Simran Sethi ’26, Scripps Associated Students president
By Nichola Monroe ’27
Simran Sethi 鈥�26 began her Scripps Associated Students (SAS) career as chair of diversity, equity and inclusivity, which connected her to a community of women leaders on campus. She then became vice president of student activities and now continues to serve the community as president of SAS.
A native of Sammamish, Washington, Sethi is a pre-med student studying biochemistry with a minor in computer science. When not doing schoolwork or SAS work, Sethi can be found in her research lab at Keck Graduate Institute, Student Union, or chatting with friends on Elm Tree Lawn.
What inspired you to run for SAS President?
I joined SAS my first year spring as the diversity, equity, and inclusivity chair, kind of by chance. The student who previously held the position went abroad in the spring, and whoever did elections a year prior didn’t account for her departure.
When the application came out, I was interested in the DEI position because I realized that, after growing up having my Sundays filled with community and culture and religion at my local Gurdwara, I really missed that here. I thought that if I joined the community as the DEI chair, I could dip my toes into what’s going on at Scripps and the 5Cs. Through SAS I have found my community鈥攊t鈥檚 been the first point of contact for me finding my closest friends.
What made you choose Scripps?
When I was looking at colleges, I knew that closer relationships with classmates and professors were something I needed, and I found that at Scripps. It also has a really great science department with interdisciplinary program offerings, like its science, technology, and society (STS) major.
I am very interested in bioethics and how different philosophies and religion affect our healthcare systems and policy making. I actually have a book on it. [You can read more about Sethi鈥檚 book .] These factors really helped me narrow my choice down to Scripps.
Sethi tabling with SAS leadership during Scripps’ 2025 New Student Programs and Orientation
How has being on SAS helped you grow?
I came here wanting to learn to be more confident in the spaces I occupy. I entered Scripps feeling very small, but since then, I feel like I’ve been able to build my confidence. I see it through my leadership on SAS. I’m very happy with where I’m at right now, and I landed here by chance. I got lucky to have gained these skills that I have now and the confidence to lead.
What change do you hope to make this year? What are you goals for the community?
Since being on SAS, I’ve seen a huge increase in community. People are going out more or just hanging around Seal Court. Now, I鈥檓 pushing for more collaboration amongst the other five Claremont Colleges. You came to Scripps, but you also came to a consortium. If our academics can be so shared, our extra-curriculars can also be shared!
What is something you hope to pass on once you leave Scripps?
Feeling small at a predominantly white institution makes it hard to speak up sometimes. To work on this, I’ve emphasized in our SAS staff meetings that in any conversation, anything you say will be met with a 鈥測es, and.鈥� Always. Even if it’s an opposing thought, your response will be met with space. I want that to be something that we see in our classrooms as well, be it dorms, or the Motley, affinity spaces, anywhere.
Every Scripps student I have met has been open and willing to learn and wants to be part of these conversations. We’re very vocal community; we show up for things that we really care about. We need to be having these 鈥測es, and鈥� conversations. That way, everyone can genuinely feel like they are able to speak up and be heard.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Get into medical school! I鈥檓 interested in reproductive health. I鈥檇 like to eventually have my own clinic that focuses on reproductive health with a focus on infertility.