Fall — 2005

Vijay Amarshi

Science

“Dr. Arnold, my department chair, is just amazing. He makes things so simple, and some of the stuff he’s taught me I can still recite off the top of my head.”

After a very quick two years, Vijay Amarshi can announce with pride, “I’m going to be transferring directly to the USC School of Pharmacy next year. I’m one of the very few people who got directly in from junior college, and that’s because the sciences at SMC are incredible. I’d actually gone to USC right out of high school,” Vijay continues. “But then I heard about SMC—came here and did really well—and saved a lot of money. And now I’m going back.”

Living in the Valley and studying on the Westside always means facing a brutal commute. But the choice of SMC—for Vijay—was not at all difficult. “I could have gone to other colleges that are closer, but SMC has that name going for it. And you want to have that good name behind you when you transfer.” Vijay is considering as many degrees as there are on a thermometer. “A Pharm D with a JD or a Pharm D with an MBA or a Pharm D with an MD,” he says in a rush. “For me, science just makes sense of the world. It’s not subjective like English or Art. And my parents are pleased with the choices I’ve made,” Vijay continues. “They’ve always told me to get into a field that I really love, but they also insisted that I’d be able to make a good living. It’s funny,” he says, “but they’ve always pushed education. If I want to buy a $10 CD, they’ll say no. But if I want to buy a $400 book, they’ll be first in line!”

Vijay reports that “SMC is always encouraging you to learn more. You’re always branching out and finding new ideas and resources and programs. And my parents just love that. But one thing here is for certain: You have to work hard,” says Vijay. “At SMC you can’t afford to be goofy.”

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