Shreya Punj ’25 found her time at F&M to be a period of personal growth, fueled by a vibrant campus life that encouraged learning beyond the classroom. “F&M is home to people with diverse experiences and interests,” she said. “Learning from my peers and becoming friends with people who have lived drastically different lives than me has been an enriching experience and contributed significantly to my growth in the last four years.”

Photo Credit: Deb Grove

Shreya Punj '25

Major: Psychology 

Minor: Economics 

Home: New Delhi, India

Activities at F&M: Class senator for the Senior Class Cabinet and Diplomatic Congress, International Student Advisory Board (Senior adviser; former president and vice president), Alumni Leaders of Tomorrow, Peer Health Educator, and Office of Admission student employee

Why did you choose to attend F&M?

I was drawn to F&M’s commitment to a holistic education. In addition to encouraging students to explore diverse fields of study through a liberal arts approach, I appreciated the wide variety of clubs and organizations that allow students to grow outside the classroom. My brother (Shubh Punj '21) also attended F&M, and hearing about how much he loved his college experience was another factor that influenced my decision.

What is something that you did for fun at F&M?

I joined several clubs and organizations throughout my time at F&M, which allowed me to meet new people and attend fun events. I’ve also enjoyed exploring downtown Lancaster in my free time. The city has so much more to offer than people realize and there’s always a new cafe or store opening up that’s worth a visit. I must admit that my goal on a warm, sunny day was always to spend as much time as possible with my friends on Hartman Green, though.

What did you enjoy most about your time at the College?

The most enjoyable part of my college experience has been meeting new people through my classes and extracurricular involvements. Despite having a small student population, F&M is home to people with diverse experiences and interests. Learning from my peers and becoming friends with people who have lived drastically different lives than me has been an enriching experience and contributed significantly to my growth in the last four years.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I plan on gaining work experience for a few years before getting a master’s degree in organizational psychology.

What brief advice would you give to incoming students in F&M’s Class of 2029?

One of F&M’s greatest strengths lies in the community’s dedication to supporting students. From faculty and staff to alumni and current students, people are always willing to give you their time and advice to help you succeed. Utilize your resources and know that you’re in a place where everyone is rooting for you.

To incoming international students: The international student experience is undeniably challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. Your journey might look a little different than the people around you, so give yourself grace and don’t forget that you deserve to be here just as much as everyone else!

“Learning from my peers and becoming friends with people who have lived drastically different lives than me has been an enriching experience and contributed significantly to my growth in the last four years.”

— Shreya Punj '25