Contact: nchittal [at] gmail.com
Twitter: @nishachittal
Websites: http://politicoholic.com/
Undergrad: Student at the University of Illinois
Passions: “politics and current events, social justice issues, gov 2.0, international affairs, feminism”

On a beautiful Sunday morning last year, I turned on my computer, checked my blog, and noticed a nice little comment from a girl named Nisha Chittal.  I thought to myself, “Oh, this is a nice comment.  I will now respond to her.”  I then proceeded to check my Google Reader and begin reading my favorite millennial blogs.  I started to see a common theme amongst all of my favorite blogs.

Nisha had commented on every single one of them.  And it wasn’t just some lame “that was a good post” type of comment; the comments were very insightful and added to the conversation.  It was as if all this preaching about writing valuable comments on blogs to drive traffic to your own blog had finally fallen on someone who would execute on the advice.

When it came time to cast my vote on who would be the lucky Brazen Careerist blogger to win the free SXSW ticket, I voted for Nisha.  It wasn’t because she had the absolute best post, it was because I had built a strong relationship with her and I wanted her to win.  After all, emotions are much greater than logic.

I love this interview with Nisha because she is someone who is following her passions even though there are so many naysayers telling her to take the safe route.  She’s just an undergraduate, and already she has made brave decisions that will greatly affect her life.  Enjoy the video and don’t forget to reach out to Nisha once you finish watching because she is definitely someone worth meeting!

Conversation Breakdown:

1:45 - @mattchevy: What inspired you to start blogging?

Nisha started her current blog last year that was focused as an online personal diary for her family and friends.  After reading Employee Evolution and Brazen Careerist, Nisha was inspired to create a blog that will promote her personal brand.

2:45 - How did you explode on the blogging scene?

Nisha wanted to build a strong community on her blog so she went on a rampage and commented on tons of blogs.

4:13 - Where does your passion for politics and social change come from?

Nisha’s Dad is a hardcore Republican who always talked about politics around the house.  Nisha grew up in a political environment which is where her passion for politics comes from.

5:08 - @ryanstephens: Why do you feel our generation is hesitant to embrace politics in the blogosphere?

Our generation is currently more focused on career development and getting a job due to the tough economy.  Nisha feels that most millennials just don’t see how politics affects our daily lives.

6:25 - @sgrove: How are you balancing personal blogging with personal branding?

Nisha alternates post.  She’ll post about her personal life on one post and about politics on another.  She rarely combines the two aspects of her life into one post.

7:35 - How has blogging changed your life?

Forget about careers, blogging changes lives

8:50 - How has blogging changed your political expereinces?

Nisha also writes for Citizen Jane Politics where she has interviewed many important political figures.

10:13 - What would you like to see in the future of blogging?

Nisha wants to see more people blogging about topics and issues that they care about.  She wants to see people blogging about issues to raise awareness and make a positive difference in this world.

11:01 - What is something you’re really passionate about in terms of social change?

Nisha is passionate about womens rights, feminism, and the middle east.

11:37 - Tell us about how you’re working in Cambodia once you graduate

Nisha works at a non-profit that is establishing a Cambodian branch.  Nisha will join them for 2-3 months to help businesses become more successful.

13:01 - What do you say to the naysayers who tell you that you should have a steady income after graduating?

Nisha has always wanted to live abroad, and if she doesn’t do it now, she’ll never do it later.  Awesome mentality by the way that I completely share with her.

14:04 - What advice would you give undergraduates who are currently afraid to pursue their passions?

It’s been a struggle for Nisha.  She has been proving herself and working hard her entire life so her parents trust the decision she is making.

15:28 - For 2009, what is in store for Nisha Chittal?

Graduate from university, go to Cambodia, come back and get a dream job.

16:10 - When you come back from Cambodia, what would be your dream job?

Nisha would love to work for a major news or political publication, or a major Think Tank