When Sachin Nallapaneni first visited Walsh University, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Recruited to play golf, he had never heard of Walsh before his visit. But that day changed everything. “I was absolutely blown away by the school. It was everything I was looking for, a small Christ-centered community where I could grow in my future career and my faith,” he recalled.
Faith quickly became the foundation of Sachin’s Walsh journey. “Walsh has been such a great school for growing in my faith. There have been so many events and groups around campus that have shaped me not only as a student and athlete but also as a follower of Christ,” he said. For Sachin, Walsh’s emphasis on servant leadership redefined how he thinks about leadership and responsibility. “It has especially shaped my thoughts on positions of power, not seeing them as a means to gain power but as a means to serve others.”
One of the most impactful moments in his first year was attending Ignite. “I had never been to adoration before and this event helped me to grow in my faith immensely. This event really changed my heart and led me to a more Christ-centered life,” he said. That night marked a turning point, fueling a deeper purpose in both his spiritual life and his future career path.
As a Biology (Pre-Med) major with a minor in Chemistry, Sachin feels called to medicine. “I want to be a servant leader in a hospital. When picking my major, I knew I wanted a career where I could talk to people, help others, and use my stellar science background. Naturally, medicine became the only right choice for me,” he explained. With hopes of pursuing Walsh’s Early Assurance Program into Northeast Ohio Medical University, he is already gaining valuable hands-on experience through research internships and public health projects.
Even with a demanding schedule balancing academics, golf, tutoring, Chorale, Chamber Singers, Res Life, and Cavs COR, Sachin finds strength in the campus community. “Coming to Walsh my freshman year was very hard. I struggled being away from home and away from my family. The one thing that helped me the most was the community. From hearing President Collins shouting ‘Swords Up!’ as you are going to your 8 a.m. class to staying up late hanging out with friends on my floor, the community really helped me to transition into college life.”
Looking ahead, Sachin is motivated by his family’s example of hard work and faithfulness, and he hopes to carry those values into his future career as a physician. To prospective students, his advice is simple: “Get involved. No matter what you are interested in, there is something to get involved in in that field. It is truly the connections you make at clubs and organizations that help you to shape your future and career.”
For Sachin, Walsh has been exactly what he hoped it would be: “Walsh University is the perfect place of growth for academics, spirituality, and career aspirations.”
