by Kaitlynn Johnson
Freshmen Naren Narasimhan and Niheala Ponnatha were chosen as Clifton strengths coaches for the 2021-2022 academic year.
As coaches, they'll lead team meetings of up to 10 students once a week and help facilitate class discussion in a course required for all UNL business students (Professional Enhancement I: Investing in Strengths). Another way they help students recognize their potential is by leading one-on-one strengths coaching sessions twice during the semester.
Ponnatha and Narasimhan applied for the program after enjoying their experiences with their own coaches.
“I thought my strength coach and I had really good conversations, and it was really meaningful to have those deeper conversations,” Ponnatha said. With that, Ponnetha hopes to help people feel better about college.
“My role as a mentor is to help you,” she said.
Narasimhan was encouraged by his mentor to apply while also wanting to try the new experience and be in a fun and cool environment.
In addition to being a Clifton Strengths coach, both Ponnatha and Narasimhan are in the Business Honors Academy, and are looking to use their majors from the College of Business and College of Journalism in their future careers.
As a marketing and sports media major, Narasimhan is hoping to go into the field of sports and business. Ponnatha, a finance and journalism major, hopes to go into financial recording and work towards her MBA or masters in journalism after graduation.
Learn more about the Clifton strengths program and see 50 students chosen to be part of the 2021-2022 class here.
