Tracking the footprints of a Polar Bear

Year One

My first year on campus was a crash course on exploration and connection. Coming from a small high school with limited activities, I jumped into campus life head‑first, always aiming skyward with ambition. With only three years of college because of course credits from high school, I wanted to make the most of each moment.

Finding my North Stars

Some people might view my constant networking as "obsessive." But to me, it was investing for the long-term. Relationships and mentorship have shaped every stage of my journey, giving me guidance and a sense of belonging when I needed it most. The people who invested in me by challenging me gave me confidence to open doors I didn't yet know how to knock on.

I met my friends, Eden and Tori, during my sophomore year biology class. We bonded over the long labs and eventually took another class together the next semester, Logic.

Selfie of 3 gals dressed warmly in jackets seated in bright orange football stadium seats

My co-workers-turned-friends in Residence Life convinced me to put up my skis and pick up a snowboard. Here's what I learned: If snowboarding were easy, it would be called skiing!

Snow selfie of 4 friends in warm clothing in the snow with skis on posing together

Ms. Drzycimiski-Finn, or as I call her, Ms. DF, makes up the best part of my ONU experience. I wish there was one word to encompass how important she has been to me.

Selfie where there is a woman in the background seated behind a table full of papers waving

I met Paige and Morgan our first week living on campus and we became inseparable after that. We all shared similar sibling dynamics and were the eldest of the bunch!

Rocking chair selfie with 3 ladies posing, one making a kissy face

After completing my term with the Student Senate, I met with President Baumann and Dr. Bradshaw to discuss my next steps for making a campus impact.

Cafeteria selfie with Simran, ONU President Baumann and another staff member

My fellow Writing Center tutors and I got real artsy during a team meeting and left with DaVinci-inspired canvases.

Painting party selfie with 3 friends showing their works of art

Dr. Kofi Nsia-Pepra was the reason why I switched my initial Criminal Justice major to Political Science. His incredible history with international relations is what drew me into taking all 6 classes he offered!

Simran and an older person pointing to a social studies education paper

Simran and a friend taking a selfie in the law library

My law library sanctuary

I found my people on campus, but I also found my place. The law school library easily became my favorite hidden gem, especially during finals. As an undergrad, the luxury of the extra-cushioned chairs were calling my name, and the silence was unbeatable. Sneaking over here feels like claiming a piece of campus for myself – it has become my unofficial home base.

Simran posing next to a circle K club ohio district governor flag on a stage

Building a circle of service

When I began college, I knew I wanted one thing: to be fiercely kind. This is why I founded the Ohio Northern University chapter of Circle K International, an organization that continues to enrich the world one member, one child, and one community at a time.

Connecting with my culture

Growing up bilingual in a Punjabi-speaking home while navigating within an English-speaking school, taught me how to move between cultures without losing myself. Switching languages and environments every day helped me appreciate perspectives that others might overlook. And even now, code-switching continues to shape how I understand my identity.

While my friend Mariam was representing Senegal and I was representing India, we always managed to get a picture together at the Multicultural Festival.

Selfie of Simran in a olive green Punjab on posing next to a friend wearing a purple outfit

The Multicultural Festival allowed me to talk to students, faculty, and community visitors about the diverse and energetic cultures all across Indiana.

Presentation table with a poster titled Punjab on it and the presenter behind the table in a blue Punjab on.

The summer after my freshman year of college, I traveled to Punjab, India, and got to explore my country for the first time in years.

India photo out on the water on a boat, Simran posing with a cup in her hand

Despite the challenges of balancing two cultures, returning to my family’s home country was truly a breath of fresh air.

Young lady looking back over her shoulder in an open field with mountains in the background

This is one of my favorite pictures from my trip to Punjab in 2024. My brother, cousin, grandma, and I are all sitting on my mom's childhood bed.

Group of 4 family like photo all seated together

Year Two

As a student from a working-class background, I am acutely aware of the financial hurdle that higher education presents. To ensure that the high cost of education leads to a successful legal career, I strive to secure opportunities that will solidify my network. My leadership and service experiences have been the heart of my undergraduate career at ONU.

Helping the Tundra thrive

Throughout my undergraduate years, I have served in leadership roles that require high levels of commitment, such as Orientation Leader for incoming freshman, Senior Resident Assistant with Residence Life, and Secretary of Campus Organizations within Student Senate, all while maintaining a rigorous academic schedule. These experiences have shaped me into someone who follows through, adapts quickly, and shows up fully for the roles I take on.

As secretary of campus organizations, I took on multiple roles all at once. To honor that commitment, I was awarded the Student Senate Toby and Kendall Baker Promising Leadership Award.

3 gals posing together with the center woman holding out an award - promising leadership award

My staff as a Resident Assistant were my built-in friends. There was nothing this group couldn’t convince me to do, as long as we were doing it together.

Big group on a sidewalk holding a banner that says Lima complex hoco 2024 and a moon and anstronaut

At the annual end-of-the-year party for Residence Life, my Lima staff team and I took one final photo as a team.

I was ready to shout “Go, Bears!” to the incoming freshman driving down Main St. and into their home for the next four years.

ONU student holding blue sign that says Hong 4 bears

During my first year as CKI president, I started the tradition of doing sidewalk chalk every April 22 for Earth Day.

2 students on hands and knees on the sidewalk using chalk to write

Although I was at the Annual Residence Life Block Party for the last two years, it wasn’t until my third year that I decided to take on the infamous slip 'n slide.

2 females on a slip on slide with background students hosing it down

I was recognized as one of eight students to receive the President's Excellence in Leadership Award. Freshman year tested my leadership, management and collaboration skills, yet it was as much about service and work as fun and play.

2 females holding awards -Excellence leadership award - posing together with a collection of flags behind them

ONU student, Simran seated in the cockpit

Chasing clouds between classes

In some alternate universe, where I wasn’t actively pursuing law as a career, I would become a pilot. Through local aviation scholarships, I have continued adding hours to my paperback pilot logbook. Having been raised in the birth town of aviation, Dayton, Ohio, I find it fitting to pursue flying, being that I am reminded of the Wright Brothers at every turn.

The “write” stuff

My dedication to service and my peers is further exemplified by my role as a Writing Center tutor, where I offer high-impact academic support to diverse student populations navigating rigorous coursework, personal challenges, and institutional barriers. Within this role, I have learned how to operate as both educator and mentor, delivering individualized instruction while managing emotional dynamics and motivational roadblocks.

Summer of innovation

My summer internship at the University of Dayton Research Institute was a rewarding journey in innovation and collaboration. I developed an automated data-tracking model that improved operational efficiency for congressional advocacy efforts, collaborated with leadership on research supporting community-focused initiatives, and built a high-intensity job-shadowing program that expanded career pathways for high school students. I was also introduced to new friends and incredible community leaders like Dr. Spina, and my supervisors, Dave and Kristy.

I planned and executed an intern event that provided curious interns an opportunity to learn from incredible professionals who shared their journeys, insights, and advice.

I had my first professional headshot taken as an intern at UDRI. (This is only a selfie!)

0.5 selfie of Simran in front of a monitor

I had the great pleasure of sharing my experiences at ONU with Dr. Spina of UD.

Despite working on different projects throughout the summer, my team at the DTC would get together and learn, serve, and grow alongside organizations within the Dayton community.

Year Three

From a young age, I aimed high into the sky and aspired to grab the clouds as a souvenir for my way back down. The trampoline in my backyard was my first launchpad, but when tornadoes swept it away, I didn’t lose that instinct to soar. Instead, I carried it into college, treating my first year as the new trampoline that would set the trajectory for my future. I threw myself into opportunities, pushed toward ambitious goals, and set my sights on joining the Air Force as a Judge Advocate General, inspired by the Wright-Patterson Air Force base just minutes from my home. I now believe that losing my trampoline was one of the best things to happen to me. It taught me to continue to soar through ambition, focus, and dedication.

Representing the Orange and Black

Fall semester of my senior year, I was voted as one of 11 students to represent ONU on the Homecoming Court. We celebrated our campus community in full spirit from the parade to the Homecoming football game. Every moment was a reminder of the tradition and pride that make this university so special.

homecoming court with their heads out of the tram

Homecoming pairs waiting on the field where the ladies are wearing their sashes

big group homecoming court pairs posing on the back of downtown lima shuttle

Leveling up as a peer mentor

What began as a simple class quickly grew into a confident friendship. Serving as a peer mentor allowed me to become a trusted mentor and reliable source of support, just like my mentors were to me. I continue to offer personalized support to my mentee, whether it be my notes from a class I took or silly “would you rather” questions to keep a conversation going.

J-term Adventure: China

As a first-gen student juggling multiple jobs with a maxed out academic schedule, studying abroad has always felt like a big leap. Being awarded the Gilman Scholarship through the U.S. State Department gave me the opportunity to take that leap. During J-Term, I traveled to China to study Mandarin Chinese and experience a new culture. I embraced the name my high school Chinese teacher gave me, “柯宁静”, as part of this journey.

Gotta represent wherever I go.

Female student in China tram holding an orange ONU flag with a polar bear

0.5 selfies make up most of my images from the trip.

.5 selfie photo of a group of 5 people in the China Adidas store

The selfie my friends and I took to commemorate the New Year.

My incredible classmates, Gabi and Jocelyn, and teacher Cait Laoshi.

Group of 4 posing in front of orange and red circular paper decorations

It wouldn't be China without spotting a panda bear somewhere.

Samran posing in front of statue of teacups with pandas on them

Ultimate leap toward graduation

My sister and I are the first high school (and soon to be college!) graduates of our family. To commemorate this moment, we decided to go skydiving. There was a moment when I was standing at the edge of the plane door and every instinct was telling me to hold on. And the next moment, I was diving into a free-fall above the beautiful city of Dayton. That split second felt like a metaphor for this coming season of life. As I get ready to graduate, I’m choosing to lean into the freefall and I know I’ll land exactly where I’m meant to.

On to the next chapter

My long‑term goal is to become an Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG), and the first steps toward that career begin with a strong LSAT performance and a competitive law school application. After completing my gap year, I plan to attend law school while joining the local Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. Three years later, I aim to graduate, pass the bar, complete Officer Training School, and attend the Air Force JAG School to train in the legal practice of the Air Force. The LSAC+ Program aligns perfectly with these goals. Its structured LSAT preparation and mentorship will give me the academic grounding I need to begin this trajectory with confidence. Being part of a community that grows together is something I’m excited for, and I’m ready to contribute to that environment with openness and enthusiasm.

Always a Polar Bear

Throughout my experiences in academics, leadership, service, and professional settings, I have sought to encapsulate the build-up to living the “American Dream." Although I am still early on that journey, I will always look back to my time at ONU with fondness for the expectations I initially came in with and the future I continue to create as I exit. This time of my life has been an individual path, and by doing the actions required to experience it, I get to leave as the first college graduate in my family and an innate recognition for aiming skyward.