Kamal Shah
Favorite movie:
Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
Favorite bands:
Considering I am a professional disc jockey, I’d have to say anything with a good beat. But I mostly listen to Indian music.
On my iPod:
A lot of everything, from Indian music to reggae to hip-hop.
Why NJIT?
Choosing what colleges to apply to my senior year in high school was not so hard. Since my hometown is in New York, just outside of Manhattan, I had my heart set out on attending a university in New Jersey: One, because a lot of my family lives in Jersey, and two, because I didn't want to be too far from home. I wanted to be far enough away so that I could live on campus, but close enough to go home on weekends. Also, NJIT got a top rating from US News Magazine. It was also ranked among the nation’s “most-wired” universities.
Why IT?
Every since I was eight years old, I have been tinkering with computer parts and assembling computers. My father and I always loved computers, and we’d always upgrade our computer as soon as new components came on the market. I knew from then on that I’d study information technology. Technology is always changing and the economy will always need IT experts to manage ever-changing computer technology. I knew it was the right field to get into. I have a minor in management, too, and that means I’m learning all about business along with IT. It’s a perfect mix for me.
Favorite class:
My favorite class, oddly enough, is Accounting 115. That’s because the class has an excellent professor. In my view, a professor is the main influence on a class. No matter how boring the subject may be, it is up to the teacher to make it interesting, by trying new things and making sure everyone understands. The professor of this class is always so upbeat, and his teaching style is a bit different. He makes sure all of his students understand the material. And even if the material at first seems dull, he makes it interesting.
What’s best at NJIT?
The campus is always expanding and improving. We have a new campus center, a new soccer field, a new green – all for the better. New buildings are going up and old buildings are being renovated. The cafeteria is also always expanding. It now serves foods from around the world.
Clubs and activities:
I’m a student ambassador; I belong to the Association of Indian Students and I’m a former IT representative for the Student Senate.
Student Ambassador:
It’s great fun working as a student ambassador. I love meeting new people and telling them about our school. When I was a high school student, I wanted to hear the truth about a university from a student’s perspective. And that’s exactly what I give to high school students.
Favorite on-campus spots:
On a nice spring or summer day, my favorite spot is the terrace outside the campus center. I love to sit at one of the tables between the north and south greens. That’s my favorite place to hang out and relax. From there, you can see the whole campus quad. It’s so peaceful.
Career goal:
To work in the IT department of Fortune 500 company. I want to live in New York City and start a family, while also taking care of my parents.