My name is Pavini Dhawan, I am a 19-year-old freshman at Baruch College, where I am majoring in Biology. Being the first in my family to attend college, I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility and that is also why I feel that studying biology and having a career in it lives up to the expectations I have for myself. My college experience has been both exciting and challenging, possibly influenced by my background and the diverse perspectives I bring to the table. The Biology program at Baruch, along with the resources from the Natural Sciences Department at Weissman School of Arts and Sciences; offered career and academic advisement, which has helped me choose the right classes and gain hands-on skills for the future. As I navigate through college, my aim is of becoming a surgeon, with a potential specialization in anesthesiology. It’s a path that I find both tough and exciting, and I am eager to embrace the challenges ahead. Studying at Baruch College, I hope to not only achieve my academic goals but also make a positive impact on my community and beyond.