Each year, IUPUI honors 100 outstanding undergraduate students who demonstrate excellence in three categories—academic excellence, campus leadership, and community engagement. These Top 100 Jags represent everything that makes IUPUI exceptional.
Valliei Chandrakumar, a Traditional BSN student who plans to graduate in May 2025, has been chosen as one of IUPUI's Top 100 students for 2024. Below, learn more about Valliei's journey at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI and the organizations and groups she's chosen to volunteer with during her time at IUPUI.
Why did you choose to pursue your degree at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI?
I chose to pursue my degree at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI because I appreciated that the campus was so close to many Indianapolis hospitals. I felt that I would learn a lot about different nursing specialties and populations with these diverse clinical experiences. Additionally, I liked that IUPUI was a reasonable drive away from my hometown so I could easily stay connected to my family.
Who has inspired you during your educational journey?
I'm honored to say multiple people have inspired me during my educational journey! I have had multiple clinical instructors who have gone above and beyond in their teaching and truly have shown that they care about students. Madonna Wilson, Betsy Terry, Michelle Washington, and Skippy Brewer were all terrific instructors, and I am so glad that I got to be their students.
Additionally, Josh Rojas and Brandi Gilbert, two of my IUPUI work supervisors, have really facilitated my personal and professional growth and given me the grace and safe space to grow from my mistakes. They have been such a joy to chat with and I absolutely look forward to going to work because I get to talk with them. Their openness, encouragement, and advice has truly empowered me to lean into the opportunities I have presented to me.
What has been your favorite or most memorable class/educational opportunity while studying at IUPUI, and why?
I really enjoyed my Adaptive Processes lecture because I love learning about how the body's systems interact and how nursing or medical interventions can promote healing. It is so fascinating that humans can work to correct the complicated ailments of the human body based on science and medicine that has been studied for hundreds of years!
What activities or organizations are you involved in?
I work as a Life-Health Sciences Ambassador for the Life-Health Sciences Internship Program. In this role, I oversee a group of 20 interns and grade their self-development e-Portfolio prompts. I also help with marketing LHSI to potential applicants and facilitating professional development workshops for interns and applicants.
I also work as a Social Justice Resident Assistant for Ball Hall. In this role, I facilitate weekly social-justice related discussion tabling and monthly educational events for the freshman residents of Ball Hall to learn more about various social justice matters in a safe space.
As the vice president of the Indiana Association for Nursing Students (IANS), I work alongside the president to lead our executive board in promoting IANS as a professional development opportunity to Indiana nursing students and planning our annual IANS convention.
As the Student Nurse Partnership Program (SNPP) Director with the Student Nurses Association, I lead a committee of three in pairing undergraduate nursing students together for mentee-mentor partnerships. These semester-long partnerships are designed to give newer nursing students some guidance and support in an experienced nursing student. I also lead SNPP marketing efforts such as flyer creation, tabling, and social media.
Why was it important to you to take on extra activities or leadership roles while studying at IUPUI?
I knew that IUPUI was a fountain of opportunities, and I really wanted to lean into the many ways that I could engage to grow into a more well-rounded nurse and person overall. Also, I love surrounding myself with peers who are also passionate about contributing to the IUPUI community in positive ways and growing themselves into better students simultaneously.
What are your plans following the completion of your Bachelor of Science in Nursing studies?
I hope to work as an ER or ICU nurse in an Indianapolis hospital. I love getting to learn more about the complex pathophysiology of various conditions and feel that being in these environments will give me something new to learn everyday!
What does the recognition of being a Top 100 Outstanding Student mean to you?
It is an incredible honor to be recognized as a Top 100 Outstanding Student and join the legacies of the many hardworking students who have come before me. I dedicate this award to all the family members, supervisors, and professors who made this award a possibility for me by showing me support, guidance, and inspiration.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am so grateful to IUPUI and the IUSON for giving me so many powerful opportunities to grow into a better nurse, human being, and learner. I feel that I have built a strong foundation to build upon after graduation, and I am excited to see where the future takes me!