BW first-gen student pays it forward by building bridge to Ukraine

For first-generation student Jayanti Upadhyay '26, the path to a medical profession is filled with hard work and dedication. But alongside that goal is another motivating heart-tug … Ukraine.

Upadhyay is currently teaching English to a 22-year-old student in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, through an international program called ENGin. For the altruistic student, the volunteer experience melds her love of other cultures with the importance of paying it forward.

"I found out about ENGin through BW Jacket Connect. It was shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. I wanted to start volunteering and thought this was the perfect place to begin because helping people in war-torn nations is important," explained the Brunswick, Ohio, native.

"It has been an eye-opening experience because I have heard his side of going through the war and what that experience has been like for him and his family," said Upandhyay. "I enjoy teaching him because, despite whatever is happening in Ukraine, he is still willing to learn and work hard. I think the ability to work hard and be resilient is a good connection point for us.

"Talking to him makes me realize how privileged we are living here and how much my student and his family have sacrificed," stated Upadhyay. "Seeing his passion for learning English motivates me to help him towards his dreams and future," she went on to say.

Blending two cultures creates unique perspective

Upadhyay's parents and grandparents immigrated to the U.S. from India in the 1990s. The hard-working family built successful lives here, but there were challenges along the way.

"I am the first in my family to go to college in America and also be born here," noted Upadhyay, who speaks Gujarati and Hindi. "I follow Indian culture thoroughly, including Indian holidays and traditions. I equally follow American culture and traditions. This gives me a unique perspective."

Upadhyay's mother attended a university for three years in India but could not finish her degree because she emigrated to America, and the credits would not transfer. Her father had a similar situation with college credit transfer.

Medical school bound

At BW, Upadhyay is majoring in biology and chemistry with the goal of attending medical school. Among her activities, she is a member of the First-Generation Student Advisory Council, Delta Omega Chi Premedical Society, STEM Scholars, The Exponent student newspaper and WISE (Worldviews and Interfaith Social Ethics) Council.

"The First-Generation Student Council is a good first step for BW to support this population of students. Like other students, I've experienced both hardships and successes," admitted Upadhyay.

"I remember being stressed during freshmen year because I wasn't quite sure how I would navigate through college and thought I needed to have everything figured out. Having been at BW for three years now, I've learned to go with the flow, use my resources and get help from the people around me," she acknowledged.

Committed to first-gen success

Baldwin Wallace offers a peer-to-peer First-Gen Advisory Council. In addition, BW was named to the First Scholars Network by the Center for First-generation Student Success for its "demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students."