Chapman University is not just a place for academic pursuits; it’s a vibrant community where students carve their paths, make lasting memories, and fostering meaningful connections. In this blog post, we explore the Chapman University journey through the lens of Ariana Keshtgar, an Economics major with a love for interdisciplinary learning, uncovering the transformative aspects of her college journey. From impactful experiences to favorite memories, Ariana’s insights offer a glimpse into student life at Chapman.

Navigating Interdisciplinary Pursuits

Ariana’s academic journey at Chapman University is marked by her major in Economics, complemented by minors in Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) & University Honors Program, along with a Certificate in Applied Statistical Analysis. Her dedication to exploring diverse subjects reflects the university’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary learning. In Ariana’s words, “The Honors program has been a really meaningful experience to me. I’ve been able to take classes that are so niche and different from my other areas of study.”

The world of business and economics wasn’t always Ariana’s path. “I came to Chapman undeclared, not knowing I wanted to major in Economics,” she says. “But after taking an intro level class with Kyle Hampton, I knew I was hooked on the program. I loved how small the class sizes were, which is really rare for business school with so many students.”

Amidst her academic pursuits, certain classes and professors have left an indelible mark on Ariana’s Chapman experience. Economics of Religion with Professor Laurence Iannaccone provided a unique perspective, while Professor Lacy Willis made Accounting less intimidating and more engaging. “Accounting is a very intimidating subject to me, but she teaches in a way that is so easy to understand and goes into the why of accounting, not just the how,” says Ariana. “She really cares about her students and goes out of her way to take time for us. I’ve really got a lot out of the class and of being her student, in such a short amount of time.”

Beyond the Clasroom

Beyond the classroom, Chapman University isn’t just about academics; it’s about holistic growth. Ariana’s involvement in Greek life, clubs, and internships showcases this ethos. From Gamma Phi Beta to Omicron Delta Epsilon, each endeavor has contributed to her personal and professional development.

Ariana has also held her fair share of internships and part-time roles during her time at Chapman. “I’ve held an internship in Social Media Marketing at Spark*l Bands, which is a female-founded, upcycled accessory brand,” she says. “I’ve also been a Global Mobility Tax Intern with Andersen in Costa Mesa.” While vastly different, both of these experiences were really great for Ariana, and helped her narrow down what she sees herself going into in the future.

Cherished Chapman Memories & Individuals

In the vast landscape of college life, having a support system is paramount. For Ariana, her roommates have been the cornerstone of her support network. They’ve not only shared living spaces but also dreams, aspirations, and challenges. Ariana emphasizes, “They’ve made such an impact on me and are all such intelligent accomplished people.”

Among the variety of experiences had, one stands out vividly in Ariana’s memory – participating in Skit with her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. It’s not just about the performance; it’s about the camaraderie, the hard work, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. Reflecting on this experience, Ariana shares, “It was such a great bonding experience and so fun to perform on stage in front of the rest of the school.”

Exploring the World

Studying abroad in London was a transformative experience for Ariana. It offered her the opportunity to immerse herself in new cultures, broaden her horizons, and forge international connections. It’s a testament to Chapman University’s commitment to global education and experiential learning. “This was by far one of the most meaningful opportunities I had while at Chapman. I got to take the most interesting classes and was with such a great group of people. I fell in love with the city, and was lucky enough be able to travel all over Europe while I was abroad!”

Lessons Learned & Advice Given

As Ariana reflects on her college journey, she imparts invaluable advice to her first-year self and incoming students. She advises, “Don’t be afraid to get involved and put yourself out there! Being involved at Chapman is honestly the norm; it’s hard to find someone here who ISN’T involved in 2+ things, and it’s definitely the best way to meet people, in and outside of your major!” Trusting the process, getting involved, and embracing the journey are key takeaways.

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As graduation approaches, Ariana is in the final stages of interviews with a few different companies in the retail/fashion industry. These opportunities are all based in New York, which is where she plans to move after graduation!

Connect with Ariana on LinkedIn >>>