By: Emily Smolenski, Senior, Marketing.
Rashi Sarraf is a Senior double majoring in Marketing and Supply Chain Management through the Kelley School of Business. She was born and raised in New Dehli, India. Similar to many other Marketing majors, Rashi comes from a diverse yet relatable background and has taken on many different experiences through her time at Kelley.
What Led Rashi to Kelley
Rashi grew up surrounded by a business environment, as her family in India runs their own property company. She was sure she wanted to do something in this sector, but like most of us, was not exactly sure which area to pursue. Rashi is a keen traveler and has explored many parts of the world, especially the US. From all this travel she realized she enjoyed the midwestern feel of Bloomington. She also appreciated the competitive edge of Kelley and knew when she arrived that she had found her fit. With a diverse and inclusive culture, Rashi felt welcomed and motivated, and is “positive that coming to Kelley was the best decision!”
After changing her major several times, Rashi chose to pursue Marketing and Supply Chain Management. Being a strategic thinker and having a creative mindset has allowed her to excel in these areas. She has also been making excellent use of her time at Kelley. Within her major, Rashi enjoys working with the different concepts and cases that are discussed in class. Additionally, she appreciates the diverse faculty within the Marketing Department who bring different experience and knowledge perspectives.
Diverse Experiences in Kelley
Diversity and inclusion are greatly valued by Rashi. The diverse backgrounds that make up the Kelley School of Business students, faculty and staff is one of the reasons Rashi loves our school so much. She also feels that the students and faculty challenge one another in a healthy way allowing for great relationships and learning. Without this amazing culture, Rashi feels students would not learn as much as they do at Kelley.
Once at Indiana University, Rashi immersed herself in a diverse selection of organizations including the Kelley Student Government, Business Operations Consulting Workshop, The Women’s Network, Undergraduate Chairs Advisory Board, Indiana University Dance Marathon, Office of International Services, and the Indian Student Association. Through these different organizations, Rashi has built relationships with many people of many backgrounds and has had many great experiences. She enjoyed the diversity within all of these clubs, but noted that her involvement within the Kelley Student Government really built her time at Kelley. Some of her favorite experiences have been around advocating for students and seeing the impact that her peers at the Kelley School have on each other. Students have a voice and can advocate for themselves and each other, which is something not always seen at other schools. The KSG has also been able to provide resources to students, specifically focusing on mental health, DEI, sustainability, and alumni relations at Kelley. Being a part of an organization committed to students has been an especially impactful experience for Rashi.
The Future
Rashi studied from home for the fall 2020 semester due to COVID-19, but as of the writing of this article, hopes to be back in Bloomington spring semester for graduation. Being at home has been difficult, yet Rashi has learned a lot. Being in a completely different time zone than campus has left her feeling a bit disconnected, especially as a senior wanting to soak in her last year. Despite these adversities, Rashi has learned to accept what is beyond her control and has maintained a positive attitude throughout this year. Her professors, advisors and peers have gone out of their way to connect with her despite the time difference, which has made her feel supported. One of Rashi’s advisors even set up a zoom call on the first day of school to give Rashi a tour of Kelley, allowing her to experience what it would have been like to walk into Hodge Hall on her first day of her senior year.
Rashi is an example of a Marketing Major that has encountered diversity throughout her time at the Kelley School of Business. Following graduation, Rashi hopes to work for a company that shares similar values of diversity and inclusion like she has found here at Kelley.
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