Anusha Kansal

Anusha Kansal

“I just really hate Kanye West.”
Interviewed by Amish Gupta

What is your year and pronouns?

I'm a third year from San Jose, California, and I use the pronouns she/her. I'm studying Computer Science and Data Science.

What are your past committees?

I began my journey in the Data Foundations committee in Fall 2020, then transitioned to Internal Affairs. After that, I joined Data Mentorship, and the following semester, I assumed the role of director. Later on, I took on the position of a Data Consulting project manager, and now I am currently serving as a professional advisor. Out of all these roles, my favorite position was being a Data Consulting project manager because I thought my project was really cool, and everyone was really involved and interested in the work.

What made you choose your majors?

Back in high school, I wasn't interested in computer science because all of the code just didn't make sense to me. However, I really enjoyed math. So, I wanted to pursue something that wasn't computer science but was similar to it. That's why I decided to study data science, as I believed it would have similarities with computer science. However, after taking 61a, I realized that I actually did like computer science. As a result, I chose to major in both fields.

Do you have a fun fact or hot take?

I really hate Kanye West. Just everything about him.

Are you into Taylor Swift then?

Nope. I know her pretty well, but I'm not a die-hard stan, but I have listened to the album, "Midnights."

Do you have any fun hobbies in your free time?

More recently, I have been very into thrifting. This hobby is something I picked up ever since I came to Berkeley, especially because there are some good markets that come every once in a while. So I love that. Another hobby of mine is painting. I've been pursuing art for 10 years, maybe not 10, maybe like 8 years, and I'm taking an art department class. I also like doing little things in San Francisco, especially activities with dogs. I haven't been to “Corgi Con,” but I really want to go.

Do you feel like you have time to do all this with your course load?

It’s been a little lighter this semester, so I found myself having more time for my hobbies. I have learned to set aside time to do the things that bring me joy.

Are you part of other communities or clubs on campus?

I'm part of the association of women of engineering society, but I'm just a member and go to their events.

How did you find out about SAAS?

I joined as a freshman when everything was virtual, so I found SAAS online through a virtual meeting and applied. I thought I failed my interview, but I ended up getting in! I didn't have any specific reason as to why I joined.

Do you have any core SAAS Memories?

When I first picked up, my little was Aisha. We spent time together during the week of the Big-Little reveal because we were paired up for donut bot, but at that point, she didn't know she was my little. So, one memorable moment for me is when we both got donuts after the reveal, just as we had initially planned. Since then, we have developed a strong friendship and spend a lot of time together outside of SAAS. She even stays over at times. We also enjoy going on little trips together. I feel very fortunate to have found such a wonderful friend in her.

Why do you continue to stay in SAAS year after year?

I definitely continue to stay because of the community. Everyone has a similar vibe and I feel like they're all wonderful people. Although we all have diverse interests, you can always find something to bond over. SAAS makes it easy to meet people through socials, retreats, and coffee chats.

What is a topic you could talk about for hours?

Probably trashy reality TV, not by choice…actually fully by choice. I love watching reality TV just to make fun of it with my friends.

Do you have a dream job?

My original dream job was to be a social worker and help kids who are in the orphan/prison pipeline/the foster care system. I learned about the statistics of it and I think it’s something I have always wanted to help improve.

Do you have a restaurant you like?

I like eating at Toss, specifically their flat rice noodles with Thai sauce and tofu. I also like the bowls at Freshroll, but sometimes get lazy and just go to Chipotle.

Do you have a favorite study spot?

I like studying at home, but if I had to choose, Main Stacks is my favorite. I’ve been going to MLK a lot more, but it’s just so packed, so I find myself studying at home.

The website version of this interview was mildly edited for length and clarity.