Presenting about my college decision journey and student experience at an admissions event called Purdue’s For Me.
“You will never be fully ready.”
I had this scary but true realization during my freshman year at Purdue University’s Mitchell E. Daniels School of Business.
I used to think I had to be “ready” to be able to contribute something back to students around me. I came into college knowing I wanted to give back and lead, but I constantly had this mindset of waiting until I knew ‘everything’. I assumed my role was to learn and observe until I was able to give back, a linear progression of learn, then lead.
I soon realized that this approach was holding me back. Redefining what “something to offer” meant was crucial: I didn’t have expertise to offer to underclassmen, but I did have experience, reliability and authenticity to share. Now, as an upperclassman, I can say that I still don’t know ‘everything’, and I probably never will, but what makes my contribution special is my ability to share what I’ve learned in real time and how I’ve used it to make an impact.
Some of my friends and I hanging out and spending time together.
ONE CONVERSATION CHANGED EVERYTHING
As a Daniels School of Business Ambassador, my responsibility is to speak with prospective students and their families as they navigate the college decision process. Trying to choose a college is pretty daunting. The Business Ambassador’s job is to make that process easier by sharing our story and love for Purdue. At admissions events held on campus, students will often approach ambassadors to ask questions about how our decision process went and what our current experience at Purdue and Daniels has been. This program is especially unique to the Daniels School; not many other universities offer one-on-one attention with students and their families.
At the admissions events I attended as a first-year ambassador, I remember standing off to the side, hesitating before walking up to a family. I remember thinking to myself: What could I possibly offer them after only one semester here? I didn’t have experiences that many parents ask about yet – studying abroad, internships, etc.
When I decided to push myself outside of my comfort zone and give it a shot, I went up to a family and had an incredible conversation. We talked about the student’s senior year of high school, other schools she’d applied to, and where they currently were in their decision process as a family. We also talked about my personal experience. She responded, telling me how sharing my experiences made the decision easier for her, and in that moment it clicked. I realized I did have the qualifications to make an impact, one found in personal stories, the ability to connect and build relationships, and my desire to continuously learn.
CONFIDENCE COMES FROM SHARING YOUR STORY
While I now have had more of those tangible experiences – study abroad, internships, experiential learning, etc. – the ability to make an impact still lies in my ability to effectively communicate and share them with students. Understanding that I actually am qualified to help students earlier in my college career than I had expected was a full-circle moment for me.
The student I spoke with ultimately chose to attend Purdue, and I still see her on campus today – a small but powerful reminder of the impact I’m capable of making. Knowing that one conversation could influence someone’s decision and shape their college journey felt significant, and it still does every time I see a student I’ve connected with. Realizing I could give back to students who are only a little younger than me without certain experiences I thought I needed to be able to share my story feels surreal, and I’m very grateful to be able to spread the uniqueness of the Boilermaker experience.
Daniels has taught me that impact is driven by a willingness to learn, not credentials on paper. Giving back is part of learning, not something that just occurs after you learn or with seniority – it’s all part of the continuous learning cycle itself. I’ve learned that there is so much value in every person’s background and story, and being able to share those experiences shows the unique perspective each student brings. At Daniels, those perspectives are celebrated and come together to push each other and strengthen the Daniels community to grow to the best version of itself.
Personally, this experience increased my confidence and willingness to share my story, despite not being the most knowledgeable person in the room. With the nature of learning, there is no point where I will know ‘everything’. Being able to embrace that and continuing to ask questions and seek experiences is what helps me make a meaningful impact. Professionally, this mindset has helped me navigate conversations with authenticity and confidence, even when I’m not the most experienced person involved, and has made a meaningful impact in my internships and extracurriculars.
Some of my Delta Sigma Pi brothers and I at the Daniels School Townhall.
YOUR STORY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Your perspective is valuable because it’s current and relatable, so use it. You don’t need to feel “ready” to start making an impact. Don’t underestimate what you bring to the table because sometimes, simply showing up and being yourself is enough to make a difference. That impact isn’t defined by the companies you work for or the positions you hold, but by how you share your experiences and connect with others.
At Daniels, you’ll be pushed to grow through giving back and gaining confidence by sharing your authentic experiences. This growth isn’t linear, and you may never feel fully prepared, but that’s part of the process. Trust your experiences, seek mentorship, and stay open to new opportunities, because Daniels creates an environment where you’re encouraged to try, learn, and grow. What feels small to you could be exactly what helps someone else make one of their biggest decisions.
As I look ahead into my senior year, I have learned so much through connecting with students and each lesson has only reinforced my passion for Purdue and the Daniels School of Business. I’m very excited to continue sharing these experiences through my senior year and spreading Boilermaker pride as an alumnus when I graduate. I feel as though the experience of sharing my Purdue story with others has professionally prepared me for client-facing roles which I will be pursuing in the future.
Author Anisha Nanda is a senior at the Mitch Daniels School of Business at Purdue University, majoring in Marketing and Business Analytics and Information Management (BAIM). She is from South Riding, VA. Anisha serves on the Purdue Foundation Student Board and is a member of Business Ambassadors, Delta Sigma Pi, the BAIM Association.
About the Mitch Daniels School of Business: The Mitch Daniels School of Business at Purdue University is building the future of business. Comprised of the Bruce White Undergraduate Institute and the Krannert Graduate Institute, the school offers top undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and professional development programs in critical business areas. The Daniels School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the leading global reviewer of business schools. Guided by five strategic pillars — Academic Prowess, Freedom and Capitalism, Integration of STEM and Business, Powerful Business Partnerships, and Transformational Student Experience — the Daniels School provides a STEM-infused, interdisciplinary education that empowers graduates to lead and innovate in a rapidly evolving world.
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