While their time at Cal State Fullerton is coming to an end, the legacy that international graduate students Keshav Daga and Kavil Jain are leaving behind will last a lifetime.
It started with the simple dream of coming to California. Daga and Jain were drawn to CSUF for its exceptional computer science program and inclusive learning environment. However, there was a mental barrier to overcome.
“We were quite nervous because we had never been outside India,” said Daga.
That’s when they reached out to several LinkedIn connections who attended CSUF. These students helped Daga and Jain address concerns such as what to expect at an American university and which courses to take. This support gave them the confidence to apply and become Titans.
Getting Involved
Grateful for the guidance they received, Daga and Jain wanted to pay it forward. Knowing that many other international students might feel nervous and have questions about attending CSUF, they gathered a group of volunteers and organized a pre-arrival Zoom session. With support from the International Students and Scholars office and marketing efforts on social media, they attracted around 40 attendees. Today, this has grown into an official International Student Services event held every semester for incoming international students.
This leadership achievement was only the beginning for Daga and Jain. The success of the pre-arrival Zoom session inspired them to revive the International Friendship Club. With Daga serving as president and Jain as treasurer, they revitalized the club by hosting networking events and social outings, helping students feel more at home in a foreign country.
Feeling homesick and missing the celebration of Indian festivals, Daga and Jain also launched the Hindu Yuva club. In spring 2024, this newly established student club successfully hosted a Hindu festival called “Holi” at the intramural field, bringing together around 200 participants. As a result of their impressive efforts, Hindu Yuva club garnered the Emerging Organization Award from Student Life and Leadership.
Growth in Leadership
Daga and Jain’s success in student organizations naturally propelled them toward campus leadership. In spring 2024, they were elected to the Associated Students Inc. board of directors for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and began their roles that fall. Representing more than 6,000 students, they advocated for student needs, met with university leaders and ensured students’ voices were heard.
“We regularly meet with Dean Susan Barua, associate deans, and other key stakeholders of the university like President Ronald S. Rochon and ASI directors,” said Daga. “Meeting these big personalities has been one of the best parts of our journey because of the network we’re building. This opportunity is something we wouldn’t have gotten through any other organization.”
Jain and Daga also worked to enrich students’ professional journeys. They advocated for free access to Coursera to help ECS students gain in-demand skills and certifications. Additionally, in collaboration with CSUF Alumni Association and International Education and Engagement, they helped facilitate an international student alumni mixer, bridging current students with alumni who shared insights on career advancement and navigating challenges unique to international students.
“It helps a lot when someone who’s already achieved a lot in their career can guide you through college,” said Jain. “International alumni know the hustle and struggles we face and can share their solutions.”
A Legacy of Inclusion
For Jain and Daga, inclusivity has been a key theme of their journey, one they hope to pass on to future Titans. As they prepare to graduate this month, they hope their story will inspire other international students to get involved and pursue their dreams.
“When we joined the board of directors, we never felt inferior or out of place,” said Daga. “Everyone made us feel part of the community, the board and the team. Being elected to the board of directors sets an example for other international students that you can achieve any position on campus if you have the will.”
“To all international students listening, I’d say: Go out, explore the campus, join clubs, attend events and make the most of your time here. Don’t miss any opportunities. You’ve invested a lot in your education, so get the most out of it,” said Jain.
From dreamers to leaders, Daga and Jain will leave a lasting impact on Cal State Fullerton, showing fellow international students that it’s possible to overcome challenges and mental barriers when pursuing an education abroad.