Catchin' Up With a Cookie: Meelod Waheed
Meelod Waheed
2022 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, Pomona College
Introduction
Meelod Waheed is a first-generation Afghan-American who graduated from Pomona College with a B.A. in Computer Science. During his time in school, he interned at NASA, where he developed simulation models to help students and educators learn more effectively. Meelod also explored his passion for technology by building a VR game that combines an immersive experience with fun physical activity. Today, he works as a software engineer at Nascent, a multi-strategy investment firm, focusing on building and creating tools within the decentralized finance space. With a background in product management, Meelod is committed to using his skills to drive innovation and make a positive impact. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and discovering new challenges.
Tell us about a memorable moment in undergrad.
One of my favorite moments after transferring was the first week on campus. Everything was new, but one of the best ways I got to meet people was through a camping trip with other transfers and new students. We instantly connected, sharing stories, joking around, and realizing how much we had in common despite coming from different places. Sitting around the campfire that night, I knew I had found a great group of people, and that made the whole experience even better.
What is ONE THING YOU DID TO HELP TRANSITION TO YOUR FIRST YEAR OUT OF COLLEGE?
For sure what helped me was prioritizing structure in my daily life. In school, everything was scheduled--classes, assignments, social events--but after graduating, I had to create that structure myself. I made a point to stay active, set personal goals, and keep in touch with friends from college while also putting myself out there to meet new people. That balance made the transition feel smoother and kept me from feeling like I was drifting.
What was the last show you watched that you really enjoyed and highly recommended?
The last movie I watched was The Creator on Amazon Prime. I gotta say, I really enjoyed how the film starts with one perspective—seeing AI as a threat—and gradually shifts as the story unfolds. The way it challenges your initial stance and makes you question who the real villain is was really well done. That kind of character development, where beliefs evolve naturally instead of feeling forced, is what makes a movie stand out to me. It wasn’t just about AI vs. humans; it was about perspective, empathy, and how circumstances shape our views. Definitely a thought-provoking watch.
If you were to create your own cookie, what would it consist of and what name would you give it?
If I were to create my own cookie, it’d be egg-free since I have an egg allergy. I’d go with an almond butter base, dark chocolate chunks, a bit of sea salt, and maybe a touch of espresso for some extra flavor. Simple, good ingredients that don’t need eggs to be great. I’d call it The No Yolk Cookie.