LEAD

Senior Vikram Shah sits across from us on a couch, searching for his most memorable moment at Michigan. Unable to decide, he recalls Nafis Sadik, a notable representative from the United Nations and keynote speaker at the South Asian Awareness Network's (SAAN) annual student-run conference last year. The SAAN students personally hosted the guest panelists and speakers. Vikram remembers a moment sitting in the driver's seat, acting as chauffeur for Nafis Sadik,thinking, ''In what other situation will I ever have this opportunity again? The woman sitting next me is someone who has changed the world.''

LEAD noticed Vikram because he makes his way by using resources and opportunities only available here at U-M. The outspoken, resourceful, and ambitious student community impells him to act on his passions, but he is humble and surprisingly shy for a student activist. While fellow students view him as a leader, Vikram feels the leadership roles followed him with his interests. Vikram says a little surprised, ''I am not a natural leader! It's still weird for me.''

Later, we had our proof. ''This is all about me and I can't handle it!'' says Vikram as he pulls on a suit for the photo shoot.

Vikram was born in Philly and grew up in Livingston, New Jersey. He came to the University of Michigan following his older sister. Four years later, he is a double major in Political Science and Spanish, Co-Chair of SAAN, a member of the Spectrum Center's Student Advisory Board, and is at the forefront of the gender-neutral housing proposal. The busy guy still managed to meet with us in-between Teach for America final interviews, LSATs, and his pre-finals workload.

The sister he followed to U-M also led him to SAAN, an organization which seeks to raise awareness on issues pertinent in South Asian communities. He started out as a facilitator at the SAAN conference; the next two years he sat on the organization's Central Planning Team; and, now he sits as a Co-Chair. His roommate Ben has been with him since Orientation freshman year. He laughs, ''I've seen little shy Vikram turn into 'I'm King of the World' Vikram.''

During the shoot, we asked Ben if there was a moment when he realized Vikram was going to do big things. ''Well, there was always a twinkle in his eye that told me something along those lines'' he joked. The group of friends was humbly enjoying our curiosity and accompanying funny questions. But more seriously then, ''A particular moment... I think it was when he first started working with SAAN, started small in a little committee.'' Now as a Co-Chair of the organization, Vikram is responsible for the coordination of the annual conference, which means his Blackberry is always buzzing.

Somehow, Vikram also balances SAAN with his role on the Student Advisory Board for The Spectrum Center (the Office of LGBT affairs on U-M's campus). ''The Student Advisory Board is different from other student boards because it helps to identify resolutions for University issues on LGBT student life. We're in a unique position because we're placed between students and University administration.'' Vikram's work with the board has led to a proposal to the University to provide gender-neutral housing for students.

''Before, the policy did exist but it was discriminatory. First of all, students that chose not to identify would be treated as special cases; and second, they were usually placed in Northwood, which was farther away from campus, more expensive, and the students didn't have roommates.'' Vikram and a few other members of the Spectrum Center Student Advisory Board researched gender-neutral housing at other schools and drafted a proposal to submit to the University's housing department last spring. Vikram explained that the proposal included ''principles for gender-neutral housing to follow, not demands.''

The University reviewed the proposal, and Vikram and his colleagues met recently with the housing department to discuss the next steps. For now, U-M has decided to make rooms available in all dormitories for transgender students, depending upon availability, and regardless of their placement, these students will not have to pay more.

We asked Vikram if he was happy with the progress. He said, ''It's an improvement, but the underlying principle of the policy didn't change. Students still have to identify themselves as male or female, and that's the issue.'' With this solution in place for now, Vikram said that the goal is to generate student support for the proposal.



LEAD: How did being a U-M student help you reach where you are today?

Vikram: Well, the way I see it, I have received two educations here. The first is obviously what I learn in the classroom. But the second is the skills I've acquired through my work with student organizations. SAAN is very professional and requires a certain standard. I've learned about teamwork and about how people are motivated. I've also made some of my best friends at SAAN.

LEAD: What's one of your most memorable moments here at U-M?

Vikram: I'm not sure. I'll have to get back to you.

LEAD: So Vikram, tell us. Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Vikram: Yes. Bravo.

LEAD: If you could do anything with a million dollars--and you could not give it to charity--what would it be?

Vikram: A million dollars? First, fund the next SAAN conference, then I don't know.

LEAD: Always thinking SAAN! What about when you're not doing SAAN or Spectrum? Have a favorite hobby?

Vikram: Cooking...not baking though. I try Indian food, but I like Italian. Actually one of my life goals is to open up a restaurant.

LEAD: Perhaps you'll be on Top Chef. Okay, now it's time for lightning round.

Vikram: Lightning round? I'm nervous.