As an International student, Samiksha Padiyar, a 2020 Presidential Scholarship winner, knew she wanted to be part of a community that would support her and make her feel at home. At Temple, she found that, combined with an amazing scholarship opportunity that will help her while she makes the most out of her college journey. 

I chose Temple because… 

Of the actuarial science program. Once I got accepted, I spoke with a variety of current students and the community I found was fantastic because everybody was so welcoming and I just felt like I would be at home. 

For me having the scholarship… 

Has been such a fantastic thing because I wouldn't be pressured about funds, and I can fully focus on my academics and my extracurriculars. 

Studying in the U.S appeals to me because…

It gives me academic freedom and creative freedom to pursue my hobbies and passions. In India, I would be doing a course that wouldn't provide me with any innovation outside the classroom. I'm a very creative person, and I like art, music and dancing. Just being focused on academics wasn't what I wanted to do. I wanted an education system where I would be able to excel academically as well as outside of the classroom to see what interests me the most so I can pursue those creative passions. 

In my time at Temple, I hope to…

Finish three papers of actuarial science and have a study abroad experience. Temple has fantastic study abroad programs, which is something I'm looking forward to doing. 

I'm looking forward to… 

The Actuarial Science program. I really like math, statistics, and economics, and my program allows me to study these areas in depth. I heard fantastic things about the professors, so I'm looking forward to being part of the community. I'm also part of the Fox Honors community, and I already met amazing people there, so I'm looking forward to every academic aspect at Temple. As an extracurricular, I'm hoping to dive into acapella because I've heard great things about it.