Akash Raheja '24: "Gaining an Unexpected Perspective"
An industrial and systems engineering major in need of a part-time job that would mesh with his hectic schedule, Akash Raheja '24 found that the Moss Arts Center added a new and unexpected dimension to his Virginia Tech experience.
His brother, Nikhil, encouraged him to connect with the Moss. A Virginia Tech alum who worked for the center when he was a student, Nikhil gushed about his Moss experiences. Akash joined the Moss patron services team his sophomore year, serving as a gallery attendant, usher, and usher lead during his tenure. Now a Virginia Tech graduate, Akash is grateful for how Moss staff were able to coordinate with his availability.
"Engineering majors are super busy, and I’m in a couple of clubs and I’m in a fraternity, so Moss was really good at accommodating my schedule."
But it was more than just a flexible schedule that left an impression on Raheja.
"Working at dining halls or doing research, those are great jobs, but I feel like this one is just really enriching because I was exposed to so much different culture. A lot of the shows I would not have gone to if I hadn’t been working there. I got to see Barbara Nissman, who is a world-famous pianist that I would not have known about, but I loved her music and I was so glad that I got to experience that."
Being around so many different arts experiences even rekindled an old passion.
"I played instruments growing up — I played the piano, trumpet, and guitar in middle school and early high school. So, you know, I hadn’t really been in touch with the arts. I picked up a guitar because one of the last shows I worked was a band and I was just like, ‘Man, I want to get back and play guitar again.’"
Music wasn’t the only connection he found. Raheja appreciates the relationships he developed with the many people he engaged with during his time at the center.
"I feel like just working at Moss, talking to different people, whether it’s patrons or workers, has changed my way of thinking about certain things and it’s really brought me out of my shell. I love Moss so much. They built a great culture there. It’s got a very dear place in my heart."