Meet this week’s Campus Celeb Shailee Kumar, who’s enjoying her last few days as an ND Senior!
First off, some basic stuff. What’s your major, why did you pick it, and what advice do you have for undecided freshmen?
I’m an Accounting major and Computer Applications minor. I wish we could double major in Mendoza – I always wanted to do IT as well (hence the CAPP minor). My advice would be to think about the industry/career you want to go into and work backwards to a major decision from there. Your college classes might suck, but that may not be what it’s actually like to use that degree in the future.
Shailee and her family enjoying dinner out
I mentioned earlier that you’re enjoying your last few days – you’re graduating early! May I ask why?
I’ve grown up associating so much prestige with a degree, and so I guess some time in the last 3.5 years I decided, “If one degree is great, two would be awesome!” So this is my way of getting a head start on my Masters of Accountancy, which I’ll complete at Villanova University.
I’m sure all that keeps you quite busy! Do you have any time for hobbies and if so, what are they?
Hobbies…hmm…well, I absolutely LOVE dancing. You can count on me to be dancing at any party, bar, social gathering, study group, intimate family get-together, casual walk to class, etc. I’m also very talented at car-singing. The road is my stage.
Shailee and her friends on a Football Saturday
I can personally attest to Shailee’s love of dancing.
Now, onto some more serious stuff. As president of IAND (Indian Association of Notre Dame), can you speak to diversity on campus? Are you looking to see more cultural events in the future?
So it’s no secret that Notre Dame isn’t the most diverse campus as far as ethnicity and religion go. But in my time here, I’ve met so many people with diverse mindsets and experiences. It’s a different kind of diversity, of course, but still something unique to this place.
I think some of the deepest conversations I’ve ever had have been at the downstairs section of North Dining Hall. I’m not sure which other college students can say that.
As far as more cultural events go, I think there has already been a push through SAO and MSPS to increase the amount of multicultural events on campus. Whether that be through an increase of available funding or an incentive to collaborate with cultural associations, it’s clear that the University is trying to diversify its student events. Personally our IAND events have seen drastic increases in attendance, and I’m hoping this continues through the rest of this year and beyond!
Shailee and the rest of the Bollywood dance group (including yours truly) at Asian Allure!
Finally, my favorite question. What’s your personal style?
I wear a lot of simple clothes – jeans and a sweater, v-necks, etc. I’m all about comfy clothes, but I still want to look put together. You never know who you might run into! Â
I’m also obsessed with shoes…as in I have over 50 pairs JUST at Notre Dame. My closet at home is full of them too! I’m really short, so I always wear heels when I go out. No one notices because it just seems like I’m normal sized for a change!
I feel you, girl. Thanks, Shailee!
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Images courtesy of interviewee