When Varshini Bhavanam immigrated to the United States in 2018, she had two years of high school left, and the transition from India to Minnesota was challenging.

“There were a lot of differences for me,” she said. “There wasn't a particular place for me to express my culture.”

Bhavanam, who is normally outgoing, shrunk into her shell. “I was really introverted,” she said.

When the time came to go to college, Bhavanam was looking for a medium-sized campus, and the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) seemed like a good fit. Her decision was influenced by “the view, too,” she said. “I love Lake Superior.”

Once on campus, she was introduced to the International Club, a student group housed within the Multicultural Center. Through club gatherings and events, Bhavanam began feeling more comfortable with life in the U.S. “International Club has helped me grow a lot as a person, and be more outgoing and confident in myself,” she said.

Now, Bhavanam serves as the club’s president, helping other students find community on campus. In February, she helped organize Feast of Nations, one of the club’s annual community events featuring food from around the world and a talent and fashion show. Events like Feast of Nations have provided Bhavanam an opportunity to express her identity and culture, something she felt was missing before coming to UMD.

“I think it's shaped me personally and also academically,” she said.

As a computer science student, Bhavanam has learned multiple coding languages and has gained hands-on experience building mobile applications. One of her favorite classes is Mobile User Experience and Design, taught by Jomara Sandbulte, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science. In that class, Bhavanam and her classmates are working to develop a meal-planning app for low-income families and college students. The experience helped influence her mission of wanting to use technology to help others.

“There are a lot of ways to use technology, and right now I feel like I’m experimenting,” she said.

Bhavanam is also working alongside a graduate student on a research project developing a self-care app for college students. They are currently conducting focus groups to determine what themed application would connect well with their target demographic.

“We're trying to see what elements would actually motivate people to use the app," she said.

Beyond campus, Bhavanam works as an intern with Aspirus St. Luke’s, where she helps with data management. She also enjoys exploring Duluth’s restaurants, historical sites, and attractions such as the Great Lakes Aquarium, and Lake Superior Zoo. Her experience at UMD, she said, has helped her step outside of her comfort zone, reconnect with her culture and gain self-confidence.

“I love UMD,” she said. “I think it's a great place to become more extroverted and be involved in a lot of activities.”