Student Profile: Aastha Vasisht, MPP Class of 2025

“I was a super rebellious child,” said Aastha Vasisht, MPP Class of 2025. “Growing up in India, I always got in trouble because I hated how unfair the system was towards women. Fortunately, my mom never stopped me from speaking up, and that’s how I learned how valuable my voice is.”

Vasisht’s experience growing up in India inspired her to earn her bachelor’s in economics and business economics from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. “It was an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. Being born in the US and raised in India and Dubai, I wanted to experience life in Europe, especially because the Netherlands had a great reputation for women’s rights, equality, and sustainability: I wanted to understand what they were doing right.”  

Vasisht’s interest in public policy solidified during an internship with the United Nations Capital Development Fund in New York. “As a partnerships, policy, and communications intern, the policy component changed how I looked at inequality—particularly its impact on specific marginalized communities.”

That experience, Vasisht said, ultimately led her to the Master of Public Policy program at Harris. “I believe injustice is transferable—that the things that angered me growing up as a girl in India are similar to challenges someone else faces in some other corner of the world. Harris has the toolkit to best formulate strategies to overcome such injustices.”

Vasisht said sitting in on a seminar taught by Writing Program Director David Chrisinger reinforced Harris as her choice. “The way he demonstrated how storytelling matters in policy is something I didn't see in other policy schools.”

The Harris community also played a key role. “When I attended Diversity Visit Day, faculty and staff were so warm and approachable. It felt like a close-knit community, and the opportunity to learn from the best professors—and the numerous research options—demonstrated that Harris is a school that will pay off. Then, when I met the students, I realized these are the people I want in my corner. They want to make a difference. I knew then that Harris isn’t just two years—it's a life thing.”

Finally, there is the city itself. “Chicago is the birthplace of community organizing. I’m excited to learn from and be a part of this diverse community. It is the perfect blend of my fast-paced Bombay life with my small-town Maastricht life. I love exploring the city, whether it is to find the best restaurants or a new place to walk my dog.”

Outside of academics, Vasisht said there’s plenty she’s ready to explore at UChicago. “Chicago Policy Review, Women in Public Policy, Policy Labs, and Student Government are at the top of my list. I also noticed there’s a UChicago cheerleading team, and I can see that helping me not be a gremlin during finals. I want to use all the opportunities Harris gives me to develop into a better future leader.”

As for where she sees herself after graduation, Vasisht said she’s interested in working for an international organization—"hopefully back to the UN,”— to have the greatest impact. “Eventually, I would like to have an NGO to be able to give back to where I grew up. I recognize my enormous privilege to study at UChicago. My mom flew in from India to surprise me at Admitted Student Day, and she thanked me for being capable enough to bring her here! Funnily enough, it is because of her I am this capable."