What is your name, year, pronouns, major(s), minor(s), and your hometown?

My name is Nithya Ramasubramonian, I'm a fourth year student with the pronouns she/her. My majors are data science and cognitive-science with a minor in CS.

Please list your past and current committees in SAAS along with the semester and year you were in them.

I was in the Internal Affairs committee Fall 2022, Data Mentorship committee Spring 2023, and am now in External committee Fall 2023.

What was your favorite SAAS memory?

There ended up being a lot of other events that SAAS had that I really enjoyed anyway, but the yacht party is what got me. My favorite memories in SAAS are from ice skating. That was the first of social events that I went to. I was talking to people that I never really talked to while being in Internal. I was really talking to everyone else in SAAS for the first time and was part of a bigger club other than just the Internal committee. Another one of my favorites is probably retreat.

What are some of your hobbies and interests have you taken on?

Growing up, I used to draw a lot, especially hyper-realism. Those drawings are the ones I particularly like. Many people tend to draw a lot when they're younger, and recently, I've been getting back into drawing and painting. It takes me back to when I was a kid, and it's a peaceful activity that clears my mind. Lately, I've been working on a portrait for my parents as a painting for their anniversary. Currently, that's what's been taking up most of my time. However, I've also been learning how to play the guitar. I'm not good at all, struggling with chords and all—it's pretty bad. But I'm giving it a try because I have a musical background; I played the violin when I was younger.

Why did you choose your majors and what fascinated you?

Well, I started off pre-med (which was super unrelated to what I'm doing right now). I spent the first two years of undergrad working on premed stuff and got pretty far. However, I realized that I really enjoy many of the subjects I was studying. I was initially pursuing them just for the sake of meeting pre-med requirements and didn't actually enjoy the learning process. That's when I met Carlos, who was going through a similar process in pre-med. He, too, wanted to switch into more tech-related fields. So, I decided to try computer science first. After taking 61 B, I considered going in that direction because, in my opinion, I didn't enjoy that class much. Instead, I went through the Data8 route and delved into Data Science. That's how I fell in love with Data Science, and I declared my major at the end of my sophomore year. In my junior year, I became really interested in neurotech and the field of neuroscience. I wanted to learn more, and that led me to discover Cog-Sci at Berkeley.

How did you find out about SAAS and why did you join?

This is the obvious answer, but it's through tabling. Tabling definitely works, and at first, it seemed kind of annoying or could get annoying. The thing is, marketing in person really makes an impact. In my first year, I was online, so I didn't care much about SAAS. However, in my sophomore year, I had a pamphlet, and I really wanted to apply, but I didn't have time, so I opted out. I applied in my junior year using the same pamphlet that I had kept. It all worked out for the best, and I attended info sessions. I really liked the club and the vibe, so I ended up joining. I especially enjoyed the yacht party.

What’s your favorite song at the moment that describes you at the moment/ your life?

Well, the music that I listen to is all over the place. I'd say a song that describes my life is 'Greedy' by Tate McRae because I came across it through a trend on TikTok, and it's been stuck in my head 24/7. Lowkey, it does represent me a little bit, especially in terms of the title. I'm a senior now, so I'm super greedy about everything. I want my life to be a certain way, so I'm actively seeking as many opportunities and connections as possible. I feel confident in what I'm doing right now.

What place do you recommend everyone to go to?

A little further away, but my absolute favorite restaurant in Berkeley is Crape Vine. I love that place so much; if I could go there every day, I would. The best part is that it doesn't make you feel awful—it offers pretty healthy and hearty food. I really enjoyed it. Another place we went to for an External social event was a candle-making event. While waiting for the candles to solidify, we grabbed food at this place called Afghan Burrito. It was fantastic—so delicious and tasted very authentic to me. I can't confirm its authenticity since it's not Mexican food, but it was incredible.

What's your favorite library at the moment?

My favorite library I guess would be Moffitt, but I don’t enjoy it as much because it’s always crowded. There's no space to work and if there is, it's a weird little cushion. My number one spot is Cory– I love Cory Hall. They have this one corner, on the third floor. That corner is never crowded, and I always get my stuff done. It's quiet and it's comfy. If I'm studying alone, or if I'm studying with people I know like CS majors because it is Cory Hall. It's not a library. It's a hall, but I'm more from the most productive and efficient there, I work very efficiently.

What is your MBTI personality?

My MBTI is an INTP, which I believe is an introvert. Oh, I forgot the rest of it, but it's the logician one—you think very logically before doing anything. When I read the description, it's very accurate. But, I feel like it doesn't match how I would picture myself as an INTP; you know, I would picture a different person. Anyway, I think of myself as an INTP, but I think it's too accurate to who I am. So, I can't help but feel humbled by what I am.