not your average Renaissance man – although he’s constantly juggling work and club meetings, he always finds time for others, whether it’s by bonding with his section or simply meeting me at the Library so that I could interview the arguably most dynamic and driven freshman on campus.
Where do I begin?
Name: Prathm Juneja
Dorm: O’Neill Hall
Graduation Year: 2019/2020
Major(s): Political Science and Computer Science
Hometown: Edison, New Jersey
Relationship status: Single
Tell me more…
North or South?
There’s a North Dining Hall?
Favorite form of social media?
Instagram because it’s #artsy. I have a private account. It’s kind of an exclusive thing – I follow back though.
What do you miss most about home?
In this order…
1) New York City
2) My parents
3) My car
4) My shower
What do you love about O’Neill?
Literally everything. Spanky’s sells coffee in the mornings, which is locally grown and roasted. Except the coffee machine is broken right now, but when it is working it’s the best coffee on campus.
O’Neill 4A is easily the best section at Notre Dame. There is not a more diverse yet unified group of guys anywhere on campus. We can all disagree on everything, yet at the end of the day they’re my closest friends, whether they’re seniors or freshmen.
Favorite place on campus to hang out?
My room. That’s where my friends congregate. I’ll come in and people will be taking naps in my room, namely, you. I’m pretty sure you spend more time in my room than I do. It’s weird.
Yeah that’s probably true. Anyways, what’s your favorite girl’s dorm?
I’ve only ever been in PDub, Cavanaugh, and Ryan. I would say PDub though because everyone I’ve met there is super chill and your rector is really nice too.
Good choice.
Wait, no, can I change my answer? My favorite girl’s dorm is definitely Keough.
Campus Involvement
Give me a comprehensive list of what you’re involved in on campus.
– Freshman Class Council
– Glynn Family Honors Program
– O’Neill Hall Government
– Computer Club
– Model UN
– Notre Dame Day Student Planning
– ND Votes ‘16
When do you sleep?
I either get 4 or 13 hours depending on the day. What is sleep for anyways?
What are you most looking forward to this year at Notre Dame?
ND Votes 16 – it’s a student-organized attempt at changing the way the ND student body approaches politics. In the US, we have around a 50 percent voting rate for major presidential elections. The youth vote is far below that rate. At a university where civic engagement and citizenship are hailed as priorities, there’s no real reason for us not to be voting, but it still happens.
To change this, we’ve hosted student forums, events, and lectures to engage students. However, the students that are attending these events are already students that are planning to vote. We want to be one of the most politically engaged campuses in the country. Next semester, plan on seeing ND Votes booths and representatives all around campus. They’ll be in the dorms and the dining halls so that you can register to vote in your home state.
What is on your Notre Dame bucket list?
– Go to the top floor of Hesburgh Library
– Visit Carroll
– Swim in the lakes
Are you sure you want to do that? They’re kind of gross.
You’re right.
Miscellaneous
Did you have a moment on campus when you knew you that you were in the right place?
It might sound nerdy, but I wanna shout out a senior named Bright Gyamfi. We were talking about life, and he reiterated a quote that Fr. John Jenkins said: “Let no one ever again say that we dreamed too small.” It’s by far my favorite quote and it’s the aspect with which I identify and which I appreciate most about the University.
Describe your ideal day at Notre Dame.
Wake up at 3:30 PM to a fresh cup of coffee made by my roommate and served to me in bed. Shoutout to Peter (@LoughranPeter). Honestly, I’d just have some friends over to hang out and chill and talk and watch TV. I know it sounds simple, but it’s honestly what makes me most happy here. Then maybe go rowing on one of the lakes, play spike ball on south quad, or do something new that I’ve never done or have time to do usually. Drink more good coffee. Netflix and chill with my roommate @LoughranPeter.
Biggest regret?
Not realizing that you’re my best friend soon enough. Nobody’s gonna believe that I actually said that, but it’s true.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ideally, I would be a funny person. But seriously, I’d like to be in some sort of elected office, like, I dunno, President? Honestly, I want to stop planning for the future and learn how to live in the moment. And be President.
Thanks, Prathm!
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Images: provided by author