Venkatesh Thumala Janakiraman, '15 MSE

During my time at Arizona State University, the experiences I remember most fondly aren't just one moment. They're a rhythm of campus life that shaped who I became.

One of the biggest turning points for me was working part-time at the university help desk call center. It sounds simple, but that job taught me what it really means to be a professional: showing up on time, communicating clearly, staying calm when someone is frustrated, and taking ownership of solving problems. I learned how to listen first, ask the right questions, and follow through until the issue was resolved. Looking back, that role built the foundation for how I operate in my career today. In engineering, your technical work matters, but your reliability and communication are what people remember.

Outside of work, the places on campus that feel the most "ASU" to me are the Sun Devil Fitness Complex and the libraries. The fitness building was my reset button. When school and responsibilities piled up, going there helped me stay disciplined and mentally sharp. On the other end of the spectrum were Noble Library and Hayden Library, where some of my most vivid memories happened during late-night study sessions. There were nights when I stayed so late it felt like the campus belonged to just a handful of students chasing deadlines, finishing projects, or grinding through assignments. Those quiet hours taught me persistence, the ability to stay focused when no one is watching.

I also can't talk about ASU without mentioning the people. I remember professors who pushed me to think deeper and set the bar high, not just academically, but in how I approached problems. They helped me connect theory to real-world applications and gave me confidence that I could take on challenges that felt intimidating at the time.

And of course, game days. There was something about the energy, the crowds, the pride, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself. Supporting the team wasn't just entertainment. It was a reminder that community and identity matter, especially when you're far from home and building your own path.

One of my favorite full-circle moments has been returning to ASU for career fairs. Coming back as a professional, on the recruiting side, feels completely different than coming back as a student hoping for a chance. It's humbling. It reminds me how much ASU helped shape me, and it makes me want to give that same opportunity and encouragement to the next group of Sun Devils.

When I think about ASU, I think about growth: becoming more disciplined, more confident, and more prepared for the real world. The campus, the people, the long nights, the early mornings, the work experience, and the school spirit all played a part. ASU didn't just give me a degree. It helped build the professional and person I am today.