Submission Number: 334
Submission ID: 1156
Submission UUID: 433b855f-a0cb-4f20-86aa-649e00cb37b1

Created: Wed, 03/29/2023 - 07:44
Completed: Wed, 03/29/2023 - 07:44
Changed: Mon, 05/05/2025 - 14:37

Remote IP address: 2409:4070:201b:f6b1:8820:9b20:bbbf:fb7e
Submitted by:Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No

Flagged: Yes
Locked: Yes
{Empty}
Ananya
Kasavajhala
She/Her/Hers
Hyderabad
Telangana
India
500060
Computer Science (BS, Engineering)
Telugu (5), English (5), Hindi (4)
Last year, I was selected as a scholarship winner for the AFS Global STEM Accelerators Program. The AFS Global STEM Accelerators Program is a 12 week virtual exchange program with 15 to 17.5 year old women participating from all around the world. The program aims at opening up more possibilities for the perspectives of women in the greater goal of reaching a sustainable future. We were taught about emerging and critical STEM skills and fields, global competence education and social impact through a hands-on curriculum developed by AFS and the University of Pennsylvania. As a part of the program, I worked on my capstone project, which was a prototype of a mobile e-waste collection service and an app to access it, to solve the problem of e-waste accumulation and the toxic effects due to its improper disposal. The experience enabled me to develop key social and work competency skills including problem solving, analytical thinking and most importantly, INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING. Interacting with people of different cultures and views and forming deep bonds of friendship with them let me expand my perspectives and grow intellectually, which is important to live a meaningful life and create a positive impact on society. It prepared me to work in a diverse STEM environment.
I would want the person who lives down the hall from me to have similar aspirations and academic pursuits as me, that is, engineering and researching to serve humanity better and work towards sustainability. I would like them to be someone who shares my values and concerns about global challenges. But at the same time, I will be happy to interact with peers of different backgrounds and outlooks, and imbibe new things from them. I like spending time outdoors, hiking and swimming, and would love to team up with friends who are into it!
For a roommate, I prefer a girl whose lifestyle resembles mine - having an early bed and wake up times, a regular daily routine, does not smoke or drink, and if possible, has a computer science major.
I want to be a member of the Global Engineering RAP, because I find it to be a perfect opportunity to channelize my engineering knowledge and skills in the direction of reaching a larger agenda of community welfare and service, which has always been one of the most important aspects of life for me. I believe that the program will enhance my engineering and problem-solving aptitudes, and interpersonal skills, and amplify my team-working abilities in a diverse setting. This will give me a better background to thrive and lead in the global STEM community.
I am excited to mingle with new people and make the RAP community my second home. Coming from an Indian middle-class background, I will contribute to the diversity of the community. As a member, I will first explore all the opportunities given and try to make the best possible use of them. I want to form groups with students of different academic fields who are resolute to concentrate their skills and knowledge to face world issues like the need to achieve equitable access to affordable healthcare and education, environmental degradation and climate change, and work with them to find potential solutions. Sincerity, dedication and a strong spirit of service are my values and I will strive to ensure that my work reflects them. Apart from that, I'd also love to participate in the organizational, well-being and recreational activities of the community!
{Empty}