Student Employee Spotlight: Shubham Simant

Computer Science graduate student Madhav Datt writes today's article. Madhav works in the UTA Libraries Marketing and Communications Department at the Central Library. 

I want to introduce Shubham Renukadas Simant, Student Assistant at the Experiential Learning and Outreach (ELO) department at the UTA Libraries.  

Madhav Datt (MD): To introduce yourself to the rest of the library staff in this current environment, what piece of media (book/movie/tv show/album/etc.) would you say best represents yourself? Why?    

Shubham Renukadas Simant (SRS): Something that left a strong impression on me was this movie called "Lakshya." The film's title, in English, translates to having an aim. It is the story of a grown man with no goals for his future. Along with a few friends, he decides to join the army after watching an action film. But they find the training too difficult, and halfway through the course, run off home. This decision causes him to lose the respect of his family. So, he returns to the army and proves himself, eventually developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life.  

MD: What do you think about the UTA Libraries, and what excites you about working here?  

SRS: So, for someone like me, who is looked at a library as this quiet study space where people come to read (also, lots of books), you can figure out how the UTA Libraries changed that perspective. The services offered here are just exceptional. Also, the department I work for is always buzzing with an exciting lineup of events like Doggy Daze, Mav Kitchen, etc. So that is fun. And it feels nice; there are so many new things to learn, and one can even pick up some new life skills along the way, helping overall development.  

MD: What is something about you that others would be surprised to know?  

SRS: I have been involved with theater since I was 12 years old until my senior year in college. There, I had the opportunity to perform at iconic venues, adding quite a few 'best actor' awards to my collection. Looking back, that is something I am proud of.  

MD: What is your favorite memory of your time at the library?  

SRS: I recently got a chance to attend this event, Mav Awareness, and that is, undoubtedly, the most impactful experience I have had. As students, we manage hectic schedules, which constantly require dealing with stress and other related challenges. And even today, mental health issues remain undiagnosed in a large chunk of students. So, events like these allow us to express ourselves freely in a safe space, picking up tools to prepare us better and setting us up for long-term success.  

MD: You've spent three semesters here at UTA as a graduate student; what would be your one piece of advice to fellow students?  

SRS: I read somewhere, "It's surely a no if you don't ask." My only piece of advice is not to hesitate when asking for help. I also encourage students to try and communicate more and focus on building their network. That is invaluable.