Nehali Patel, B.S '20

B.S in Anthropology 

Second Major/Minor: English

Current Position: Assistant Director, Dalai Lama Fellows; Adjunct Instructor, English Composition

How has your undergraduate ANTH degree has impacted your career?

Studying Anthropology introduced me to important theoretical lenses through which to see the world. In my career as an educator, I am more able to understand the complexity surrounding student success by deeply reckoning with systemic violence, racism, and poverty. I've recognized how these factors show up in the everyday lives of my students, which has equipped me with the skills I need to not only teach them content but also to support them as they grow and shape their lives. I've also turned that lens towards myself to find inner knowing and outward awareness, which is a powerful gift. So, whether I'm teaching struggling writers, supporting cultural programming, or leading contemplative practices, this academic background allows me to critically think and look inward to help me make the world a better place.

What are your future goals? 

It took me some time, but after bouncing around a few jobs, I am really satisfied with where I landed. As the Assistant Director for the Dalai Lama Fellows program through University of Virginia, I support social innovators around the world by coordinating their fellowship experiences and administering aspects of our curriculum. I'm new to this world, and to the field of contemplative science, but I do see myself eventually building my skillset and supporting the creation of a local DLF program for college students. I imagine my role could expand from administrative support into education, where I create curriculum for community-building and contemplative practice. My ultimate goal is to encourage students to see themselves as changemakers of the world, and to know that their practices of empathy and compassion towards themselves and others can shape our collective future.

Do you have any advice for current ANTH undergrads?

Be always hungry for knowledge, and actively find ways to connect what you learn in the classroom to the communities you belong to, your life experiences, and other academic interests. Your superpower as an Anthropology major is your ability to think critically about the world around you through a truly multifaceted lens. Even if you want to pursue a career in finance, art, education - you'll find yourself asking questions as an anthropologist would. By staying open and curious, you bring awareness to complex systems so you can better understand them, and hopefully, work to usher in more ethical, sustainable, and supportive approaches to them. And, also, remember to take a breath. As much as you give to others, give back to yourself through kindness, patience, and compassion.