Yashika Garg is a Ph.D. Candidate from India studying Biology here at Florida State University. She credits her choice of attending FSU due to the vast and well-equipped biology department. “With access to all essential facilities and the presence of an in-house Cryo-EM Titan, the department offers unparalleled opportunities,” she said. She went on to say that, “their utilization of cutting-edge techniques such as CRISPR, Cryo-EM, NMR, SANS, and X-ray crystallography is highly sought after in the job market. Additionally, the university’s inclusive and welcoming environment further appealed to me.”

As any other international student living somewhere new, there are always challenges to overcome. Yashika has overcome these challenges of adjusting to a new social and academic environment. “Amidst these demands, it was crucial to prioritize my mental and physical well-being while acclimating to the intricacies of the US higher education system,” ... “Despite the challenges, I am immensely grateful for the opportunities the university has offered me during my tenure here and for the skills I have developed as a result,” said Yakisha. She also credits her overcoming the challenges of this transition to the many amenities FSU offers for its students, and that being involved in on-campus activities and organizations has been one of her favorite parts of this experience: “FSU offers an array of amenities for its students, and I fondly remember the time I spent living on campus. One cherished memory involves late-night movie outings with my roommate at the FSU Cinema, conveniently located right on campus and free for students. Another unforgettable experience was attending the Halloween Circus series at the FSU Circus, a unique feature as only a few universities host an in-house circus, and FSU is among them. Additionally, events like the International Coffee Hours, organized by the CGE, Market Wednesdays, and bowling at the FSU Student Union stand out as some of the most enjoyable experiences.”

Outside of the many activities around campus, Yashika spent her time here joining many organizations, especially within her department, to become more involved on campus and with others in her major. She talks about the engagement she has had the opportunity to be a part of: “Over the past years, I have served as a PIE associate and CGE Global Ambassador, roles that have enabled me to support university TAs and students.” She goes on to say that “Within the biology department, I assumed the role of Student Coordinator Officer, organizing Graduate interview weekends both online and offline. Furthermore, I had the privilege of serving as the president of Graduate Women in STEM at FSU, an experience I hold dear.” She didn’t stop here! Inspired by FSU’s encouragement, Yashika has even gotten involved in our local city of Tallahassee, through her position with Graduate Women in STEM and her passion for science. “We orchestrated various initiatives, including science workshops for school children, an ART in STEM exhibition in collaboration with FSU Libraries and the College of Arts and Sciences, and

participation in science fairs across Tallahassee to inspire young minds to pursue STEM careers. Additionally, I served as a Judge at the Capital Regional Science and Engineering Fair and volunteered for the Junior League Tallahassee food drive,” explained Yashika.

After her time here, so far, her goal upon finishing her graduate work, she aims to, “contribute to industries that demand advanced expertise and specialized abilities such as leadership, public speaking, teamwork, and patience,” said Yashika. She goes on to say that “through involvement in student organizations, university committee's mentorship, and leadership positions, FSU has equipped me to pursue my aspirations with assurance and positivity. The research training, analytical skills, and exposure offered by the program will significantly benefit my career. It has equipped me to address intricate challenges, make well-informed decisions, and independently conduct research.” Overall, her experience at FSU has shaped her into a better scholar, researcher, and global traveler. She explained how the challenges she faced helped her grow in her profession and as a person: “I find myself transformed into a stronger individual – more resilient, patient, empathetic, optimistic, a capable team leader, and confident in my future decision-making abilities.”

Yashika hopes to pass on advice and talk about her experience in order to help other international students, like herself. She said that “as you navigate the transition to student life in the U.S., you’ll encounter a variety of highs and lows. Allow yourself the space to embrace each moment while keeping sight of the bigger picture. Seek guidance from a mentor, engage in on-campus social activities, and prioritize quality time with family and friends. While joining campus organizations is beneficial, don’t overlook the value of immersing yourself in the local community. Community involvement and novel experiences contribute to personal growth and foster a positive outlook on life – an aspect often overlooked in the first year of school. Lastly, understand your limitations. Each discovery about yourself and your capacity strengthens you, making you more resilient and at ease with your new environment.”