Kartick Ragavan '28 never considered Siena. The Clifton Park, NY native and Shenendehowa graduate had no interest in attending college so close to home. But after two years on the other side of the world, home sounded pretty good.
Ragavan knew the clock was always ticking. With every birthday, he was one year closer; with every sunset, he was one day closer. This future was determined before Ragavan was even born, and for years, he figured the best way to deal with it, was to ignore it.
"It was always out there, but I kind of pushed it away. I didn't really confront it until I graduated from high school. Sometimes I would ask, 'Do I have to do it?' The answer was yes. But it didn't hit me until I had to get on the plane."
Ragavan was born in Singapore, an island country of about six million people in Southeast Asia, just south of Malaysia. His family moved to the U.S. more than ten years ago when Ragavan's dad seized on an opportunity to relocate within his company. As citizens, they are of course welcome to return to Singapore to see family and friends as they wish. But there's a catch.
Known as National Service, all male Singapore citizens are required to serve two years in active duty as full-time national servicemen, typically in the army. Ragavan could not be compelled back to Singapore, but he would forfeit future entry if he shirked the responsibility.
"When I got there, I was in denial for a few weeks. 'Why am I putting myself through this hardship for no reason?' But then I changed my perspective. I decided, "If I'm going to be stuck here, I might as well make the most of it.'"
So he did. Ragavan climbed to corporal first class, the highest rank achievable in two years. He was named soldier of the month from a unit of more than 150 soldiers, and he earned a perfect score on his fitness test, a rare feat.
"The experience changed my life. Before the military, I was more of the shy type. Now I can express myself better. I can lead better. I can more clearly think about my future and plan better. It was an invaluable experience both mentally and physically."
Ragavan completed his service last November and came home. Next, it was time to enroll in college, and he didn't want to leave again. Ragavan's first semester at Siena was this spring.
"I met amazing people. I joined ultimate frisbee. That's where I met my closest friends. I got the opportunity to get involved in Saints Camp this summer as a counselor, and that was an incredible experience. I got to work with incoming freshmen and answer their questions, and just be a friend and someone they could count on."
A business analytics major, Ragavan is pursuing his pre-law certificate and possibly a career in corporate law.
"Honestly, my interest in law came from the show Suits. I know it's not realistic, but I've always had a passion for law. It's something I'm ready to work for."
And that's another gift from his time in the army. Once you do something you once thought was scary, or intimidating, or impossible – the next mountain doesn't seem so high.
