Q&A with Manuvel Sibichan

As a highly involved and academically accomplished student, Manuvel Sibichan has quickly found his home at the University of Oklahoma and in the Price College of Business. This year, he became one of three OU sophomores selected as the inaugural Stephenson Scholars. The program honors the legacy and leadership of Randall Stephenson, former AT&T chairman and CEO and an OU alum, while also aiming to increase representation in the telecommunications and technology industries. Stephenson Scholars receive a significant scholarship, a paid summer internship with AT&T in Dallas, a full-time job offer upon graduation and professional development and training. We asked Sibichan a few questions to learn about his life and future goals. 

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a first-generation immigrant student originally coming from India and Saudi Arabia. I grew up speaking Malayalam (an Indian language) and was immersed in Indian culture. When I was younger, I had a dilemma. Was I American or Indian? I had to carefully balance the dichotomy of being either. I now proudly answer both. My experiences have allowed me to assimilate the most fantastic aspects of my two universes. My chaotic mélange of culture now enriches my life. As a result, I have heightened intercultural communication, awareness and empathy, all of which have allowed me to impact those around me. In fact, I helped fundraise about $600,000 for local nonprofits serving survivors of human trafficking and bullying.  

Why did you come to OU?

As an immigrant, I moved around a lot and sought community. With every address change, I realized that home is not a place; it is where you belong and where those you love reside. When I toured OU, I talked to as many current students as possible to understand what kind of community was here. I was happy to hear that nearly everyone felt like they belonged, were valued, and enjoyed their time here. The cultural and social organizations here were engaged and involved. Students were celebrated. Most of all, OU felt like home. 

As a first-generation college student, I sought a university to challenge and prepare me for the professional world. As I learned about the opportunities here, it became clear that a plethora of experiences and options would be available to me as a student. Unlike other colleges that hide resources behind closed doors, OU made them public. I loved the transparency and quality of opportunities here.

Lastly, as a financially independent student, I wanted to get the best education possible for the cost I would bear. Fortunately, I received several scholarships from OU, and they worked with me to find solutions for the remaining cost. 

In short, OU addressed my concerns about community, opportunities, and finances in an unmatched manner.

Why did you choose your majors of finance, accounting and economics?

I started as a finance major because I enjoy helping people, learning and working with numbers. Finance is one of the few professions that truly touch every facet of our economy. All people and businesses have financial needs, so it's a way to impact and gain a broad understanding of the world. Finance is versatile and relevant regardless of the firm you enter or the company you create. It is ever-changing, thus presenting endless opportunities to learn. I added accounting and economics because I fell in love with college, specifically OU. I didn't want to graduate early, so I chose majors that interested me, complemented my business repertoire, and pushed back my graduation date. After all, I have the rest of my life to work.

What are your professional goals?

I want to work somewhere that genuinely values the effort I put in. Specifically, I want to go into consulting and work for one of the big four consulting firms. The prospect of getting my MBA also is highly appealing, and I plan to get it after some years of working. I also plan to retire in my late 40s and be a professor afterward.

What has been the most valuable part of your experience in Price College so far?

Hands down, the most valuable parts of my experiences within Price College are the relationships I have forged with my professors. The faculty at Price genuinely enjoy what they are doing, and it shows. As a first-generation immigrant college student, I don't have any personal relationships with people in business, so it was strenuous to lean on myself constantly. However, my professors have supported me as I navigate these uncharted waters. I have a deep appreciation for how much they have helped me.

You are heavily involved in campus organizations in addition to your studies. What motivates you to participate in all these activities? And how do you manage all your responsibilities?

Helping others fulfills me. I know how it feels to be lost and alone; it is exhausting and stressful. I was fortunate enough to find a support system and opportunities eventually, so I want to continue the work that those before me began with the hope that I can help someone out. Additionally, I am afforded this life due to the sacrifices and challenges that my parents endured. I owe it to my parents, myself, and those who have helped me to stay motivated. 

Balancing my responsibilities has been manageable because of the following reasons. The first is accepting that I can't expect myself constantly to be 100%. I am human and will make mistakes, but I have support systems that I can rely on. Beating myself up for not doing better or more will only create a cycle of failure. 

The second is having years of experience balancing responsibilities, which has given me an accurate understanding of how much I can handle. I handle enough where I can be intentional but also grow.

The Stephenson Scholars Program comes with a lot of opportunities. How did you feel when you received this honor? And what are you most looking forward to in the experience?

I was emotional and in disbelief when I first heard I was chosen. I got the call at Chicago O'Hare airport after about 30 delirious hours of flying alone on top of an exhausting and fun study abroad trip. After I got off the phone, I had to check my call records several times to accept that what had just happened was real. Still, to this day, all I feel is gratitude. Being a Stephenson Scholar symbolized to me that my parents’ sacrifices were worth it. They sincerely believed that I could better succeed in the United States, and being granted this opportunity proves they weren't alone in thinking that. It also confirmed that I was doing something right despite all my uncertainty.  

I am looking forward to the internship process as it will connect me with kind people who want me to succeed. Having professional mentors who have gone through similar experiences will be invaluable, and I am excited to build relationships with them. The mentorship provided through the internship program addresses a barrier I face and makes me more confident in my future.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Something that I am a huge believer in is leading with kindness. If everyone could remember that all we do impacts not only our lives but also affects others. Being kind to a person gives to the recipient and those around them, their family, and to the person demonstrating kindness. Life is unquestionably measured by the people we touch with our hearts and the tears we wipe. Kindness is so fundamental that our hearts only define it. The world needs more kindness, and it starts with you and me. Thank you, Amma and Papa, for teaching me that. Thank you, Megha and Mourren, for embodying that with me. Thank you, Mia, for sharing it with me. Thank you!