From Ashland to UMass Amherst

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A big-time introvert, Harman Bindra took a bold step by leaving her comfort zone and embracing her future at UMass Amherst. Hailing from the quiet town of Ashland in eastern Massachusetts and thrown into the sea of faces and experiences at UMass, Harman knew she needed to find her own space and community that would help her thrive. Over the course of the four years she has spent at UMass, Harman has realized that beneath the imposing buildings and sprawling campus lies a sense of closeness that can only be found within a community. 

In the pursuit for community and connection, Harman co-founded the first ever Sikh Student Association (SSA) at UMass. As much as UMass offers the opportunity to its students to interact with folks from various backgrounds, it also encourages them to stay rooted to their heritage through an assortment of cultural RSOs and events. Despite the initial challenges of gathering enough members to formally establish the SSA, Harman was quick to reach out to the handful of Sikh students she knew in UMass. Looking back, she takes immense pride at the evolution of the organization, which boasts a full e-board, more than 50 general body members, and has successfully hosted spectacular events such as the Lohri Night and a Samosa Fundraiser. As the president of the SSA, Harman carved out a unique place for herself and solidified her sense of belonging and purpose. 

Besides the SSA, Harman forged close connections through various other RSOs such as the Red Cross Club and Sisters on the Runway. As an event coordinator with Sisters on the Runway, Harman has channeled her passion for social justice and empowerment by partnering with Safe Passage, a local domestic violence shelter located in nearby Northampton. Looking back on her freshman year, Harman was grateful for the efforts made by her RAs and PMs in making her feel welcomed, noting how “life has come full circle” as she currently works as an RA in Webster Hall. 

A key highlight of Harman’s college experience was being a part of the Commonwealth Honors College, a prestigious feat many current and prospective UMass students aim for. The small class sizes of honors courses facilitated connections with fellow community members, while also enriching her academic pursuits. Her academic zeal was further driven by her interest in research and the numerous opportunities available at UMass. As a biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) major, Harman gained valuable experience working in Professor Dong Wang’s research lab and others. Her interest in cognitive neuroscience led her to pursue a double major in psychology. She is currently in the process of completing her honors thesis in the Neurocognition and Perception (NcaP) Laboratory under the supervision of Professor Lisa Sanders.  

Harman’s journey, from the quiet corners of Ashland to the bustling campus of UMass, is a testament to the power of community in making even the busiest and largest of places seem small and intimate. Through “getting involved and being open to all opportunities,” Harman reminds us that no matter the size of the surroundings, there is always a comforting space waiting to be discovered.