2026-Kashif Chopra

Kashif Chopra

Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering

Personal Statement:

“The Lafayette Ideal is a well-rounded, educated member of the senior class who adds to a sound academic record noteworthy participation in college activities and student life, which contribute to the advancement of the College on and off campus. Academic brilliance or athletic prowess alone is not the criterion for selection a a Pepper Prize recipient.”

August 18th, 2022.

I follow the words “College Hill” –written in white letters on a maroon background– as my car passes under the highway bridge. My eyes then fall upon a metallic wall bearing the words “Lafayette College – Williams Arts Campus”. My back presses harder against the car seat as it begins to climb the hill, and I ask myself – how will I make my mark? I didn’t know then that the answer wouldn’t come from a single moment, but from thousands of small ones. I found it the first time a student told me they loved SpaceOna – my campus startup showing the real-time availability of laundry machines. I found it while teaching students how to build a solar-powered battery bank via a Dyer Center workshop. I found it just as clearly in the everyday; fixing malware for students as a Tech Lounge advisor, or seeing the smile on their face as I hand them a basketball in exchange for their ID, as a recreation center facility monitor. As a Dyer mentor, I’ve guided students in building their campus ventures. Culturally too, I’ve felt pride by playing the Tabla (Indian hand drum) at International and South Asian Student Association music performances. Beyond College Hill, I volunteered at Community Bike Works, a nonprofit in Easton. Teaching middle schoolers how to repair bikes and seeing them gain confidence is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. At Lafayette, I’ve had the chance to understand the true power of community, and learnt to stretch myself with the power of ‘Cur Non’. This is more than what I could’ve asked for as I travelled up the Hill for the first time ever on August 18th, 2022. So, as I pass the College Hill sign again (this time in the opposite direction), I carry my answer. These moments, in my own ways, are how I’ve tried to make my mark.

Question 1: Please elaborate on the activity or accomplishment that has been the most meaningful to you during your time at Lafayette and why?

Freshman year in Ruef hall, I quickly realized a shared frustration: hauling my laundry down three floors only to find every machine occupied. Conversations with friends across dorms made me realize this was a common issue. So, I decided to fix it. I founded SpaceOna with two close friends. The goal was simple – to provide real-time facility availability to students, to better plan their day and save time. We validated the need through market research, interviews with laundromats in Easton, Lafayette Facilities, ITS, and a student survey with 140+ responses. Our team grew from three to twelve – spanning ECE, Computer Science, Economics and Government – showing me how truly interdisciplinary Lafayette students are. We won the Dyer Pitch Competition. We iterated immensely, building 9 versions of our custom vibration sensors. Finally, we launched in Watson Hall, where students could check laundry machine availability live on spaceona.com. SpaceOna allowed me to build something that each student could relate to, and use my learnings in Electrical Engineering while working closely with other talented Lafayette students. It helped me see my peers use and benefit from something I brought to life. And that in itself, is what makes it so meaningful to me.

Question 2: Please briefly describe any unique circumstances, highlights from your time at Lafayette, things you are proud of or other special considerations, anything that you feel is relevant to your consideration as a Pepper Prize applicant and that is not addressed elsewhere.

Navigating life in a new country is always a great learning experience. As an international student, coming to Lafayette has given me the chance to immerse myself in not only American but also European culture. This experience manifests itself in different ways. It includes the excitement that comes with being in a new setting. Or, even recognizing the extra effort I’d have to put in certain situations – like applying for career opportunities – and adapt by recognizing the power of Lafayette’s community, from the alumni network to the career centre. What I’m most grateful for though, is what I’ve learnt over my time here about the world and different people in it. In Spain, I improved my Spanish, learned Salsa, and learned about the history of each place I visited in Europe. In the US, I’ve had wonderful opportunities to push myself outside of my comfort zone in the most innovative environment in the world. Most importantly, I’ve learned the balancing act of being open to and immersed in new cultures and ideas, while staying grounded in the core moral values I was raised with. Or, observing how cultural contexts shape daily interactions and personal relationships. Finally, I’ve learned that no matter how much I know, there is something new to be learned every day – all I need to do, is keep my eyes, ears, and heart open to those around me.