Student Spotlight: Ashwin Vaithiyalingam
Ashwin Vaithiyalingam came to Oxford College with doubts and nerves. He didn’t know much about the campus or what it had to offer. Now? He’s helping shape the student experience. From adjusting to college life to becoming a leader on campus, his story is one of growth, grit, and finding a true sense of belonging.
Originally from northern New Jersey, Ashwin Vaithiyalingam 26Ox discovered Emory through his older brother, a lifelong mentor who encouraged him to apply. With Ashwin’s strong interest in both business and government, his brother believed the Goizueta Business School could be the perfect fit. He spoke highly of Emory’s academics and social life and felt that moving South would offer Ashwin a refreshing change of pace. Trusting his brother’s advice, Ashwin applied, and on March 27, he opened his acceptance letter to learn he’d be attending Oxford College.
Initially, he was unsure about Oxford. He hadn’t done much research and didn’t fully understand what made the campus unique. That changed on Admitted Students Day. Ashwin remembers how natural the connection was between his tour guides, how they joked like best friends, and how they made everyone feel welcomed and informed. “That’s when I knew this was the place for me,” he says. “I saw an amazing community that would help me face challenges and build lifelong memories.”
Finding Community and Confidence
Ashwin’s college journey didn’t begin with one big moment; it was a series of small steps. One conversation, one event, one new experience at a time, he began building meaningful connections. He became a student ambassador, speaking with prospective families and sharpening his communication skills. He joined the Student Government Association, where he helps review budgets in the finance department and supports sustainability initiatives through the environmental committee. He also got involved with business-focused groups like Ox Ventures, working alongside the marketing team.
Even with a packed schedule, Ashwin makes time to enjoy the little things. “I always remind myself that I’ll never be a freshman again. That’s my push to make sure I have fun,” he shares. “Whether it’s shopping, hanging out with friends, or just saying ‘hi’ to people in the dining hall—I love those moments.”
He believes that going to college away from home is one of the best ways to grow. “It’s all about learning to navigate life independently while staying connected with home and discovering new things about yourself,” he says. “At Oxford, being surrounded by so many brilliant people and staying busy has taught me how to balance my social life here and back home. It’s a unique experience, and I’d tell every student to savor every moment because it does fly by.”
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Reflecting on his first year, Ashwin sees a noticeable shift in himself. “I think I’ve become more brave,” he says. “I’m not afraid to try new things, even if I don’t know the outcome. In high school, I took risks, but college has made me more resilient. Whether it’s applying to internships, scholarships, or clubs where I don’t have connections, I’ve learned that simply trying is the first step. That’s something I live by.”
That mindset has already opened exciting doors. As the semester wraps up, Ashwin is preparing for a summer internship with the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond, Virginia, where he’ll support marketing and analytics on finance-based projects. He credits this opportunity to the confidence and perseverance he’s built at Oxford.
Looking ahead, he’s eager to return to campus, not only to continue his studies and give tours but also to share his story. “I want new students and families to see why the Oxford experience is something truly special,” he says.