Vishal Velavan ’28 | Sociology and Psychology major
Some of the classes, research opportunities, and conversations I’ve had at Saint Anselm have challenged the way I think and pushed me to ask better questions. I’ve also learned that growth comes from being willing to put in the work, ask for help, and keep learning.
Vishal Velavan ’28 sure knows how to stay busy on the Hilltop, whether he’s working, studying, mentoring, or spending time with friends. With the support of caring and considerate professors, Velavan has found his passion for psychological and sociological research. He feels that studying at Saint Anselm College has taught him to be more curious and open to changing his perspective.
How did you end up at Saint Anselm College?
I ended up at Saint Anselm because I was really interested in doing research, especially psychology research. I found out about a professor in the Psychology Department whose work I thought was very interesting, and I learned that he taught at Saint Anselm. After reading articles from other psychology professors and touring the department, I knew Saint Anselm was where I wanted to be.
How did you know what you wanted to study?
For the longest time, I wanted to study epidemiology. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I realized biology and chemistry were not subjects I was excited to study every day—I found them difficult and realized I wasn’t enjoying them in the way I wanted to. My high school volleyball coach studied psychology and during my senior year I took a class called Science in Theology, which further sparked my interest, and eventually helped me narrow my focus to research. During my first year of college, Professor Loretta Brady encouraged me to double major in sociology because many of the research topics I was interested in were deeply connected to both sociology and psychology.
What is your favorite thing about your majors?
My favorite thing about psychology and sociology is how many different paths they can open you up to. They don’t limit me to just one or two narrow opportunities—instead, they allow me to explore a wide range of interests and think about people, communities, and systems from multiple perspectives.
What’s been your biggest academic takeaway so far?
My biggest academic takeaway so far has been learning how important it is to stay curious and be open to changing your perspective. Some of the classes, research opportunities, and conversations I’ve had at Saint Anselm have challenged the way I think and pushed me to ask better questions. I’ve also learned that growth comes from being willing to put in the work, ask for help, and keep learning.
Do you have a favorite professor at Saint Anselm?
My favorite professor in the Psychology Department has to be Professor Brady. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to work under her as a research assistant as both a rising sophomore and a rising junior. She has taught me so much about qualitative research and has been a strong role model and mentor for me and countless other students who look up to her. My favorite professor in the Sociology and Social Work Department has to be Professor Kevin Doran. He has been such an amazing professor and mentor throughout my time at Saint Anselm, and I also had the opportunity to work under him conducting qualitative research. He is such a caring and thoughtful professor, and I’ve learned so much from him. My respect for him continues to grow every day.
What can you share about your research experience?
I conducted research under the supervision of Professor Brady through the NH-INBRE Grant and I’m continuing that work as a rising junior. I also conducted research under the supervision of Professor Doran, and both experiences helped me grow as a student researcher and deepened my interest in qualitative research and community-based work.
Are you involved in any clubs or organizations?
I am the vice president of Men of Color and a second-year resident assistant. I’m a research assistant and a member of the Community Resilience & Social Equity Lab. I have also worked with the Meelia Center for Community Engagement as both a mentor and instructor for Access Academy, and work at the circulation desk in Geisel Library. I was both a mentee and a mentor in the Transitions Program run by the Intercultural Center, and I’m also a psychology student ambassador.
What’s your favorite way to spend free time on campus?
I always love hanging out with my friends and the staff in the Fr. Jonathan, O.S.B. Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion. If I have any free time during the work week, I’m usually hanging out there, in Campus Ministry, or the Office of Residential Life and Education.
Why would you recommend someone study at Saint Anselm?
The professors here are genuinely caring and considerate. I feel very comfortable asking questions during office hours, and my professors always take time out of their busy days to help me understand something. Another reason I would recommend Saint Anselm is because of the resources available to students. The Academic Resource Center is an amazing place to get help studying, receive tutoring, and find academic support. Lastly, the Career Development Center is a great resource for building resumés, practicing interviews, and finding opportunities like internships and jobs both during and after college.
Has anything surprised you about your college experience so far?
One thing that has really surprised me is how many Saint Anselm alumni I run into. Whether I’m walking around Manchester or back home near Boston, I often meet alumni who either attended Saint Anselm or know someone who did. I love using that as a conversation starter, and almost every time they have something positive and nostalgic to say about their time here.