Shah sisters have big goals – and the commitment to make them a reality

Twins from the Class of 2012 take advantage of learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom.

Ami and Dhara Shah, sophomore twin sisters from Lincoln, RI, did not deliberately set out to attend the same college so close to home. But as they began their college search, they decided they would apply to the same places.

“In the back of our minds, we always thought that we would end up at the same school and live together,” says Dhara.

“However,” points out Ami, “simply applying to the same places did not guarantee that we would each be accepted or even consider the same school to be our top choice. Therefore, we were open to the fact that we might have ended up attending different places.”

(L-R) Ami Shah '12 (Lincoln, RI) and Dhara Shah '12 (Lincoln, RI)

The sisters never had to contemplate what life would be like apart as they each decided to spend their college careers together at Bryant.

“I found the community and culture exhilarating, and as I researched more about what the University has to offer in terms of academic and co-curricular activities, I decided this was the place for me,” says Ami.

“What attracted me to Bryant was the welcoming feeling and the beautiful campus,” says Dhara. “I really enjoy that Bryant has a lot to offer.”

Dedicated students

The women have more in common than their strikingly similar appearances and their bulldog sweatshirts. They share a passion for learning that surely made dinnertime conversations a lively experience in the Shah household.

Just over a year into their Bryant careers, without even officially declaring their majors, the sisters are already making plans to work toward an MBA, attend law school, or even pursue a pilot’s license.

Ami intends to major in politics and law and hopes to earn her juris doctorate. Dhara, who expects to major in accounting and minor in legal studies, would like to earn her MBA and finish law school before starting her own accounting firm. She also has aspirations to teach – and even learn to fly one day.

Dhara Shah '12 (Lincoln, RI), fourth from the left, after winning the Sophomore Cohort Business Program's first case analysis competition earlier this semester. Shah is pictured with her team and the Bryant faculty who team teach the courses.

This year, both students are part of an innovative program in which sophomores are grouped into a cohort to take business core courses that are team-taught by faculty members in the different disciplines. Dhara’s team captured top honors in the program’s first case analysis competition.

“The Sophomore Business Cohort Program is an intense workload that is providing some great, real world experience,” says Dhara.

“I love the leadership opportunities, the groups and activities that are available, and the small classes where I can receive individual attention from my professors,” adds Ami.

Well-rounded education

Outside of the classroom, the sisters helped spearhead Bryant’s involvement last year in RecycleMania, a nationwide contest for colleges and universities that measures who can reduce, reuse, and recycle the most campus waste.

This fall, Dhara is taking part in LEAD, the second in a series of three leadership programs designed to help prepare students to be leaders in business, not-for-profit organizations, and local communities. She also served as peer counselor for incoming students taking part in the Multicultural and International Leadership Experience (4MILE).

“My favorite memories so far have come from my involvement on campus and the people I have met along the way,” says Dhara.

Next month, Ami and Dhara Shah will be part of the International Student Organization's i2i cultural celebration.

Last year, Ami was a member of the Diversity Council of Champions and helped organize the 3rd Annual Diversity Contest. She is active on the Student Senate serving as the body’s residence life liaison and one of its Class of 2012 representatives along with Dhara. You can also find Ami pumping up the crowd at Bryant sporting events dressed as “Tupper,” the University’s mascot.

Both sisters are members of the Multicultural Student Union (MSU) and the International Student Organization (ISO). Next month they will take part in the ISO’s i2i cultural celebration.

“I have had the opportunity,” says Ami, “to try new things, participate in hobbies I enjoy with others who share the same interest, and get to know so many people that I feel truly connected to the Bryant community.”