Nikhita Garuda is a graduating senior at JFK Memorial High School. As she prepares to being college on the pre-med track at Rutgers University Honors College, she reminisces on her time at JFKMHS and looks forward to what the future holds.

I sat down with Nikhita to learn about her goals, expectations for the future, and experiences in high school. Nikhita imparted advice for the incoming classes and thoughtful reflections on her time as a Mustang.

What lessons have you learned in high school? 

Nikhita: You don’t need to make too many friends– that’s my biggest takeaway. Just make friends with people who you trust. And when there’s conflicts, solve them simply because we’re all friends. You can all talk to each other. Don’t be scared of each other, right? If your friendship is meant to last, it will through any sort of conflict. 

One of your biggest commitments throughout high school has been marching band. What are all the ways that marching band has impacted your high school experience? 

I made my first new friends there because I needed to be more outgoing. I got my self-confidence from marching band because I realized I was good at music. And I finally got a leadership position in junior year.

You know, once we spent a whole hour just figuring out a rhythm because they couldn’t get it and I explained it so many different ways. And when they got it, it was such a feeling of satisfaction that I could teach them this.

It [marching band] was also a huge time commitment, especially during competition season. I would have to get home and start my homework on a disciplined schedule, otherwise I’d just fall behind. But it’s all worth it. Marching band isn’t a chore, right? For me, it’s something to enjoy. It is a lot of work, but I truly love performing. 

Where did your interest in the medical field come from? 

I’ve always wanted to be a scientist, since I was little. When I went to high school, there was a careers class that I took. At first I was like, “Why do I need to take careers?” But honestly, it was really helpful. And I recommend that other freshmen take it too, because it gives you a designated time to learn about what you actually want to do and what careers are options.

For me, money is a big thing. I honestly don’t have that much financial freedom. And to do that, you have to get more of a higher degree. So I was looking at that and then I realized taking science classes– that was my jam. I really like science. I realized that I like to help people. Even in elementary school, I used to get scolded about not doing my work and helping others instead.  So I thought, I like bio and helping people, what can I do with this? Plus I really like higher studies, which is what got me into medical fields.

And radiology specifically is really cool. I’ve always also wanted to do emergency healthcare. They go to different places and have medical clinics for those who can’t afford it– the hospital and wheels type. Everything about the field appeals to me. 

Nikhita, you are amazing at doing nails. You’ve recently been very busy doing cotillion and prom nails. How has the process of starting your nail business been like and how’s it going?  

First of all, I started it [the business] because of college applications. But I really do like doing nails. It’s another creative outlet for me. It takes me almost six hours because I take breaks, but it’s really nice to see a process flourish into your vision.

As for starting the business, I’m not very social media-savvy. I didn’t know how to do a[n Instagram] story, right? My friend had to teach me how to make a story on Instagram and that’s the biggest reason why I didn’t post for a long time. But once I figured it out, I gained more followers and clients. I started it last year, June, I believe, just so I could put it down for college applications.

But I did really want to do else for other people. It’s not my main source of income or something I want to do in the future. It’s for fun; just a side hustle. So I’m not taking it too seriously. But if you were taking it seriously, just make sure to network, make sure to not give up.

Guys, go follow Nikki Nails on instagram!  

Instagram: @nikkinails__ 

Congratulations on Rutgers Honors! What are your expectations for college? 

It’ll be another chance to retransform myself. I’m also really looking forward to living on campus and networking because I want to make new experiences and be independent. I know it sounds weird because my parents are still paying for my college, but taking care of yourself is a different endeavor of itself because you’ve always been taken care of, no matter how much you say you’re independent. So being by myself is going to give me more sense of responsibility I want to test the waters, you know, see how it goes. 

I know our school doesn’t do senior quotes. But if you had one, what would it be? 

Okay, well, this is an easy one because I have this one quote by Roald Dahl all that’s my favorite. Basically this has been my favorite quote since sixth grade when my English teacher pulled it out of some daily quotes book that she had.

It goes, “And above all, watch with glittering eyes. The whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” You have to believe in that you will be successful to attain something– mental projecting or manifestation I know people are always like, ‘oh, don’t be delusional,’ but sometimes it honestly works right?

Fake it until you make it! Even if you don’t feel like the best person or the most successful person, if you look it and feel or think it, you will be. You just have to believe in the small moments in the day that it will get you through it. You have to be open and watch with glittery eyes. You have to be passionate and observant and open to all experiences, even if they’re scary, even if they’re new, even if you’ve already experienced them because you’re going to see them in a different light. Always be ready.