My name is Syreeta Palackdharry and I am a third-year student at The Ohio State University. I am originally from Wheaton, Illinois, but I’ve lived in Columbus for the past 4 years. I have 3 siblings – Maya (15), Priscilla (27), and Matt (29), as well as a labradoodle named Karu who is absolutely a part of the family. I attended Columbus School for Girls for high school, where I hold one of their diving records. Diving has always been a major part of my life, and has continued to be even though I’m not competing anymore. I am pursuing a double-major in Psychology and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies.
I love learning. If I could take every class offered here to learn and experience something new, I would in a heartbeat. That’s why I’m here. One of the many things that I love about Ohio State is that I will leave here not only as a well-educated and informed person, but also with a high-level of global awareness and sensitivity to different cultures because of all of the diversity here on campus. As much as I love learning, I love talking to and interacting with people even more. I love hearing people’s stories and being able to connect with them on deep levels. I plan on getting involved in social psychology research during my time here, but I’m not sure what I want that to look like yet.
I’m very interested in trauma research and would love to work with survivors of sexual violence on some level. I’m passionate about dissembling systems of oppression and giving voice to those without privilege. I am currently a diving coach with Ohio State Diving Club, and working with kids inspires me to always remain open-minded and open to feedback. The kids I coach help me to stay grounded and to never take myself too seriously.