About Me
My name is Chandhopama Thidas Wanasinghe (Thidas), and I am from Sri Lanka. This is my first time in the U.S. I am a math major in the College of Science at Purdue. My main interest is mathematics, and I have participated in the International Mathematical Olympiad and other international math competitions. These experiences inspired me to pursue math as my field of study. I am looking forward to engaging in undergraduate math research soon.
Why did you come to Purdue?
I chose Purdue because I liked the math program, the variety of course offerings, the flexibility in choosing subjects, and the overall environment. One of my math Olympiad tutors was a Purdue alumnus, which also influenced my decision.
Goals and Plans
In the short term, I want to maintain a high GPA and build connections with professionals in the field. In the long term, I hope to become a mathematician and contribute valuable research to the field.
Best memories and favorite spaces at Purdue
BGRi and BGR were great experiences where I made some friends. Getting good grades has also been a rewarding experience. I appreciate that the academic workload has been manageable so far. My favorite study spot is WALC because it has a relaxing environment.
Experience with PLaCE classes or workshops
I took SCLA 111 in fall 2024 with Dr. Haiyan Li. I haven’t taken any PLaCE short courses yet, but I am definitely looking forward to joining. I am particularly interested in courses like the Conversation Club or the "American Humor" group.
Advice to new Purdue students
One thing I noticed is that native English speakers understood my English better than other international students, which was the opposite of what I expected. At BGRi, I was initially worried when some people struggled to understand me, but when I spoke with native speakers (even though I knew I was making mistakes), they understood me right away. So, my advice is to talk to native speakers without hesitation—it helps a lot. Also, get familiar with the course syllabus and plan ahead, as the academic setup may be different from what you are used to. Be consistent in your studies and maintain a balanced life.