How Pavan Peketi is Using His Platform for Good

By Miranda Koewler


Fourth year Pavan Peketi voiced his desire to see positive change in the Ohio State experience as well as the global community during our interview – and he has some ideas about how to make it happen.

pavan peketiMiranda: What are you studying and why?
Pavan: I am a neuroscience major. I want to apply my love of science to work with hands-on care. I also hope to use my potential platform to make an impact. I know there are injustices in the world regarding health care and diversity, so I want to work to make a difference in these areas.

What are you involved in on campus and in the Columbus community?
I am currently President of the Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB). I have a vision to expand it and unite our community as a whole. OUAB has been important to me since my sophomore year. It’s all about making the greatest experience for our students. OUAB is so adaptable to each person’s interests and skills; it even gave me the opportunity to explore my passion for graphic design.

I was also an RA in Smith-Steeb for two years. It changed my outlook on life and showed me how to be more accepting.

Within the medical field, I volunteer at the Wexner Medical Center and Mount Carmel in the inpatient rehab unit. I am a research assistant in the psychology department at Ohio State, which allowed me to present at the Denman Research Forum.

What are three words to describe you?
Creative. I try to find unique ways to face obstacles. Also, like I said earlier, I have a passion for graphic design. I really taught myself how to do it, but I ended up working with NBABuzz to create things for them.

Second is inclusive. I really value respecting others and showing appreciation. In OUAB, I strive to provide events to target specific populations that may not have as many outlets across campus.

Lastly, I would say eager. Before some of these experiences, I never saw myself as someone who put himself out there. Now, I have grown into a leader and love trying new things.

What message(s) do you hope to convey through your future platform?
Everyone is welcome in this world and this society. We need to sacrifice for the well being of others and the community as a whole. Participating in a Buckeye Bus trip this summer opened up my eyes to a part of Ohio I never knew. This new perspective showed me that nothing should be taken for granted in life. We need to appreciate the time we have in college by doing things we’re passionate about.

How do you think hearing people’s stories has influenced your passions?
Individual stories show that the injustices you hear about in the news are real. People really experience them. I appreciate the diversity we see at this school – we have to embrace our differences to really appreciate what we can learn from them. To advance as a society, learn and expand, we need diversity.

Through your work with OUAB, how have you seen a positive impact at Ohio State?
OUAB really makes a difference in the student’s college experience. They will be some of the most memorable moments a student has. Our goal is to bring an impact to campus even if that means just making one person’s day. We are always making great steps towards inclusiveness.

What advice do you want to pass along to your fellow Buckeyes?
Don’t take the opportunities you have here for granted. Reach out to people and connect with those around you because you never know where it will lead. All Buckeyes want to help each other out.

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