Pitt Women Spotlight: Nihita Manem

Question 1:

Let’s start off by discussing the main theme of Girl’s Up. What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Nihita: Meanings and values that are subjective to different culture change the definition of empowerment throughout society. One of the most important connotations of empowerment is the ability for one to have the most freedom possible in making decisions without being judged. Empowered people are self-determined, driven, motivating others to have confidence in themselves.

Question 2:

With social media and multiple news outlets, it’s much easier for us to stay connected to the news - both fake and real - nowadays. What is one issue (locally, nationally or globally) that really “speaks” to you?

Nihita: One global issue with media news that has always bothered me is their tendency to selectively report. This isn’t seen exclusively in the delivery of global news. National and local news outlets are constantly choosing what the public will hear. For example, terrorist attacks have become a common occurrence at an alarming rate. Because all terrorist attacks are inhuman and unjust, they should be reported under the same light. On the contrary, media news only reports such occurrences in a few countries while leaving out many others. It is important that media provides the people with a wholesome perspective of what is happening on a global scale. Having a thorough image of current events will help young adults form confident opinions on important matters without being misguided.

Question 3:

What is one ideal or value that is important to you?

Nihita: One ideal that is important to me is perseverance. As we grow older we face various obstacles that we must not succumb to. To persevere is to navigate those obstacles no matter how difficult the path. The true meaning of success can then be known by fighting through the difficult times.

Question 4:

Speaking from what I have witnessed, you have grown up to become a strong, wise person. However, I am sure there is still something that you know now that you wish you had known when you were younger?

Nihita: Having the correct mind set is the first step in “reaching for the stars.” If you only radiate negativity by focusing on what you cannot do, rather than what you can do, you restrict your potential to excel. An optimistic mentality makes you more driven by alleviating stress, erasing self-doubt, and allowing you to view your mistakes as stepping stones towards success. You realize that there is no true limit to hard work and unleashing your potential. It is important for everyone, including myself, to understand sooner than later the difference that a positive versus negative outlook can have on how they approach their future and all their ambitions.

Question 5:

You are pretty involved on campus in different ways, can you generally describe some of your involvements and then write about one particular moment that you are particularly proud/happy about within these involvements.

Nihita: During my sophomore year I partook in Summerbridge Tutoring, a program designed to help local students of all ages with various subjects and test prep. I tutored a high school junior in SAT prep. He was a smart, driven student that just needed some guidance for preparation. I helped him create a week by week detailed plan that was flexible around his schedule for which subjects and practice problems he would do leading up to his test date. During each tutoring session, we would review concepts he struggled with. Although I only tutored him for a little more than a month, he felt more confident at the end. He believed in his testing abilities and his ability to study on his own and I did, too. When he received his test score, I was delighted to hear that he exceeded his expectations. Because of his increasing confidence he felt more comfortable looking at possible colleges that he was interested in.

For the past 2 years I have been a General Chemistry 2 teaching assistant, leading recitations by helping with homework, lab assignments, weekly quizzes, exam review sessions. At first, I struggled with communicating the subject matter to the students- it was difficult simplifying complex topics. But, eventually I found my sweet spot and was able to effectively teach and answer questions. The semester always started off with me trying to encourage students to speak up when they have doubts. In a way, I felt invigorated when the students slowly became more proactive. One proud moment was when all my students received perfect scores on a quiz that tested difficult concepts. It was reassuring that my students were grasping these concepts so quickly.

I am also part of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and served as our Education Director this past year. I was astonished to find a group of girls that so passionately voiced their opinions and followed their intuitions. This past semester, we hosted an all you can eat pizza buffet as a philanthropy event to raise money for March of Dimes and Sigma Serves Children. The congregation and cooperation between all my fellow sisters to make this event successful was admirable. We raised double the amount we have in the past that was donated to these charities.

Question 6:

Thank you for being one of my role models. Who is one of your role models who has inspired you?

Nihita: My biggest role models are my parents. As I grew older, I realized how much my parents sacrificed for my younger brother and I to provide us with the opportunities to attend school, play sports, a be safe. Parents are the first teachers we ever have. They understand our full potential and teach us the most important and basic skills we take for granted as humans. I admire my parents and aspire to be as fun loving

and hardworking as them when I reach the stage that they are in right now.