Transforming Campus Life: An LAS Student’s Leadership Journey

Name: Harshil Choudhary

Major: Criminology, Law, and Justice (CLJ) and Global Asian Studies (GLAS)

Minor: History (HIST), Public Policy (PPOL), and Social Justice (SJ)

Year in school: Junior

Expected Graduation: May 2026

How did you choose your major/minor?

When I first started college, I began as a biology major, planning to study and practice healthcare in India. I had no intention of staying in the United States long-term. However, when I moved here to help with my family’s local hotel business, I thought I would remain for only a couple of years before returning home. Managing the hotel while studying biology at Purdue Northwest opened my eyes to the reality of life in the U.S. and made me realize that healthcare was not my true calling. Eventually, I transferred to UIC and switched to Criminology, Law, and Justice. The more I discovered in CLJ, the more I fell in love with it. Over time, I added majors and minors such as Global Asian Studies, History, Public Policy, and Social Justice, as well as joining the Honors College, to better reflect my passion for understanding and addressing systemic issues.

What resources have you connected with and found useful on campus?

I have utilized a wide range of resources at UIC. I start my day at the Recreation Center, using the pool, climbing wall, and gym to stay energized. I often spend time at the Commuters’ Lounge to meet people, while the Asian American Resource and Cultural Center (AARCC) is great for quiet study sessions. The Honors College lounge offers advising, study rooms, and even games, helping me stay on track academically. Student Leadership and Civic Engagement (SLCE) and the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) have guided me in volunteering and discovering student organizations that align with my interests. The dining halls, conveniently located on campus, also make my daily routine much easier.

You’re the President of WeDesi. Can you talk a bit about this club and how it came to be?

My personality has been greatly influenced by my involvement at UIC. I have always wanted to be part of student government and advocacy since middle school. In high school in India, I hoped to run for head boy in high school, but the pandemic and lockdowns prevented any involvement. At Purdue Northwest, there was little student life or diversity. Coming to UIC, I had high expectations of finding a bustling environment reflecting various cultures. Initially, I struggled to find a club that represented South Asian culture and festivals as I imagined. After an entire semester of searching, I spent the next semester gathering friends who felt the same and planning to start our own organization. That’s how WeDesi was born. Within three months, WeDesi hosted major events and attracted large crowds, raising funds to keep these programs accessible. WeDesi has brought me immense fulfillment and helped me create a sense of community on campus.

How has your experience on campus been impacted by your involvement with student organizations?

My involvement with student organizations, especially WeDesi, has transformed my campus experience. It has allowed me to take on leadership roles, meet incredible people, and actively contribute to making UIC more inclusive. Through these activities, I have learned teamwork, problem-solving, and how to foster a strong sense of belonging. Being an Orientation Leader has given me the chance to serve as UIC’s face and a best friend to new students and their families, welcoming them to campus and helping them navigate their first steps in higher education. Working as a researcher in Criminology, Law, and Justice, I have also delved into studies on incarceration, exploring how reintegration challenges affect formerly incarcerated individuals. These experiences have deepened my understanding of systemic issues and inspired me to advocate for equity on multiple levels- culturally through WeDesi, academically through my research, and socially through my role as an Orientation Leader.

Can you talk about your participation in the Liberal Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Initiative (LASURI) program? What are you researching? 

As a LASURI scholar, my research focuses on the challenges of reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. The project, titled Incarceration and What It Brings Along, aims to explore the barriers these individuals face during and after imprisonment. By examining their experiences alongside perspectives from law enforcement, the study seeks to uncover systemic obstacles in areas like housing, employment, and social reintegration. My ultimate goal is to identify practical solutions to improve prison conditions, streamline the expungement process, and reduce recidivism.

As a part of the LASURI program, you are being mentored by Amie M. Schuck, Professor of Criminology, Law, and Justice here at LAS. Can you share a bit about your experience in the program and what it has been like to work with Dr. Schuck in her lab? 

Working with Dr. Amie Schuck has been an incredibly enriching experience. She has a way of balancing mentorship with independence, allowing me to explore my ideas while providing the guidance I need to refine my research. Her deep knowledge of Criminology, Law, and Justice has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of the nuances of incarceration studies. Dr. Schuck encourages me to ask critical questions, consider diverse perspectives, and connect theory with practical application. Collaborating with her has not only enhanced my research skills but also deepened my passion for justice reform.

Has anything surprised you in your research? 

Yes, one of the most surprising discoveries has been the complexity of reintegration challenges. While I initially expected barriers like housing and employment to be significant, I didn’t anticipate the extent to which stigma impacts every aspect of life for formerly incarcerated individuals. This societal bias often undermines even the most well-intentioned policies, creating additional hurdles for individuals trying to rebuild their lives. Additionally, I’ve been struck by how interconnected these challenges are- solutions must address the system rather than isolated problems. This insight has inspired me to think critically about comprehensive reforms and community-based solutions.

If you could give yourself one piece of advice during your freshman year, what would it be?

I would tell myself to not stop until I have met as many people as possible, to embrace UIC’s diversity by learning new cultures and languages, and to be “greedy” for opportunities. If I can have everything, I should aim to have it twice!

What are your aspirations after graduation?

My primary goal is to be happy and successful on my own terms. Ten years from now, I envision myself as a defense attorney involved in justice reform, working to expunge thousands of cases and uplift marginalized communities. I also see myself running a global non-profit supporting orphans and expanding WeDesi into a cultural powerhouse hosting large-scale events. Through all these efforts, I hope to blend advocacy, cultural celebration, and global community support into a life that makes a meaningful, lasting impact.