Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) senior Arthy Pugazhenthi studies biology with a pre-medical focus while working part-time in PBA’s Office of Advancement as a student research associate. Learn more about her and her heritage below.
Where are you from?
I am from the southern part of India, from a city called Chennai. Chennai is known for its rich culture, traditions, and history. It is a major cultural center of South India, especially for classical music, dance like Bharatanatyam, and traditional festivals. The primary language spoken there is Tamil, which is one of the oldest languages in the world with a deep literary history. Growing up in Chennai helped me stay connected to strong cultural values, traditions, and languages, which are very important to me.
What is the significance of APAHM to you?
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is meaningful to me because it celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Asian communities. It gives me a sense of pride in my identity and reminds me of my roots while living and studying in the United States.
How do you think your cultural background has influenced or shaped you?
My cultural background has shaped me to value respect, discipline, and strong family connections. It has also taught me to work hard, stay humble, and always continue learning. These values help guide me in both my academic and personal life.
Do you or your family have any cultural traditions that are meaningful to you?
Yes, my family celebrates traditional festivals. We also follow certain customs like cooking traditional food, praying together, and spending time as a family. These traditions help me stay connected to my culture even when I am far from home.
Has your cultural background influenced your academic or career choices here at PBA? If so, how?
Yes, it has influenced me a lot. Growing up in India, I saw the importance of health care and helping others. This inspired me to pursue a pre-medical path. My background motivates me to work hard and make a positive impact on people’s lives through medicine.
Is there someone from your cultural background who inspires you?
Yes, my mother inspires me the most. She is the reason I chose to pursue my career. She has always supported me in every possible way, especially in my education and goals. No matter how difficult things were, she always encouraged me to keep going and believe in myself. Her strength, sacrifices, and constant support motivate me to work hard and become successful.
What’s something you wish people knew about your culture or country of origin?
I wish people knew that India is very diverse, with many languages, traditions, and cultures. It is not just one culture but a combination of many unique identities. South Indian culture, especially in Chennai, has its own traditions, food, and language like Tamil, which is very rich and historic.
Anything else you want to add?
I am proud of where I come from and grateful for the opportunity to study in the United States. I enjoy sharing my culture with others and learning from different cultures around me. I believe this exchange helps us grow and understand each other better.
Learn more about PBA’s academic programs at https://www.pba.edu/academics/.
