1. Why did you apply to HASTAC?
HASTAC was brought my attention from a professor at my current university, Dr. Janni Aragon at UVIC. I was a first-year transfer student still trying to find my bearings in my new community and in academia. Before joining UVIC and having the opportunity to participate in HASTAC, I never felt that I had a place in academia and felt constantly afraid to take the next steps on my academic journey. I have always had a passion for technology but upon entering my first year of undergraduate as a Political Science student I felt that I missed my opportunity choosing one over the other. My professor showed me that I can still share my love of Political Science and combine my interests in technology. I was in her Technology and Society 200 class when I had this realization and Janni contacted me and made me aware of the HASTAC opportunity. This fellowship allows for me to take part in digital scholarship projects and connect with like-minded individuals that influence and inspire my research.
2. What has been your favorite so far as an instructor or student? Why?
Social Movements and Protests Politics at Concordia University was the first class that introduced me to the intersections of technology and Political Science. It was where I was introduced to concepts such as “clicktivism” and strength of digital tools in todays digital world that aid movements and campaigns globally. This class would lead me to take others that have similar teachings that emphasizes these concepts such as Communications and Politics, which questioned our relationship with Politics.
3. What do you want to do after you graduate?
Like most undergraduate students, I continue to question and contemplate this question daily. I hope to pursue a career that allows to continue to work in digital scholarship. By continuing my studies into post-graduate education in the realm of communications and digital media, I hope this continues to enable me with these essential skills and interests.
4. What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?
When I was a kid my dream career was a writer. I would write poems, short stories, Fanfiction, and eventually plays, and one act productions. This would flourish to my love of journalism and investigative work. I continue to expand my research and inquiry skills during my undergraduate degree.
5. What do you hope to accomplish with your research or teaching?
My research interests are drawn towards South Asian diaspora, digital literacy and pedagogy. This stems from my background in taking a deeper look at exploring my identity as an Indo-Canadian. As well as seeing my parents struggle in today’s digital age with the rapid advancement of technology. As a digital native myself, I saw a distance grow between my parents and I as my life became consumed by technology and they watched from the outside. I hope to bridge this happen and create more resources for digital immigrants especially in the South Asian community.
6. How do you envision HASTAC and/or higher education in 10 years? Where do you fit in?
In 10 years, I envision higher education to play more of an integrative role with digital scholarship as HASTAC does among all fields of study. I hope students like myself who are entering higher education who felt their love of digital scholarships would have no place in higher education and field are educated on how essential and universal it truly is. The digital age is upon us and I hope that higher education advances with it.
7. What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I am watching way too many shows, currently The Sopranos and Scrubs, and working on reading The Doll by Boleslaw Prus (English translation).