Undergraduate math major builds a solid foundation with FORGE

Originally from Delhi, India, Sameeka has led a life marked by global transitions and educational pursuits across continents. Her family briefly moved to Chicago while Sameeka was in junior high school, before returning to India to complete her high school education. The University of Arizona came to her attention through a family friend who had started here a year earlier, and she found that UArizona not only offered the programs she was interested in but also at an affordable price.

“Initially, I wanted to get into Management Information Systems and only a few universities in North America were offering the combination of IT and Business,” Sameeka said. “At the undergraduate level, the University of Arizona is one of the best schools for MIS and offered me a really great scholarship. With the course combination that I wanted, plus the financial benefit. It was a sure-shot decision for me.”

During her time on campus, Sameeka has switched majors, joined clubs, and cultivated a community at FORGE (Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs). In this interview, Sameeka shares her experiences and insights as an international student.

University of Arizona International: You were originally an MIS student, why did you shift your major to mathematics?
Sameeka: I decided to shift to math because as an international student, if you are on a STEM course, you get a three-year OPT visa extension. That was a big factor for me. Mathematics with an emphasis in Computer Science also gives me a broader perspective of the field that I want to get into professionally. My goal is to get work as a business analyst or a financial analyst. Having a solid foundation in mathematics enhanced my capabilities in analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and data visualization significantly. This led me to select a major in mathematics with a focus on computer science, aligning with my professional aspirations.

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UA: How has International Student Services (ISS) helped you acclimate to life in Tucson and at the University of Arizona?
Sameeka: When I first got here, right after COVID had hit, I was on my own because my parents couldn't make the trip with me. It was a huge deal for me, taking my first international flight alone, all the way from Delhi, India, to Tucson. The people at International Student Services (ISS) were a godsend. They handed me a step-by-step guide on what to do once I landed, which was a lifesaver, honestly. Everything was so new and a bit overwhelming, and having that kind of help was like having a friend already.

During the first semester, they would keep sending out emails with important information and checking in on new students. They were like our behind-the-scenes support, always there when I had a million questions, whether it was about work stuff or figuring out how to get my Social Security number sorted. They were always just an email away, super responsive and so helpful, which made all the difference while I was settling in. 

UA: What has been your favorite class so far? Why?
Sameeka: I have had two classes that I have really enjoyed. One was a proofs math class that I particularly liked because my professor’s teaching methodology was very similar to what I’ve grown up with. While I noticed some classmates found it challenging to keep up, it clicked perfectly for me; it felt familiar and just right.

I also enjoyed a gen-ed religion class on Hindu mythology.  It was fascinating because, even though I'm from a background where Hinduism is common, I realized there was so much I didn't know.  It was nice to be able to go into detail and learn a little bit more about my culture. Something that I really appreciated was how well the professor taught that class. What impressed me most was the professor's depth of knowledge—his grasp of the subject was remarkable, especially considering he had not grown up in the Eastern world. His passion and expertise really made the class memorable for me.

UA: Have you participated in any clubs or activities here on campus?
Sameeka: I was involved with Arizona Model United Nations (AZMUN). I did Model UN conferences all through high school and continued it my first semester here. I've always been drawn to ‘talking’ and public engagement, so Model UN was the perfect outlet for me to sharpen my leadership, research, and communication skills. It’s where I could really indulge in my love for discussion and debate.

One of the highlights was attending the largest collegiate Model UN conference in New York. It was incredible to meet and interact with people from all around the globe. I remember at that time, the unrest in Ukraine was going on and there were students who had come from Ukraine as well. The opportunity to talk to them in person and discuss issues of today – it was an eye-opening experience.

I was involved with the group until my second semester and then eventually, because of my work and course load, I had to fade out. 

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UA: Can you tell us about your job?
Sameeka: Right from my first month here, I got involved with FORGE, which stands for Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs. I began as a Student Venture Pathways Assistant, where my main role was to help students develop and embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and guide them towards the resources FORGE offers. This mindset is all about cultivating a range of skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, exploring new possibilities, and being adaptable – essentially, skills that are invaluable in any field. It was about helping students see beyond the conventional, equipping them with the tools to innovate and think entrepreneurially.

UA: How has your work evolved?
Sameeka: I'm fortunate to have witnessed FORGE's remarkable growth since I joined; we've expanded from just four people to over 15! My role has also grown alongside. I am now the team lead for the Student Venture Pathways Data and Evaluations team. Aligning with my major as well, I work on data management and visualization for all the events and student engagement that occur. 

Last year, I also took on a second role at another FORGE program- Venture Advisors, as the student fellow. I report directly to the founder of FORGE, Brian Ellerman. In that role, I am involved in creating pre-diligence reports to help screening panels and conducting market research to assist startups in the accelerator program. This role has significantly refined my analytical skills and financial insight.  It's astounding to reflect on the level of professional experience I've gained as a student, an opportunity I had never imagined! It is this role and work that made me shift from going into IT data management to a more finance-oriented aspect of business analytics. I discovered that I really enjoy working with startups and investors while being analytical. So still using numbers but just in a different capacity!

UA: Do you feel like your work at FORGE has helped you build a foundation for future work?
Sameeka: Absolutely, I'm actively applying for summer internships now, as I'm in my junior year. Looking at the job descriptions for financial analyst intern positions, I've noticed that the tasks expected are ones I'm already familiar with through my current role. I’m getting the opportunity to learn early on, and hopefully that gives me a little bit of edge when I start my internship.

Moreover, the learning environment at FORGE is incredibly supportive. They're invested not just in employing us but at the same time they ensure that you are continually learning and gaining as much knowledge/experience from the job as you can. For instance, once Brian (my boss) emailed me saying, “Here is a report. I want you to read it, try and understand it and when we meet, tell me what you understand.” The next week during my one on one, we spent almost an hour talking through it with him asking me questions and explaining the concepts further. This hands-on, in-depth learning approach is precisely why I value my experience at FORGE so highly and wouldn't trade it for anything else.

UA: Are you surprised to get this experience as an undergraduate?
Sameeka: Yes, definitely. I did not expect it, it’s work that professionals do! Being able to sit with investors and industry experts who have been in this field for 30-plus years – it’s astonishing!

UA: What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
Sameeka: Definitely to take things slow. Don't panic. Don't rush thinking that you have to get everything done on the first day. I know I did that, and it was quite overwhelming- it was opening bank accounts, maybe finding a job, figuring out where to get food, and learning how to get to classes all in the span of two to three days. It was a lot!

It's okay to ask for help and take time to let everything settle in. Everything's not going to be perfect or picturesque on the first night. I know it's hard for international students, especially, because we packed up our life in two suitcases and came here and that's it. 

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Personally, it was really hard to see families coming to help settle their kids in the dorms, when I came all alone. And for a moment I felt so alone and had no idea what to do. Finding that group of friends, community or even maybe a roommate can help make the transition one step easier. My roommate was the reason I got through everything. We connected before, and her family is like my second family now. They have been my constant support in Tucson. Whether it's friends, professors, mentors or your best friend's parents, it's important to make a small “family” away from home to get through college. 

Lastly, don’t worry if you are scared to step out of your comfort zone, the first step is to just say ‘yes’ to yourself. Yes to the challenges, to the possibilities and yes to every amazing thing that is to come. It is just the beginning!

UA: Why do you think a student should choose the University of Arizona?
Sameeka: One, I love the campus, the greenery, the huge cactus, the brick buildings, somehow motivates me and evokes a college spirit!

The second is that UArizona is very flexible when it comes to courses. They empower you to blend your passions with your academic objectives. If you're inclined to combine diverse fields, like I was, they're incredibly accommodating to the capacity they can be, ensuring you can tailor your education to fit your unique aspirations.

Lastly, I've grown quite fond of Tucson. It's a lot smaller than where I'm from, and adapting to its peacefulness was a journey. But now, I appreciate its tranquil vibe—it strikes the perfect balance, allowing me to focus academically while still enjoying a vibrant social life. The city's charm has definitely won me over.

UA: Any last pieces of advice?
Sameeka: I think it's important to also try and find something that you enjoy outside of school and work. Personally, I’ve found joy and fulfillment in volunteering with the Southern Arizona Girl Scouts as a mentor. It's a rewarding experience that allows me to give back and connect with the community in a meaningful way. Besides that, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, going on drives and blasting music, singing and dancing. It is the perfect stress-buster and recharge needed! I truly think that maintaining a balance between your studies, work, and personal interests is the secret to thriving in college. It’s all about finding that balance that keeps you grounded, energized, and ready to tackle whatever comes next.