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Venkataramani “Venkat” Tiruchirappalli Narayana Kumar is a graduate student majoring in Electrical Engineering, from Chennai, India, and never expected to learn this much about himself in such a short period of time. Starting his experience as a Flyer in January 2018, Venkat shares more about his value of family, learning, tradition and engaging with others.

Can you share an intercultural experience or moment that inspired you?

There are plenty, but one is working as IPOL [International Peer Orientation Leader] this summer. The leaders were wonderful people, and treated everyone with respect and dignity as new students. When I came through as a new student, the same leaders were there to comfort me and worked to understand my culture, and where I came from. Their explanations of what was to come with student life at UD, insights into American culture, and overall the whole orientation program helped me gain a lot of insights. It’s one of the main reason I have been successful here, and continues to be very inspiring to me. A second experience is in my role as a research assistant, in my group projects. I have been paired with many different students from various cultures. Some I share same continent with, but continue to see how our cultures are very different. Our professor encourages us to embrace our differences and work through these moments, and it encourages me to keep going, and keep an open mind.

• In your opinion, what are some benefits to international education/exchange?

I think it is important for every human. If you get the chance in life, I encourage everyone to move out of their own country, and live some place new. Only then can we know more about ourselves. For instance, in India, parents do a lot of the day to day chores and responsibilities, and encourage us to just focus on being a student. But here in the U.S., being independent is very important as an early adult, and in life. I never would have learned that without coming here. 

Where is a place you have always wanted to explore, and why?

I really like to travel but have only had a few opportunities; coming here was the first time I have left India. I have always wanted to travel to New York City because it is a place where every country can be represented, and can be associated with in other countries. Another place I really want to travel is the United Kingdom. London happens to be one of my favorite places. I love the royal monarch and the century old traditions and how there is still respect for the history. In no other country has the monarch worked like is has in the UK.

• What is one aspect or memory of home that you still embrace today?

My tradition, for instance, the kinds of prayers, rituals, and food habits I have are very important to me. Whenever there are important functions I want to honor, I try and visit the temple and ensure that the tradition is kept. And the values that my family and country have taught me.

• Who is someone that has inspired you or you believe to be a role model for global leadership? Why?

My professor, Dr. Feng Ye, from Electrical and Computer Engineering. I work for him as a research assistant. He is the most wonderful person I have ever met in this world; he is intelligent, talented, humble and extremely understanding. He always puts us first, and I see him as a God given gift to me. If I’m ever given the chance, I would like to become like him.

• If you had to pick a life motto or quote, what would it be? Why?

Life is not a bed of roses, but a bed of thorns. This is something I learned as a child, but it remains true. The world can be very cruel world, but still, we have to move forward with positivity in mind.