Tara Chavda is a 2020 graduate of Mercer University‘s School of Engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a focus in biomedical engineering.
What are you plans after graduation?
I am currently enrolled in Mercer’s 4+1 Integrated Degree Program and will be completing my Master of Science in Engineering (computer engineering) by May 2021. I will also be working as a graduate assistant in the Mercer Athletics Department. After I graduate as a Double Bear in May 2021, I hope to follow my passion of helping children by working in health care and technology at a children’s hospital.
What is one of your favorite Mercer memories?
All of my Mercer memories come from the organizations I was a part of. I am so grateful for the people I met in each of them and all of the Mercer traditions. One of my favorite Mercer traditions is going to Asheville, North Carolina, for spring break to support our Mercer men’s and women’s basketball teams in the Southern Conference Basketball Championships. It was an awesome experience exploring a new city with friends and truly embracing Mercer traditions by painting the town orange.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Mercer truly helps you find and excel in your field of passion. The classes and academic rigor will challenge you to think outside the box. Your peers and friends will help you grow as a leader and show you that, as author John C. Maxwell said, “Leadership is more disposition than position — influence others from wherever you are.” By the time you graduate, you will realize that all of these skills will come together to help you in the future, so take advantage of every opportunity and resource on campus. As always, Go Bears!
How did Mercer prepare you for your future?
My experiences over the past four years — and the support and love from my advisers and peers — have shaped me into the leader I am today. Not only am I an engineer working in the lab every chance I have, but also I am an engineer who has significant experience in leadership that I can apply in my career and the future. I am forever grateful to the opportunities and support from Mercer faculty and advisers for helping me grow into the person I am today.
What makes Mercer special to you?
Mercer’s motto is, “Every student majors in changing the world.” Our world starts with our community. I was a part of MU Miracle during my four years here and saw the direct impact we had on Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital. Miracle Network Dance Marathon offers every student the opportunity to support our local community for the better. I saw how our campus and Macon community came together to help raise funds and awareness for the kids and watched the hospital open its brand new building in February 2019. Mercer will hold a special place in my heart because it helped me find my people, passion and my favorite phrase: Go Bears!
