I’ve always believed that identity isn’t just one story. It is layered, a mosaic of cultures, interests, and the moments that shape us. My life is an evolving canvas of motion, curiosity, and connection. Whether I’m chasing milliseconds in the pool, working under the hood appreciating the details of performance engineering, or soaring through the sky on a parasail, I am drawn to moments that challenge me and help me grow. I’m shaped by both my Indian heritage and the American community around me. Friends who have stood by me through service, mentors who have challenged me to lead, and neighborhoods where I’ve found belonging have all helped shape who I am. Navigating both worlds has taught me to honor where I come from while stepping confidently into where I’m going and how to build bridges between them.

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With patience, persistence, and creativity, I’ve discovered and rediscovered these identities throughout high school:

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• Lifelong Interdisciplinary Learner: I see knowledge as a web of connected ideas where every fact or story can be understood from multiple perspectives. I am drawn to exploring the world through this lens, bridging science, ethics, culture, and human experience to better understand both the technical and human sides of healthcare.

• ​​Health Equity Advocate & Innovator: I believe healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. As the founder of a nonprofit startup, I work to improve access by connecting uninsured, unhoused, and underserved individuals with preventive care, basic needs like food, blankets, and harm reduction kits. We also focus on health education, answering questions online and helping people find resources like food kitchens or free clinics. I am always looking for practical ways to break down barriers caused by social determinants of health, and this work continues to fuel my commitment to medicine and the fight for health justice for all.

• ​​Compassionate Medical Researcher:  I am passionate about understanding health challenges by researching not just molecular biology, but also the social factors that affect people’s well-being. Through hands-on lab work and studying how social conditions impact health, I aim to find practical solutions that improve care and help communities thrive.

• Service-Focused Collaborator: Real change happens when many work together. As president of the Connect2Health chapter at my school, I collaborate with peers to serve our community. I’ve led donation drives, volunteer events like packing food and naloxone kits, and fundraisers that make a real impact. I’ve also partnered with health sciences schools at the University of Arizona through University District Street Medicine to bring care directly to those in need.

• ​​Empathetic Companion: Whether it’s cuddling with my dog after a long day or helping my little brother who is on the spectrum build confidence, I’ve learned that being emotionally present matters just as much as any achievement. Compassion drives everything I do in the lab, in my community, and in my friendships.

• Adventurous Explorer of Ideas and Experiences: I enjoy trying new things that challenge me to learn and grow.Whether I’m figuring out how a performance car works or feeling the thrill of flying through the air, exploring different interests helps me see the world in fresh ways and keeps my curiosity alive.