Abhay Suresh Patil grew up in the small town of Jalgaon in Maharashtra, India.
“It’s a quiet place. It’s not widely known, but it shaped me in ways I only truly understood after leaving,” said Patil.
Now preparing to graduate in May 2025 with a master’s degree in computer science, Patil reflected on his journey from India to Cal State Fullerton. One achievement stands out above them all.
Childhood Curiosity Leads to Competition
Patil recalls childhood mornings with his father, sipping a warm cup of tea and reading the newspaper together before heading off to school. Little did he know this simple habit would one day carry him to a national-level competition.
Years later, as a college student, Patil discovered that CSUF students have access to The Wall Street Journal, and he saw an opportunity to sharpen his knowledge.
“It felt like a goldmine,” said Patil. “I started reading the news whenever I had a free moment — waiting for the bus or even while cooking my meals. Over time, my curiosity deepened, and I became particularly interested in world economies and international and American politics.”
When he heard about Biz Quiz, a national business knowledge competition hosted by UC Davis in partnership with The Financial Times, he knew this was his chance to put his years of reading to the test. Teams from universities nationwide are tested on their knowledge of the global news cycle through a fast-paced buzz-in contest.
“This was my opportunity to prove that years of reading had truly shaped my understanding of the business news world. However, I knew the hardest part was ahead.”
Patil teamed up with Christopher Ghidella and Soorosh Hesamaddin, and for 45 days, they rigorously prepared — dividing topics, quizzing each other and debating ideas. Under the mentorship of Radha Bhattacharya, chair and professor of economics, they trained with a structured approach, held weekly practice sessions and reviewed key global events. These 45 days of intense preparation and teamwork made all the difference.
“When we finally stepped onto that competition stage, we weren’t just individuals who had studied hard — we were a team, fully prepared and in sync. And that, more than anything, was our greatest strength,” said Patil.
A Defining Moment
On Nov. 15, 2024, the big day arrived. With top universities competing from across the country, “the atmosphere was electrifying,” Patil said. Teams faced rapid-fire buzzer rounds that tested their knowledge and ability to think under pressure.
The defining moment came when Patil confidently answered a question about Shell Petroleum in Nigeria — only to have it marked incorrect. “A one-point penalty hit our scoreboard, and for a moment, I felt a wave of disbelief. Could I have been wrong?” he said.
Deep inside, however, Patil was confident he had studied the topic thoroughly. Trusting his preparation, he challenged the ruling. After an official review, the judges reversed the penalty, restoring his team’s lost points and ultimately boosting their national ranking.
“That moment wasn’t just about reclaiming points — it was about standing firm in what I knew and having the confidence to defend it,” he said. “In high-pressure situations, trusting your preparation and believing in yourself can truly make a difference.”
Their hard work paid off, and the CSUF team secured fourth place nationally. Patil and his team said he will always remember Biz Quiz 2024 as a day that proved not just their knowledge, but also their determination and resilience.
Blending Technology, Passion and Community
While Biz Quiz was a major highlight, it was just one part of Patil’s journey at CSUF. His drive to challenge himself extends into research labs, student organizations and even the pages of a book.
As a computer science graduate student, Patil has applied his passion for technology to a machine-learning model with the goal of detecting Parkinson’s disease in its early stages. By analyzing behavioral patterns, his work seeks to enhance hospitals’ predictive tools and improve patient outcomes.
At the same time, he is dedicated to fostering community and connection. During the fall 2023 semester, he co-founded the International Friendship Club and served as its social media head, helping international students find support and belonging at CSUF.
“Watching the club grow into a thriving, inclusive space has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time here,” said Patil.
Patil’s interests also reach far beyond the classroom and university. A lifelong cyclist and published author, he finds inspiration in philosophy, human behavior and evolutionary health care. His self-help book, “The Eight Horsemen of Life,” published internationally in 2022, is a reminder to readers that “ideas, no matter where they begin, can travel far beyond their origins.”
Seizing Every Opportunity
Looking back on his journey, Patil encourages international students to step outside their comfort zone and take advantage of their time at CSUF.
“The campus is filled with numerous opportunities. You’ll need to actively seek them out. Keep knocking on doors, exploring different avenues and try to seize every opportunity that comes your way.”
For those hesitant about language barriers or competing in unfamiliar spaces, he offers words of encouragement. “I understand that English may not be your first language, but don’t let that hold you back. Language barriers are real, but they shouldn’t stop you from stepping up to challenges. You’ll make mistakes, and that’s perfectly fine — it’s through those mistakes that you’ll improve.”
Finally, he emphasizes the importance of building connections. Through IFC and his involvement in various CSUF communities, he’s seen firsthand how a strong support system can make all the difference.
“Find your people — whether through clubs, competitions or research projects. Surround yourself with those who push you to be better. Take every opportunity — you never know where it will take you. Go Titans.”
Visit the International Education and Engagement website to learn more about opportunities for international students at CSUF.