MRC Student of the Month - March 2000

Ranjana Chaterji

(Junior - Biology)

"Nonacademic Opportunities Bring Joy to Your Life"

Throughout most of my life, I have been a very involved individual. I have taken ballet, tennis, violin, and piano lessons and enjoyed them all. As you can imagine, it was only a matter of time before I was unable to maintain all of my activities. Violin and tennis became the two that impacted my life the most and they continue to be important to me. However, it is my interest in the violin that has significantly affected my life at Penn State.

For a very long time I have known that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I am not sure why, but when I came to Penn State, I decided that I would concentrate only on my science studies and ignore my "hobbies." I left my violin at home and had no intention of ever seriously playing it again. My first semester was a very trying time for me, and I realized that I was missing something in my life: I was missing happiness.

I analyzed my life to figure out what made me happy and what I could do to make my college life better. I decided that I missed playing my violin.

When I returned to school, I immediately looked into the orchestral programs that were offered. One of these, the Sinfonietta, is for nonmusical majors who enjoy playing. It was perfect for me! I played in the Sinfonietta for two semesters, and it allowed me to escape from my class work and the daily stresses. Last spring, Professor Pu-Qi Jiang, the orchestral director, told me that I might have a chance to join the Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra. I nearly fell over! This was beyond my wildest expectations. I auditioned and was accepted. Playing with the Philharmonic Orchestra has allowed me to meet and work with some amazing people. When I play the music, I forget about everything and just concentrate on the music. I have grown in my musical ability and I am learning a lot about music, especially about self-expression.

I hope that everyone develops some nonacademic talent or interest that brings joy to them. Playing in the orchestra has really made a difference in my life. There is so much more to life than just pursuing the academic means to that professional end which we envision for ourselves. Three years ago I would not have thought it possible to see myself playing with some of the finest musicians in the country. But, today, I am. I hope that everyone takes advantage of the endless opportunities at Penn State. I have and I am forever grateful.

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