Aniket Kali
Computer Science Specialist
University College
Why did you choose U of T for your undergrad?
I was chatting with a friend recently about related things. One thing she said stuck out: times and spaces like these, far removed from what we are used to but full of different people and supportive of different interests, can allow us to grow to the fullest sense of ourselves. I can't say this is exactly the reason I chose U of T in particular (nor were the reasons as clearly formulated back then), but the feeling on the whole made me apply to places very different to where I grew up. Otherwise, I was just quite fortunate many other things worked out.
What inspired you to study computer science?
It's funny — I actually applied to university with the intent I would never do anything math-y again. There were a number of happy coincidences that made me switch, most of all Professor Heap's offering of CSC148, among others. I do enjoy the kinds of problem solving and questions in computer science, and its relevance in other fields and interests, but I'm not so sure I would end up here if the die were rolled again.
Who or what at U of T influenced your education the most?
I've been quite fortunate to get to know a handful of professors who have been deeply supportive both in and out of academics. I was also lucky to build friendships of great depth, and meet people who seriously influenced the way I think about myself and society. It's hard to point to any one person or event that single-handledly shaped my education, though — much more the sum.
How did you get involved at U of T outside of your coursework?
I spent a lot of time in mental health and environmentalist circles while I was here. These taught me lots about how we can push for positive change, but also the limits of institutions like the university as they are. I've met a number of people who I would have no chance of knowing otherwise, whose care and consideration for others and the world around them are a constant inspiration.
What U of T memory do you treasure the most?
There are many, and it's difficult to single out just one, but the common themes were support and solidarity from friends and others beyond what I expected.
If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice at the start of your undergraduate degree, what would it be?
I wish I'd tried out more things — both academic and personal — sooner. Nearly every time I've explored something new, there's been value to it. This is advice much easier to give than take, especially without foresight, so all I would reasonably be able to tell my past self is to follow certain instincts more. There are barriers for many, but college and university can still be an unusually free and open place within society.
What’s next for you?
I'm still figuring it out! I'd like to keep doing research in computational linguistics down the road, maybe down into academia, but there are some other interests I want to explore, too.
This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.