Name: Gulesh Shukla
Sport: Cricket
Hometown: Agra, India
High School: VidyaGyan Leadership Academy
Activities/Clubs/Committees: HC AOCC (Haverford Athletes of Color Coalition)
What is your favorite team experience?
My favorite team experience would be everyone checking bowling stats after each game: especially counting the number of wide balls.
Why did you choose to play a sport in college?
Given the fact that I played varsity soccer in high school, it was not at all hard to decide if I wanted to play sports in college. Sport has helped me develop great qualities like teamwork, self-discipline, and how to deal with losses. Further, I have known that the bonds you make while playing sports are the best kind of connections, which is true as most of my friends are from the team. I did not know Haverford College had a cricket team until I got on campus. However, when I met the team, I got the feeling that I belong here. Now, cricket is a part of my college life.
What does being a student-athlete mean to you?
For me being a student-athlete means managing two lives, i.e. academics and sports. Also, it means that I represent my college when I play. So, I should be more responsible of the ways I conduct myself.
What makes Haverford unique?
I think it is the culture that we try to maintain here. We allow people to practice their culture. We allow people to accept their identity without being judged. The professors, deans, and other places where students are involved, all really care about students. Lastly, everyone can find a place on campus where they fit well.
What advice would you give a high school student considering Haverford?
I would say that if you love rules/constitution then you would love our Honor Code. Further, I would suggest they visit the campus if it is possible. They can meet a professor, sit in classrooms, and see if they like the college. Lastly, I would say that if you are someone who is an introvert come prepared to approach people because, here, people provide you your space. So, you have to approach first.