Shivam Aggarwal

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Hometown: Houston, TX

Major: Environmental Engineering

Year: Junior

1. Why did you join ABSA?

I signed up for the ABSA newsletter at summer orientation but I didn’t intend to actually go to the first interest meeting because I was scared to go alone. Thankfully, my roommate Sanmay had also signed up and didn’t want to go alone so we went together! I guess when it comes down to it, I joined ABSA because of him.

2. What is your favorite ABSA memory?

My favorite ABSA memory is winning the 2018 Dodge for a Cause. It was not an easy fight, but I’m extremely grateful for my teammates for having my back and I was so proud of us for making it all the way through the tournament. It was such an incredible moment and I will treasure that memory for the rest of my life.

3. What’s your favorite thing about UT Austin?

My favorite part about UT is how welcoming and accommodating it is. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you will definitely find the place where you belong here.

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

I would tell myself to remember that it’s okay to not be okay. Life isn’t easy! You can’t expect yourself to always feel happy and amazing because that’s exhausting and unrealistic. You’re going to go through rough patches and you’re going to want to give up. That’s okay! Take care of yourself, first and foremost, and then get back into the swing of things. Things will work out. :)

5. What is your dream job?

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what I want to do in my future. I am very passionate about environmentalism and sustainability (hence my major) so I can see myself pursuing a career geared toward helping the environment. However, I don’t think I have a specific job that I’m particularly aspiring toward.

6. What’s your favorite TV Show/Movie/etc?

I can’t choose just one favorite TV show of mine so my top three are Parks and Recreation, The Haunting of Hill House, and Gravity Falls. My favorite movie of all time is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I must have seen it at least 900 times by now but I never get tired of it.

7. What is one thing that you love about yourself?

I believe that my most valuable quality is being encouraging. I want the people around me to feel supported and confident in themselves. Encouragement can go a long way and it is a small way for me to have a positive impact on someone.

8. Name the top five things on your bucket list

  1. Catch a home run ball at Minute Maid Park

  2. Meet Gordon Ramsay

  3. Learn how to tre flip on a skateboard

  4. Start (and maintain) a YouTube channel

  5. Come to a point in my life where I am content with my accomplishments