Passion Drives Success: Aashika Suseendran ’15
Leading up to receiving the confirmation she had dreamed of, Aashika Suseendran ’15 still remembers she and her grandfather sharing tears over her acceptance letter to Arcadia University. Today, Aashika is proud to be an Arcadia University alumna. Awarded the Senior Golden Disc Award in May 2015, she was co-founder and president of the Knightingales (Arcadia’s a capella club), an active member of the Honors Program, organizer of the university’s first Arcadia’s Got Talent, and a keystone presenter at national conferences, all while continuing the pursuit of her passions on and off campus. “I really feel my undergraduate experience made me the best version of myself. Arcadia was the sanctuary I needed to feel at home and safe, while also allowing me to grow past my comfort zone.” She continued, “…between studying abroad, the genuine connections, the diversity, and more, I knew Arcadia was the school as soon as I toured it.”
Aashika’s first experience with the Glenside campus was in the pouring rain with her mother. While most may have seen the rainy day as a deterrent, she remembered surprising herself by thinking, “this place is magical!” Arcadia served as a community for Aashika as she interacted with her impressive student peers, professors, and University leadership. She recognizes that Arcadia continues to be that nurturing place for people today. “It was a place I needed to be to be able to grow into my twenties… I still remember the college student in me. I’m so grateful to the people that helped me thrive; they were the ones who gave me the courage to become who I am today, the meaningful relationships I still nourish like a garden, and the ability to explore, travel, and participate in meaningful projects.” She felt uninhibited to further explore her passions and continue to find the rhythm of her own life.
Post graduation, she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Columbia University, and Aashika started her own practice as the CEO of Angstrom Alpha Physical Therapy & Wellness. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher and Holistic Wellness Coach and incorporates modalities that help support individuals and the collective. Her mission is centered around bridging the gap between physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Through thoughtful teachings and workshops, Aashika hopes to help each person find happiness within themselves and discover their own process to healing chronic pain, mental health challenges, interpersonal conflicts, and more. She was an instrumental volunteer, helping Arcadia leaders plan and facilitate a SKY Campus Happiness Retreat for the University’s H.O.M.E. Scholar Students and just hosted a virtual Lifelong Learning Series to students and alumni on “How to Regulate your Nervous System.”
When asked why she continues to return in service to the University, she said, “It’s important to give back to the institution that supported me.” Aashika continues to live and give according to her vision of health, harmony, and happiness, through physical therapy and wellness, and she is excited to return “home” to Glenside. She will be celebrating her tenth reunion from Arcadia this April 25th and 26th during Alumni Reunion Weekend & Woodstock and is eager to reconnect with classmates. If you’re interested in connecting with Aashika directly, she encourages you to reach out to her via Instagram (@angstromalpha). Whether you’re an alum celebrating a graduation year ending in zero or five, or just looking to reconnect with the place you once called “home”, make sure you update your contact information to receive updates about the weekend, or register to attend here.
