Pavan Garidipuri

 “My interests, in general, are very diverse, and Exeter was really the place where I could explore those interdisciplinary interests without it being out of the norm,” said [Garidipuri].

Driven by his passion for computer science and filmmaking, senior Pavan Garidipuri is regarded as one of the most creative people on campus. Over the past year and a half, he has formed relationships with many on campus—especially in his dorm, Cilley Hall. “I’ve connected with the underclassmen a lot,” Garidipuri said. “I feel like an old person talking to them but it’s also making me excited for retirement.”

Hailing from Katy, Texas, Garidipuri was drawn to the unique environment Exeter presented and the freedom to explore multiple areas of study. “My interests, in general, are very diverse, and Exeter was really the place where I could explore those interdisciplinary interests without it being out of the norm,” he said. “[At Exeter,] there’s a lot of encouragement to explore.”

Since coming to Exeter in his upper year, Garidipuri has pursued his interests by becoming the co-head of the Exeter Computing Club as well as shooting videos around campus for various events.

As a new upper, Garidipuri admitted to feeling extreme nervousness at the start of his first academic year. However, he commended the former seniors in Cilley that took him in and gave him valuable advice about Exeter.

Now a senior himself, Garidipuri hopes to provide the same support he received to the underclassmen. “I learned a lot from those seniors and I hope that I can pass it down to people,” he said. “I watched the seniors embark on spontaneous journeys around campus, and really having that bond.” To him, being an Exonian is more than just academics.

At Exeter, Garidipuri has not only found his passions but also discovered more aspects about himself. “[Garidipuri] is open, funny, articulate, curious, kind, engaging and very bright,” said Russell Weatherspoon, Garidipuri’s advisor. “He has simply grown more firmly into being himself: a delightful person.”

Senior Sam Michaels, meanwhile, applauded Garidipuri’s kindness towards the students within his dorm community. “He is always there for his friends to help them out with anything,” Michaels said.

No matter how Garidipuri’s day is going, he is always willing to help others. “If [Garidipuri] can help in any way, he offers quickly,” Weatherspoon added. “He projects an upbeat, positive attitude regardless of how full his plate or challenging his day.”

Michaels shared similar sentiments, stating that Garidipuri frequently leaves his door open to welcome anyone in the dorm who wants to talk. Garidipuri has made a home for himself and others in Cilley Hall. “I’m really drawn to hanging out with people,” he said. “The sort of things I do in my dorm are really cool.” Well-known within Cilley Hall, Garidipuri hosts the unofficial “Cilley Tea” in his room, where people are welcome to come drink tea and chat.

Garidipuri has produced a film documenting the adventures of the Cilley Hall residents through TV show-style narrative. Aside from individual endeavors, he has also created advertisements for club events and made videos for the school.

Garidipuri’s interests extend beyond the arts and into science as well—specifically computer science. “[He] can see ways that technology and computing connect to other fields rather than simply being focused on computing for its own sake,” said Computer Science Instructor Sean Campbell. “He was always gracious and good-humored in class. He had an easygoing attitude and a willingness to help others while both leading and supporting [them].”

As a co-head of the Exeter Computing Club, Garidipuri helps Exonians interested in computer science with algorithms and developing apps and websites. “It's a really humbling experience because I get to learn from a lot of the really smart people as well as sharing that knowledge to the newcomers just like where I started off,” he said.

Garidipuri also brings his skills to peer tutoring. Campbell complimented his ability to teach those with little to no background in computer science. “[Garidipuri] has a mastery of the material in computer science but also has a love of learning it,” Campbell said. “[He has] a knack for explaining difficult topics to others in a way that they can understand.”

With graduation quickly approaching, many good friends reflected on how Garidipuri has positively affected those around him. “[Garidipuri] inspires me so much creatively and as a human being,” senior Rajrishi Das said. “He’s an amazing friend. His positive energy and creativity are infectious.”

Having come to Exeter as a new upper, Garidipuri can relate to new students’ anxiety about a new school and having to find new friends. “I’ve connected with the underclassmen a lot.” he said. “I see myself in them...and I really hope they do well in their [lives].”

Looking forward, Garidipuri hopes to pursue both his interest in computer science and in filmmaking. While these two may seem very different, he is no longer concerned about having to choose one or the other. “Exeter helped me come to terms with that by making me feel that these aren't two separate disciplines; rather, [that] I can combine them,” he said.

By combining both his artistic and technological interests, Garidipuri believes that he can make a difference in society. He credits Exeter for helping him realize that “whatever career it is, I can implement my filmmaking side and computer science side to make something, and find a way to make a difference in the world...I have to thank Exeter for that.”