Jesslyn Varghese
Jesslyn is an international student of Indian origin, born and brought up in Kuwait, and currently pursuing a BSc in Economics at the University of Warwick. She is passionate about exploring how decisions shape societies and economies and hopes to inspire others to see the versatility and impact of Economics.
Why did you choose to study economics?
My journey with Economics started in high school, and it wasn’t long before it captured my curiosity. I’ll never forget learning the phrase, "Money is what money does"—it was such a simple yet profound idea that made me want to explore more. Understanding how global trade works, how policies ripple through economies, and how markets behave felt like uncovering the layers of how the world operates. What started as a high school subject has become a lifelong passion for discovering the forces behind our decisions and their impacts.
How would you describe economics?
Economics is like a lens that lets you see the world differently. It’s about understanding choices—how people, businesses, and governments make decisions and how those decisions affect everyone. What makes it special is its versatility. Whether you’re interested in tackling climate change, reducing inequality, or understanding financial markets, Economics gives you the tools to approach these challenges thoughtfully.
If you had a time machine and could meet your 16-year-old self, what advice would you give them?
I’d tell my 16-year-old self to embrace uncertainty and try new things. Back then, I was hesitant to step outside my comfort zone, but taking a chance on Economics changed everything for me. I’d remind myself that it's okay not to have all the answers right away—curiosity and hard work will take you far. I’d also encourage myself to try to learn one simple thing or term every day. It's a great way to build knowledge step by step and gradually gain confidence.
What is your favourite part of economics?
What I love most about Economics is its ability to connect the dots. Growing up in a multicultural environment, I’ve seen firsthand how decisions in one country can have a ripple effect across others. Whether it’s a policy shift or a change in trade, understanding how one country’s actions can affect another fascinates me. I also enjoy exploring the limits of economic models—how they work beautifully in theory but can shift dramatically when real-world variables come into play.
Is there anything you would do differently if you had the chance?
If I could go back, I’d remind myself to be more patient with my learning journey. I sometimes wish I had started exploring Economics earlier, but I’ve come to appreciate how each experience has shaped my understanding. What I would definitely do differently is to focus more on building a foundation of small, manageable concepts early on—learning one simple term or idea each day can make a huge difference in how you build your understanding over time.