Syracuse University

Student Spotlight

Naresh Vissa Rammohan, Broadcast journalism, finance, and accounting, class of 2011, Houston, TX

nareshrammohan.jpgWhy did you choose SU?
Syracuse University is one of the few schools worldwide to offer specific four-year dual programs. Many national competitors of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications do not offer such degrees. When I was applying to colleges, I knew I wanted to major in broadcast journalism and something business-related. My acceptance into Newhouse and the Whitman School of Management, as well as the Renée Crown University Honors Program, sold me on SU and all it has to offer.
 
What has been your most meaningful experience so far?
From Election Day 2008 to reporting on a local strip club, I have had some incredible experiences in the field of journalism. I covered the controversial Boyce Watkins tenure decision and first brought the story to the public. My story on SU alumnus Todd Harrison allowed me to introduce him at his presentation on campus and ultimately led to a writing opportunity with his Emmy Award-winning company, Minyanville. The relationships I have forged with alumni, faculty, staff and students here will last a lifetime.
 
What is the secret to your success at SU?
I love this University so much, so I wake up every morning ready to take advantage of all the remarkable resources it has to offer. By managing my time efficiently, I am able to allocate my energies toward involvement. The more people you meet, the more things you do, the less sleep you get, the more successful and better off you will be. Well, sleep is important, but you catch my drift.
 
How have you changed since you have been here?
I walked into SU an innocent boy from the South who dreamed of becoming the next Bob Costas. Today, I focus on diversity, self-help and business issues and find myself lucky to watch more than an hour of sports on any given week. I am proud of my ability to connect with people of different ethnicities and orientations. It's an opportunity to experience unique cultures, values and beliefs.  
 
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
With such eclectic interests, I cannot pinpoint what exactly I want to do with my life. My background in finance, accounting, and value investing leads me to consider working on Wall Street during its darkest hour. On the other hand, I hope to continue to share the truth in addition to my stories and knowledge through convergent new media. Law school will always be an option too. Regardless of what I do, I will carry the ideas of 'Scholarship in Action' with me and do my best to affect positive change.