Anika Wadhera

What’ve you enjoyed most about your area of study? Was there a particular discovery, new skill or way of thinking, or insight that you found especially valuable? Please share an example from your favorite class or experience.

My favorite part of studying Spanish has been getting to dedicate time to learning a language that I genuinely love! One of my favorite classes was on apocalyptic fiction. When I signed up, I expected a lighthearted exploration of zombies and other apocalyptic tropes. While we touched on portrayals of apocalypses through elements of popular culture like memes and movies, the course delved into far weightier topics like genocide, ecocide, and femicide. Through thoughtful discussions and well-curated materials, we learned how apocalypse is not a distant or abstract concept but a lived experience for marginalized communities, such as Indigenous peoples displaced by mining operations in Peru or women facing violence in Ciudad Juárez (shoutout Paloma!).

How does the knowledge from this field, or your interest in it, combine with your other major or minor studies at MIT?

As someone aspiring to a career in medicine, the practical aspects of learning Spanish have been invaluable. I especially enjoyed my classes on medical Spanish, where I learned both medical terminology and how cultural nuances intersect with healthcare delivery (shoutout Mariana). These classes have shown me that many issues are far more nuanced than they initially appear, and they’ve made me a more globally conscious individual, eager to participate in cultural exchange.

An MIT education includes study in the scientific, technical, social science, arts, and humanities fields. How do you think that wide range of knowledge and perspectives will be valuable to you – for your career success and for your enjoyment of life?

I’ve particularly enjoyed exploring Latin American comics, which have broadened my horizons and introduced me to aspects of history and popular culture I might not have encountered otherwise (shoutout Ana!). These experiences have sparked interests in new areas, both academic and extracurricular, which I’m excited to explore further.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to pursue an MD-PhD and work at the intersection of medicine and research, with a focus on global health and entrepreneurship, but I’m also open to wherever the road may lead me!