A recent winner of the Thouron Award, which sponsors Penn students to study in the U.K. after graduation, Sourav Bose led MERT and volunteers at the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society. When he showed up at Street to take his picture, he brought the dog he rescued, Patch.
Street: What do you find most rewarding about your work with MERT? Sourav Bose: The privilege of proudly & publicly commending our team–members after they have actually saved a life. These opportunities are far and few between, but they highlight the real value of our members’ contribution to the Penn community: thousands of hours served each semester and countless social and academic opportunities missed culminate in a true life–saving mission.
Street: You seem to do a lot and make it all look easy; do you have any multitasking tips for the rest of us? SB: Spend more time working than worrying about how you’re going to do all your work. Sleep more than seven hours each night. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t go overboard with any one assignment or task. Always think big picture and love everything that you do.
Street: How about stress relievers? SB: I find cooking and meditating to be very relaxing. I also like to curl up with my dog Patch; we sleep an exorbitant amount.
Street: Tell us a heartwarming story about your work at PAWS. SB: For some strange reason, I decided to foster a cat. I picked one out, brought him home, and named him PJ (Patch Jr.) after one of my dogs because they had the same colors. PJ and Patch became best friends. PJ liked chewing on Patch’s tail and ears, but most importantly enjoyed riding around the house on Patch’s back.
Street: As a recipient of the Thouron Award, you’ll most likely be moving to London next year. What are you most excited about moving across the pond? SB: Authentic Indian food and real pubs.
Street: My PennCard photo looks like I’m… SB: Really suspicious of the PennCard lady.
Street: What’s something people would be surprised to know about you? SB:: I’ve always wanted to be involved in theater or dance.
Street: What’s the weirdest dream you’ve ever had? SB: Synopsis: I discovered a subway car buried in the basement of a shopping mall. It was filled with 50–year–old skeletons of people who had been eaten by flesh–eating bacteria. As it turned out, the folks on the subway car had swallowed gold nuggets before they died. I had to pick the gold out of the bodies.
Street: What song is playing when you walk into a room? SB: Singin’ in the Rain — Gene Kelly (Mint Royale remix).
Street: So you’re this week’s Ego, who’s your Alter-Ego? SB: Batman, hands down. He’s my all-time hero.
Street: Where is your favorite bathroom at Penn? SB: My off-campus house. Who doesn’t like showering under a staircase?
