Lakshmi Chandran, a third year Political Science major, has had a unique experience at Virginia Commonwealth University. When she first applied to the school, she accidentally got accepted to the biomedical engineering program, emphasis on the “accidentally”. But after a year and a half in the program, she realized it was not for her, and instead found herself inclined towards political science. She still has a love for STEM but believes this political environment holds scores of potential, and has passion to be a part of it. She is currently working on her first internship for the Richmond mayoral election, and has prospects for a law degree in the future.

The following interview consists of her process towards political science and her future career. We hope that these interviews give VCU students a better understanding of their own, unique, college experience. And that they aid in connecting the entire campus under the shared experience of finding what we will to do after school. Because though some students had the luxury of knowing since day one, some may be seniors and still have no clue. But, know that while this is a daunting task, it is one no student is alone in.

So, how did you know biomedical engineering wasn’t for you? That’s such a big switch.

I took organic chemistry (lol). I found that while I had a latent interest it was not where my passions were. I realized that with pending supreme court cases with regards to women’s reproductive rights in the US, I felt my passions could be better utilized in pursuing justice there.

So career wise, what do you see for your future now? Was it clearer after the switch into Political Science?

I’m currently working up a focus in women’s reproductive rights and a hope to pursue a career, ideally, in pro-choice nonprofits. Working with planned parenthood would also be a possibility. I don’t quite agree with how planned parenthood focuses on abortion though. They seem to focus on other issues more. But I would love my focus to be on de stigmatizing abortion, and in help making it more accessible.

How do you find VCU has aided in your career accomplishments?

Well, I’ve been given the opportunity to write and research my interests and I feel like I’ve gotten a good grasp on the evolution around the reproductive rights around women in the U.S. This has been really important, as I never would have gotten the opportunity to go so in-depth into policy without being a political science major.

Definitely, it was good you switched then! You said you’re a junior now, so as you get closer to graduation how prepared do you feel for the workplace?

Well, I still have a good amount of time in undergraduate. I know I have a lot to learn and definitely feel VCU is doing its part to prepare me. But I would like to get more internship experience before graduation. The internship I’m in now has definitely taught me the most about a workplace environment.

Ya agreed, most advisors say don’t leave undergraduate without at least 1 internship. With regards to your major change, what advice can you give to students who are thinking about switching majors?

I’d say, figure out where your natural passions are. Not where you’ve spent the most time or done the most research in. Just look at what gets you agitated and see if you can structure something meaningful out of it. Do your research outside of school as well. Talk to your teachers, talk to your advisors. Build a path for yourself. I think the thing that’s helped me the most is building the stepping stones for my own path. It’s one step at a time but you need to know where you’re going, or it will be stressful

I also switched as well and you couldn’t have that better. How do you think your experience at VCU has shaped this change as well, if at all?

Well I grew up in Nova [Northern Virginia], and being at Nova you don’t really notice people’s rights being taken away. Peoples rights in Nova are always preserved. But until I moved here I didn’t fully notice the injustice. I didn’t notice the actual impact of a lot of things. Most people around me had the means to do most things and in Richmond, that is not the case.

Yes, Yes, Richmond and Nova are very different places. Okay last question though, what’s your favorite “thing” about VCU?

I love the people. It’s an accepting environment. VCU gives you an opportunity to see policy at play. There’s a great awareness raising in the political science department that reaches out to the rest of the city. I also think VCU has given me the opportunity to, I really appreciate, to change my mind, and be really accommodating in my change to political science. VCU made it really easy and just put me at ease as well.