Sushmeena Parihar ’20
Class Year
2020
Area(s) of Study
Psychology and Politics
Hometown
Mumbai, India
Co-curricular
Dance team
Student Ambassador Specialist
Ambassadors
Young Alumni Challenge Committee
ARRC
Phi Beta Kappa
Psi Chi
Omicron Delta Kappa
Senior 25
Research assistant
Richter Scholar
Science and Healthcare Career Pathway Leadership Team
Internships
Case Management Intern
Achievements
Published co-author in Memory. Richter Scholar (human memory). Research Assistant (social psychology). Study Abroad (Greece).
What drew you to Lake Forest College?
Lake Forest’s proximity to Chicago and endless opportunities for research.
Have you had experiences here—besides your classes—that have helped prepare you for your future?
Yes - working for the Office of Admissions has given me interpersonal skills that I’m so grateful for! For example, I am a much more confident public speaker now than I used to be. Being captain of the Dance Team has also helped me ameliorate my leadership and time management skills!
How are you handling the sudden change and transition to online learning?
It’s rough - as it is for everyone, but the faculty and staff are so supportive and understanding of the whole situation so it alleviates some of the stress that comes with adjusting to a new learning method.
What do you do in your free time (before the COVID-19 pandemic)?
I love dancing, working out, swinging at the Lake Forest beach, going into the ravines, watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am going to attend graduate school for Political Psychology!
Any advice for new Foresters?
(1) The faculty and staff at Lake Forest College really do care for you more than you can imagine - let them help you. (2) Document every big little moment during your college experience - 4 years go by quicker than you expect and you WILL 100% want to go back and find solace in those documented moments once it’s all over.
What has been your favorite memory at Lake Forest College?
Having my bosses from Admissions and CAC show up to my symposium presentation to support me! Truly goes to show how much love exists within the Forester community.
Parting words?
If I had to choose a college again, I’d pick Lake Forest over and over and over again. A hidden gem - there is truly no other place I’d rather call home.