From the Student Government Vice President to an Eagle of AUPP, and now the Valedictorian of the Class of 2024, the recent graduate, Ms. Chandalin Kol, who successfully completed a dual degree program in business administration with the University of Arizona, shared that her strong motivation to excel academically during her university years was primarily driven by the outcome of her Grade 12 examination.
Chandalin’s success at AUPP was significantly influenced by her upbringing in a single-parent household, where her mother’s unwavering supporting her pursuit of higher education and sacrifices were a constant source of motivation. Driven by a deep thirst for knowledge, Chandalin was determined to make the most of her mother’s financial sacrifices through diligent study and academic excellence.
According to Chandalin, “The results of Grade 12 were like water that splattered me awake, making me realize the importance of putting in dedicated effort.” She further explained, “I had a tendency to take things lightly and overestimate my abilities to ace the exam. However, reality did not align with my expectations, and I recognized that my carelessness had caused me to overlook crucial aspects. This realization became a turning point in shaping my mindset and work ethic.”
Her commitment and hard work at AUPP was relentless determination yielded impressive academic accomplishments, including being named the Valedictorian of the Class of 2024 and receiving the Eller Most Outstanding Senior in Business Administration award for the spring of 2024. Additionally, she played a significant role as a member of the AUPP team that represented the university in the CFA 5th Season Equity Research Challenge Competition in 2023, where she and her team achieved the first runner-up position and the Best Team Report.
Beyond her academic and professional endeavors, Chandalin made a profound impact within the student community with her leadership skills. Her engagement was deep and meaningful, as evidenced by her role as Vice President of the Student Government during the 8th Mandate. In this capacity, she effectively advocated for the student body, representing their voices and actively participating in various initiatives aimed at improving the student experience.
In addition, she held significant leadership roles outside of her academic pursuits. During her sophomore year, Chandalin served as a co-leader of the AUPP Public Speaking Club and as a mentor for the AUPP Business Club. Despite the hectic study schedules, she skillfully managed her time to actively engage in these extracurricular activities. These achievements and experience allowed her to become an Eagle of AUPP during only her junior year, an esteemed title only a few students could obtain.
Chandalin expressed her enthusiasm for seizing opportunities and maximizing her potential. She frequently shared a motto with members of the public speaking club: “Don’t be afraid to talk in front of the audience; be afraid that you’re not given the chance to do so.” She wanted to emphasize that some opportunities are not given twice; hence, don’t let your inner fear get ahead of you.
For Chandalin, graduation represents the closure of one chapter and the start of another. It signifies the start of her professional journey and the opportunity to explore her passions and interests with eagerness and dedication.
Reflecting on her university journey, Chandalin describes it as a profoundly transformative experience. She expresses that her university journey has shaped her into a confident woman, instilling in her a wealth of knowledge, honing her skills both professionally and academically.
Chandalin emphasizes that everyone’s journey unfolds in its own time. She emphasizes that the varying speed at which individuals achieve their goals should not be a source of burden or comparison. “Time is a fluid concept, unique to each individual’s journey. I had come to realize that the true measure of success lies not in the speed at which we reach our goals but rather in the resilience and determination we exhibit along the way.” Chandalin said.
