Name: Khudai Tanveer
Year: Freshman
Age: 18
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
Major: Political Science
Minor: Business Administration
Hobbies: “Reading, talking to people, and jumping on the trampoline when it rains!”
What are you involved with in the VCU/Richmond community?
“I’m currently involved with RamTHON, a dance marathon to support the children’s hospital of Richmond, as the Facilities co-with my best friend. I’m also involved in the MSA as part of the fundraising committee, as well as with MIST, Muslim inter scholastic tournament, as a Marketing Outreach Marketing coordinator. I also serve as a VCU SGA senator & membership committee member. As well as a diversity ambassador for OMSA. Equally as important I’m currently in the new member education program for a sorority.”
How did you end up owning your own store? How well does it run? What do you sell there?
“It actually happened after I received a scholarship last year! I was given two options by my parents for the money I had been saving for college since I was 8, I could invest the money, if I so chose or I could keep it safely tucked away in my bank account. I made the same choice that my dad took as a young age, I started a business. Of course, I couldn’t have done it without their experience, faith and support (both financially and emotionally, tax week made me cry multiple times). It runs amazingly! It’s a community store on Shepard street (1.7 miles from the commons!!) and it’s doing great! A lot of the customers have become loyal to us in just a matter of three months! I feel truly blessed! We sell everything from fresh veggies and some meats to candy and every junk food imaginable. I love candles so we have an entire section dedicated to them! Plus our wine and beer collection is insane!”
Why did you pick VCU?
“Cliche answer, for the diversity. I believe in vibes like most people believe in religion. I think the aura, the feel of a place should be a defining factor in whether or not you attend and for me VCU had the most vibrant vibes. Each individual here is so unique that it’s hard not to see the world as a much brighter place than it is now.”
What piece of advice would you like to give to other students who aren’t involved on campus?
“My advice would be to dedicate yourself to something. Be passionate about something. Passion is what leads to greatness and I think it’s necessary for our generation to be great, successful and progressive. We have a big mess to clean up from the previous generations and being ordinary isn’t going to cut it.”
What’s your best experience at VCU so far?
“My best experience would have been the summer scholars program that I attended this summer. I met such an array of people and got such an amazing handle on college life a few months earlier than everyone else. It was good coming into VCU knowing what to do and how to be because we practiced it all summer!”
Where do you want to be in four years?
“In four years I want to be walking across the Segal center stage with a degree in political science and walk straight into VCU Med School. I also want to have worked with at least two NGO’s at that point.”
What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
“My favorite thing to do on campus? Hmm. This is going to sound weird but I love going to meetings for the eboards i’m involved in. It makes me feel relevant. Like I’m part of something bigger than my self, like I’m doing something positive for humanity.”