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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Shivani Narang

By Malinn Loeung | Photo by Stan Lim

A Family of Alumni

Narang comes from a family of Highlanders. Her mom, uncle, and cousins are all UC Riverside alumni. It seems like the only family member who hasn’t attended UCR is her cat, Masti. (No pressure, Masti.) She recalls her family’s stories of the campus’s never-ending green lawns and larger-than-life bell tower — a backdrop for the many commencement ceremonies they have attended over the years. “I remember going to many parties for family members who were graduating from UCR,” she said. Narang’s mom completed a double major in biology and anthropology in 1994, her mom’s brother earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1996, and her cousins all earned degrees in biology and biomedical sciences. Narang is the first to pursue a public policy degree with a medical and health humanities minor and is on track to keep the family tradition alive when she graduates in 2028.

Figuring it Out as a Girl Scout

Narang’s pull toward public service was shaped during her 10 years as a Girl Scout, starting in the second grade and ending in high school. She met her childhood bestie while “badging” and “bridging” side-by-side. At 12 years old, they led a cat and dog toy-making workshop for their troop to support local animals. They even organized a donation drive for an animal shelter, raising funds and collecting supplies at their school. “I was always contributing and helping my community, wanting to make an impact,” Narang said. In high school, she mentored younger scouts, prepping them for their first cookie-selling season and teaching them how to work safely with the public. (And if you’re wondering, her Girl Scout cookie recommendation is a frozen Thin Mint.)

Prioritizing the Public

As a student at Valencia High School, Narang was a member of the Medical Science Academy and the Santa Clarita Valley Youth in Government program. At UCR, she established herself as a School of Public Policy go-getter by joining the Dean’s Ambassadors Program, which connected her with elected officials doing the kind of public service work she aspires to do. She had a sit-down with Kim Saruwatari, Riverside University Health System’s public health director. She shadowed Riverside Councilmember Steven Robillard around City Hall last year. She also met with Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, a UCR alum. They chatted about the city and their commitment to the community, discussing plans for economic development, growth, and upcoming projects. “She means business and stays poised while taking care of it,” Narang said of Lock Dawson.

Croissants with a Side of Calm

Narang is only in her second year at UCR, so it’s hard to say what’s in store for her post-graduation. She plans to pursue grad school, though, and maybe another international education abroad program, like the one that led her to London last year to participate in the “Austen and the City” literature program. But until then, she hopes to continue running into School of Public Policy Dean Mark Long at the HUB; soaking up everything her favorite professors Elaine Ahumada, Richard Carpiano, and Fuson Wang can share; speaking at events like the Persist Women’s Political Engagement Conference; and just enjoying calm moments before class with almond croissants and coffee with her friends.