I was raised in a small village in northern India as part of a family of five. My parents instilled a strong desire to learn. Facing daily challenges strengthened my resilience, adaptability and determination. With their unwavering support, I successfully passed the entrance exam for Vidyagyan School, an opportunity that reshaped my confidence and ambitions.
I was one of 83 students selected from thousands of applicants. The school nurtured my roots, helped me realise my passion for science, honed communication skills and directed me to find my vocation. With the guidance and support from my teachers and my hard work and passion, I secured admission to Wesleyan College in the US with a full scholarship.
Now at Wesleyan College, I am double majoring in neuroscience and biology with a minor in forensic science. I strongly believe science is about giving back to the community. I have a desire to conduct research in neuroscience and biology.
Having experienced gender discrimination first hand, I come from a society where science and mathematics are often considered unsuitable for girls. From an early age, I was determined to challenge this belief.
A workshop led by scientists from Harvard and Stanford, aimed at encouraging young women in STEM, further reinforced my commitment. Inspired by their insights, I founded a club in my community to promote women’s participation in STEM fields. This initiative proved highly successful, empowering 20 girls to pursue STEM education and actively challenge gender stereotypes.
Determined to challenge societal misconceptions, I addressed the belief in my village that women alone determine a child’s sex. My curiosity in genetics began in eighth grade, driving me to explore the science behind sex determination. With support from my mother, the village head, and local health services, I launched an awareness campaign. Despite resistance, my persistence led to meaningful change, fostering awareness and challenging deep-rooted biases in my village.
My journey, shaped by perseverance and a love for science, has fuelled my ambition to create meaningful change. I aspire to contribute to neuroscience and biological research, using my knowledge to benefit society. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to be a global leader.
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