Spotlight Stories: Akshay Duggal, FASP Class of '17

We had a wonderful opportunity to catch up with Akshay and talk about his current studies and work in Veterinary Medicine. Akshay remembers his FASP years with fondness and discusses the many advantages of his former education.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself before we go down memory lane?

Yes, of course. My name is Akshay. I am a student at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. I was born in Toronto, Canada where I lived until my family and I moved to Princeton when I was 10 years old. When I’m not at school, I love playing with my dog, Hudson, cycling, cooking, and watching sports. 

What did you study in college?

I just finished my 3rd year at Northeastern where I am majoring in Biology with a focus on Veterinary Medicine. I am also doing a minor in Business Administration. I also try to pursue other interests including writing and editing for the school’s science publication, helping tutor students, and being an ambassador for the school’s semester abroad program. 

What is it like to be working in a Veterinary Clinic? What was the thinking that led you to that career path?

Working in a veterinary clinic is a very unique experience. I find the cases and problems we see to be very interesting and educational, especially as I work in the heart of Boston which exposes me to a wide range of challenges. It is not all puppies and kittens, though. We do see many, many sad things everyday, unfortunately, but the process can be very rewarding . The team I work with is absolutely amazing at what they do and are always willing to teach me on the job so that I am always improving and can help our animals as best as I possibly can. 

As for what made me go into veterinary medicine, I have always been fascinated with animals, especially wildlife and dogs, and loved going to the zoo as a kid. My interests started to evolve as I read more about the connection between people and their pets - specifically, how those with medical conditions rely on their animals for a wide range of support. This, combined with my family getting our dog, pushed me to my first job at a vet clinic. Within a week, I realized that I LOVED what I was doing, and haven’t looked back since.

Shifting now to some memories about FASP, what do you remember the most about school?

The first thing that comes to mind is how direct the learning was. The small class sizes and the feeling of community at the school made for a very understanding and personalized education. I distinctly remember how close we were with our teachers. And of course, the bilingual curriculum (in addition to some Spanish) allows students access to different cultures, opportunities, and ways of thinking. 

What do you think about bilingual education and what made you different from kids educated in monolingual schools?

I have found becoming fluent in two languages to be very advantageous, especially in the later stages of my education. It has allowed me to unlock opportunities that have made me a more well-rounded and attractive candidate when applying to schools, scholarships, and jobs, not only as an extra skill in my resume but as a functional tool I can use as my primary method of communication. I also feel like the exposure to an entirely different culture, whether that be through the people or the content, has allowed me to consume a whole new dimension of everything from entertainment to sports to culture, world issues, and more. 

Many alumni value the friendships and connections they made at school. Are you still in touch with anyone at FASP or have been part of the FASP community?

While many of us have gone our separate ways across several states and countries, there are people who I still try to keep up with, especially in terms of their interests, education, and careers. 

What would you say to someone considering FASP for their children?

I would tell them to go for it. FASP is such a crucial part of why I was able to differentiate myself from my classmates in high school, especially. In addition to all the benefits that come with being bilingual, your child will also become much more globally conscious and appreciative of cultures, traditions, and ideas different from their own.