Aayan alam

Hometown: Lubbock, TX

Major: Biochemistry

Year: Sophomore

1. Why did you join ABSA?

I joined in the first place to be exposed to a group of people that I wouldn't usually see, as a CNS major, alongside the fact that I wanted to learn how to get out of my shell as an introvert, and more thoroughly learn public speaking and other such soft networking skills.

2. What is your favorite ABSA memory?

The last week before finals during which I assisted in running Feed Your Mind and then spending the following days with ABSA members until Spring EOS was probably one of the greatest stretches of my Freshman year, where I put a lot of work in but also got so much reward out of my struggles.

3. If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman self, what would it be?

I would honestly tell myself to not be as neurotic about having to meet new people and make the most perfect curated first impression that I possibly could, because the most genuine connections I made were the ones borne from me not trying to put up a perfect facade.

4. What is your favorite food/ favorite place to eat in Austin?

One appreciates a slight Bamboo House, perhaps a Korea House, if you insist, June's on SoCo, and if you really dare, Union's Panda Express.

5. Name the top five things on your bucket list

1. Be able to do a Human Flag.

2. Get a Sub 2 Hour Triathlon.

3. Go to culinary school (post MD).

4. Try every Michelin restaurant in a big city (like NY or LA).

5. Move to/live in a different country for at least 2 years.

6. What fictional character best represents you?

Tony Stark from the MCU (According to the Open Psychometrics Project, at 93%) (but I'm also Batman)