Parag Desai

The official logo of 2016 #CCUfamily‌

Name: Parag Desai

Hometown: Orignally Galloway Township, N.J. – lived in Conway, S.C. for 10 or so years

Year in School: Senior

Major: English

Parag has his own podcast.

Parag's Video

Parag Desai went from resisting college to embracing a university that gave him the opportunity to define his own educational path. Choosing Coastal Carolina, Parag quickly identified the resources available and used them to his advantage. Maybe this college thing isn’t so bad after all, right?

“Coastal has taught me to carve my own path and become an individual,” Parag says when identifying the positive impact CCU has had on him.

A student of the new age of journalism, Parag utilizes the modern communication tools of the current era; he has his own podcast, he is trained in creating video content and he has an active Twitter account (@aragpayesaiday). He has taken his new school approach and used it to help him prosper in his managing editor role with Tempo Magazine. In return for his efforts, the publication has taught him a thing or two as well.

“Community and artistry is bigger than just yourself,” Parag reflects when discussing what his run at Temp Magazine has helped him realize.

A senior, Parag will soon graduate. Just like he carved his own path at CCU, he would like to do the same with his career. Parag would like to one day be his own boss. With his many talents combined with a journalism field that is much more wide open than it used to be, he will have a shot to achieve his goal. 

Parag is the managing editor for Tempo Magazine.
Parag is a senior.

Q&A with Parag

How did you hear about Coastal?: I went to Conway High School and the close-proximity to the school helped me hear about the university

Why did you come to Coastal?: I came to Coastal because as an in-state commuter student it would have helped me financially if I stayed within distance of my home.  Initially, I didn't even think I was going to go to college—it just felt like something I "had" to do—but after dropping out and then re-enrolling, I learned to take advantage of my resources and carve my own path within the school itself.

Favorite professor: Emma Howes, Ph.D., and Tripthi Pillai, Ph.D., taught me more about myself than anyone ever could. They helped me unearth and effectively articulate my relationship with history through writing and literature. As a young, person of color it is imperative I understand the systems that are slated to work against me in this world full of falsehoods. Thank you forever.

Favorite class: I like learning about English Composition and Rhetoric and learning about Critical Theory

Favorite aspect of Coastal?: Having easy access to career building programs and opportunities

Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: As a quasi-native to the area, I think my personal favorite thing about living in Conway/Myrtle Beach is that, if you're like me, everything becomes so predictable that you're forced to break out of monotony and travel outwards for creative and recreational inspiration, and then you're able to come back and capitalize off of your findings and make yourself stand out amongst the crowd. I think, as a result, The DIY art and music community is growing; trendier businesses are emerging.

Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities are you involved in?:

Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: I am a waiter/server at El Cerro Grande in Conway and I have a paid position with TEMPO Magazine, a literary magazine on campus. Our 20th issue is scheduled to release in mid-November!

Plans after graduation?:              

What are your hobbies?: I like to write, take photos, and ramble incoherently on twitter (@aragpayesaiday )

Bonus Info:I like to pretend I'm vegan sometimes (I like cheese and bread too much to ever commit)