She’s also been participating in Madison House’s Creating Assets, Savings & Hope, or CASH, program as a volunteer income tax assistant since her first year, which she said she enjoys for the opportunity to be directly involved with the greater Charlottesville community.

“CASH helps me recognize the magnitude and privilege of being a student, while recognizing the importance of remembering my background. No matter what professional role I have when I’m older, I will continue to represent underrepresented groups and advocate for them,” she said.

As a first-generation student, Pandey said that her time as an undergraduate not only means a great deal to her, but to her family and to many others in her community who have similar backgrounds. Ultimately, she said she is driven by a desire to make the UVA first-gen journey an easier one for future students – a priority that has become increasingly significant throughout the University.

Read the rest of this UVA Today story here.