Alumni Spotlight: Rathod making her dream come true at PSU

North Penn Graduate: Class of 2016

As a student involved in the Student Government Association, Indian Cultural Association, Key Club, Future Health Occupations, and National Honors Society, North Penn High School served as Shivani Rathod’s second home. Now, her home is at Penn State University, where her involvement contributes to the rich culture of the campus. Though she is now an alum, her impact on North Penn High School will always remain.

1. What is your daily schedule as a student majoring in biological sciences?

“I have class everyday and as a freshman, many of the courses I have to take are general education courses, but my schedule is still consists of many science courses. I have a really nice schedule and most days I am finished all of my classes by 12 pm.”

2. Why did you choose this career path?

“I’ve always loved health, biology and learning about the human body. I also enjoy working with and talking to people. So, I chose to do a biological sciences major with a health professions option and I hope to go to physician assistant school.”

3. What impact did the North Penn School District have on you?

“North Penn School District is so diverse with people of different backgrounds, talents, and abilities so it has made it much easier for me to connect with new people and understand different points of view at Penn State.”

4. What extracurriculars are you involved in at PSU?

“I am involved in THON, AED, and Infusion (a dance competition held at Penn State).”

5. How did North Penn High School prepare you for college?

“North Penn provided me with a lot of experience in understanding other points of view because it is so diverse. I think North Penn also prepared me well for the workload that comes being a college student and gave me experience in time management that allow me to deal with the workload.”

6. What are some things about college that stick out to you? What do you like about PSU?

“In college, there is a lot more freedom but also a lot more responsibility. It is less structured than high school so you have to be able to plan everything out ahead of time to stay on top of your responsibilities and it is much harder to balance your work, social life, and other commitments. I love that Penn State is it’s own small town of just college students because although it is a large school, it makes it easier to meet people and make friends when everyone around you is going through the same experiences as you. Penn State makes that even easier with all the clubs and opportunities it offers.”

7. What are your plans for the future?

“I am majoring in Biological Sciences with a health professions option and a minor in Spanish. After I graduate, I hope to attend physician assistant school and become a physician assistant in surgery or emergency.“