Sahil sat down with the communications team in the Ohio Union, with love on his mind, to talk about his journey so far at The Ohio State University.
The contagious Buckeye love and energy is what captured Sahil Sharma’s heart and led hi to transfer from the University of Cincinnati to Ohio State.
“Those who do not believe in magic will not find it,” he said. “To me, love is the closest thing we have to magic, and that’s what we have here at Ohio State.”
When asked about his passions, all Sahil could talk about was love. The Greek word agapē resonates with Sahil. It means “unconditional love without circumstance” and Sahil said that love is one of his core values. Currently majoring in Psychology and Leadership Studies, Sahil plans to live out his passion for serving people with love after graduation.
“I am hopeful for the future of this world and our capacity to change,” Sahil said. “If I take this approach in loving everyone, I think that will truly change the world one day.”
Sahil is currently an Ambassador and Supervisor for the Department of Recreational Sports. As Crew Chief, Sahil oversees other student employees within his department and enjoys watching students grow into leaders. In addition to his involvement in Rec Sports, Sahil is a Facilitator for the Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI). ELI is a cohort comprised of 20 students who focus on personal leadership development, but more importantly, aspects of servant-leadership.
“Being able to watch them grow outside of their academics is a humbling experience,” Sahil said of the cohort.
Having the confidence to lead your own journey is one thing Sahil wishes to impart to new Buckeyes when they are struggling to find their way. Full of inspiration, Sahil also wanted to pass down the wisdom that students shouldn’t be afraid to be bold, and to be okay with doing something different, even in a new environment. He told us one of the hardest lessons was learning to believe in himself.
“With brilliant people here at Ohio State, it’s so easy to compare yourself to others, and I had to learn that I am running my own race,” he said. “When I look back on my experience, the hardest thing has been for me to believe in myself, and luckily the older you get, you learn to practice love.”
Working on his bucket list, Sahil has just a few things to complete before graduation. One of those things is a surprise for his parents.
“I would really like to do something for my parents because they came from a different country, and they did everything for me,” he explains. “Most importantly, they did everything with love.”
One thing he definitely wishes to do is show them how thankful he is for their support: “I really just owe them so much because they accept me for who I am.”
Sahil shared what he is most proud of so far here at Ohio State. This past summer, he had the opportunity to attend Leadershape. It was important to Sahil to learn that the best way to lead people is to walk behind them.
“It’s amazing to look back and say that I had a genuine and authentic experience here at Ohio State, and I didn’t let anyone create that space for me,” he said.
For the rest of his time at Ohio State, we wish him the best and hope you fell in love with his story – just as we did.
By Erin Lee