Meet Vinayak Rao, a nominee for 2013 Homecoming King! Prepare to vote for your King and Queen starting October 15th.
Alexa: What are you involved in at UMass?
Vinayak: I’m involved in a lot of RSO’s and clubs here at UMass. I’m deeply invested in SGA (Student Government Association), having served in Senate the past two years, I also have been elected the Chairman of Finance for Student Government. Secondly, I am a brother at Theta Chi Fraternity, being part of their recruitment committee.
Alexa: Why do you think you would be a good representative of UMass?
Vinayak: I would be a great representative of UMass because I am a well rounded student that has been able to balance good academic standing, social activities and involvement in clubs and RSO’s. People come to college not just to grow academically, but to grow socially and internally. The opportunities UMass has given me has allowed me to do just so
Alexa: What is your favorite UMass memory?
Vinayak: My favorite UMass memory is probably a bit different than most people. On a cool October night my freshman year, I was walking back to my dorm from Hasbrouck after an Astronomy lab. I was still new to UMass and just seeing the sights of the fall foliage by the campus pond, listening to the sounds of leaves crunching with each step; it was a sensory overload like no other. It made me realize how beautiful this campus was and after that, I knew UMass was the place for me.
Alexa: What’s your favorite spot at UMass?
Vinayak: Without a doubt, my favorite spot at UMass would have to be Southwest. I have had so many happy memories there that with each second I spend thinking about there, I get a crazy nostalgic rush. From all the unforgettable Freshman year memories at John Adams and to all the delicious stirfry meals at Berk; Southwest will always hold a special place in my heart.
Alexa: What is the most useful thing you have learned at UMass (in or outside of the classroom)?
Vinayak: The most useful thing that I’ve learned at UMass is to take risks and put myself out of my comfort zone, regardless of how scared you may or may not be. Like I mentioned earlier, college is a place to learn; and without the experience of failure, you’ll never learn how to succeed. Because of what I learned here at UMass, I took a leap of faith and spent the last 6 months in Brasil. I put myself out of my comfort zone and it turned out to be an extremely rewarding risk to take.
Alexa: What is your favorite activity during UMass Homecoming week and why?
Vinayak: My favorite activities during Homecoming week are the Nearly Naked Mile and the Homecoming Football Game. The Nearly Naked Mile was special last year because it took place during a torrential downpour. I was under the impression that it would be cancelled, but instead, it continued in full force and a lot of people ran it during the heavy rain. The Homecoming Football game is also really special because of the opportunity to go to Foxboro and see the spectacle that is Gillette Stadium. It was a great opportunity, as I met a lot of Alumni and had a great time cheering on UMass.
Alexa: If you were to be crowned UMass Homecoming King 2013 what would your reaction be?
Vinayak: One word: ecstatic. I would be ecstatic if I were crowned Homecoming King this year. I feel that everyone on the royalty court would make a great Homecoming King or Queen and that each one of us brings our own unique traits that qualify us as exceptional candidates.
Alexa: If you could give one piece of advice to UMass underclassmen that are aspiring kings and queens, what would it be?
Vinayak: Get involved with the countless opportunities that UMass has to offer. It’s the best way to get your name out there. You can get by doing just the bare minimum and have a blast at college. Only by branching out, taking risks and putting yourself out of your comfort zone will you experience UMass to its maximized potential.