BACKGROUND
I was born in Atlanta, GA and lived there until I was eleven years old. I also lived in Sugarland, TX for two years before moving to Port Arthur, TX, where I currently reside. I graduated Valedictorian from Nederland High School in 2019, and I am majoring in Biology with a concentration in Pre-PA. My career goals include being able to provide medical care to those in need and to help improve the quality of life for communities at large.
CULTURE
I am extremely proud to represent my roots in today's society. My parents were born and raised in the rural villages of Meloj and Vanasan, India. My grandparents are still farmers at 80 years old, cultivating crops including wheat, vegetables, and various grains. Their income also relies on their buffalo to provide milk which is then sold and purified at a nearby dairy plant. Although I have never actually been in their shoes, I am deeply connected to the work and life of my grandparents and that of the community around them. Their laborious yet humble lifestyles remind me of why my parents came to America despite having nothing; they drive me to excel and to appreciate the vast opportunities available this country.
BALANCE
Growing up with 2 cultures has provided me with aspects of my life I could never take for granted. Among these are being able to speak three languages (English, Hindi, Gujarati) fluently, enjoying so many types of food, clothing, and traditions, and being able to create a blend of cultures. Achieving that balance of Indian and American enables me to find solutions to breaking the barrier between old and new. For example, attending mehndi classes allowed me to apply henna on senior citizens for religious festivals, which ultimately led to the bridging of generational gaps within my community.