Ohio Wesleyan let me discover what I was passionate about...
Name: Aamir Motiwala
Class Year: 2023
Major: Finance
Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?
I was unsure about what I wanted to study, which is why the liberal arts appealed to me, as I came here undecided. Ohio Wesleyan let me discover what I was passionate about and take classes in numerous departments as I was uncertain about what I wanted to study until the end of my sophomore year. Furthermore, I knew I wanted to swim in college and Ohio Wesleyan gave me that opportunity. I also liked the greenery of the campus and how different it is from where I come from, a big metropolitan overpopulated city compared to a small rural town. I knew I wanted a change in scenery and this was it.
How/why did you choose your major?
A semester of taking two introductory finance classes with Professor (Jon) Younkman made me realize that I had a calling for finance. It was the first time in a class at Ohio Wesleyan that I actually found what we were doing interesting, useful, and fun. I've always liked numbers and been good at math, and this was the perfect combination of that while making it useful in applying it to everyday life, and learning the importance of finance. Finances are the backbone of every company in the world, and managing that intrigues me.
What is your favorite memory on an Ohio Wesleyan team?
I actually have two, and both are from the 2022 (North Coast Athletic Conference championship meet). First was when I got to swim on my first A-relay at night, which had been a goal of mine ever since I came here, and that was the very first race of conference so the atmosphere was absolutely electric. The second was my last race at conference where my teammates really helped cheer me on to setting a new personal best time in the 200-yard butterfly at the very end of the meet, showing me that my team always has my back and they really pushed me to be my best.
What are your strengths as an athlete?
I think my mental toughness and ability to withstand pain in the water are my biggest strengths as an athlete. I love pushing myself to the absolute limit because the only way to get better is to do something you haven't done before. I feel this is also the case because I swim distance freestyle and butterfly, arguably the most painful events. If it doesn't hurt, you're not doing it right.
Why do you like your event?
My favorite event is the 100-yard butterfly just because I have the most fun swimming that event. However, my main events include the 200-yard butterfly and distance freestyle races, and I like those events not just because I am good at them, but because that is where true mental toughness comes in and you have to be willing and able to withstand that extreme pain for a longer time, and not be afraid of it, which really pushes me, as that is where I feel I thrive the most.
How did you transition to being at OWU from Pakistan?
I definitely had a culture shock and transition shock when I got here. It was a tough transition at first as I faced a lot of cultural differences which I have learned to deal with over my past few years here. Luckily, I made great friends here who helped me a lot with this, a lot of which is thanks to my fraternity brothers. I feel like I am used to it now, being a senior, however, spending time with my Pakistani friends here, talking in my mother tongue (Urdu), and eating Pakistani food has always helped immensely, especially when feeling homesick. Additionally, I feel like being more involved on campus or busy helps with that as well, as you get less time to miss home.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I hope to get a job in an investment bank and live and work in Columbus.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
To travel back in time. I wish I grew up in the '80s.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with?
Michael Jackson, Bob Bowman, and Snoop Dogg.
What is your ideal travel destination and why?
The Maldives. The beach is my favorite place on the Earth, and the Maldives is an island with the most beautiful, clear water, sand, sunsets, water sports, and immaculate vibes, which is what I am all about.
by Michaela Alfano '25
