Graduating RIT student ready to make a positive impact on the world

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Bharat Thazhathu

Bharat Thazhathu, director of clubs and organizations for Student Government, describes graduation as bittersweet as he is eager to move to the next stage of his life with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Thazhathu, fifth-year mechanical engineering, has helped students reach their full potential through Student Government while continuing his global education.

Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I am originally from Kerala, India, but my family and I moved to Long Island, N.Y., in 2002.

Q: What brought you to RIT?
A: My brother attended RIT in 2001 and I became familiar with the campus when my family and I dropped him off and picked him up every year. I was looking for a university with a great co-op program and a dual-degree program in mechanical engineering. Villanova had a dual-degree program and Northeastern had a great co-op program, but RIT was the only option that had both.

Q: What was it like being the director of clubs and organizations of Student Government?
A: It has been one of my best experiences while at RIT. I was the president for Global Union the year before and I came into the position thinking that my responsibilities and impact on this campus would be diminished—I was completely mistaken. I have had the chance to work with an amazing team of SG representatives who help me make the lives of students, clubs, and major student organizations easier to reach their highest potential.

Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I am anxious to begin my career as soon as possible. I am currently interviewing for a few positions and doing my best to make sure that the right company chooses me to become a part of its family.

Q: What does it feel like to be graduating?
A: As many graduating students can tell you, graduating is certainly bittersweet. Rochester and RIT have become my home and it is going to be really hard to leave this amazing community. On the bright side, it has been a long five years of education, so I am ready to apply my knowledge and skills in order to positively impact the world.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on campus?
A: I really enjoy riding my bicycle around campus just for fun. Leading such a busy lifestyle necessitates decompression time. Any chance I get to ride my bike, I take it.

Q: What have you enjoyed the most at RIT?
A: During my time at RIT, I have had the chance to build strong relationships with students, faculty and staff from a variety of countries, communities and cultures. I have been able to broaden my perspectives and continue a global education.

Q: What other activities are you involved with on campus?
A: I am a student representative for the Alumni Association Board of Directors and I participate in intramural soccer.

Q: What is something about you that not many people know?
A: Over the course of 13 years, I have been fortunate to have lived in many different places. My family has moved to and from Sierra Leone, Senegal, Rhode Island, England, Guatemala and finally Long Island.

Q: Any advice you would give to other RIT students?
A: Everyone should step outside of their comfort zone. RIT provides many opportunities to learn new things, meet new people and make your voice heard. But in order to take advantage of these opportunities, RIT students need to take a step outside their comfortable niche. Even though there is the chance that you may continue to feel uncomfortable, the rewarding feeling you may get far outweighs that risk.

Brittany Remington compiles “Student Spotlights” for University News. Contact her at bjr8272@rit.edu with suggestions.