Editor’s Note: This article was also published in the Benet Herald 2025 Graduation Edition.
How did you develop your strong work ethic?
I come from a family that places a high value on education and achievement. On top of that, I have a bit of a perfectionist streak. The combination of those two factors has driven me to stay motivated and consistently work hard.
Benet Academy is full of intelligent and hard-working students. What did you do to set yourself apart?
What set me apart was how I used my summers. I usually spent that time preparing for the upcoming school year by working through challenging subjects on Khan Academy or with a tutor. That way, once the school year started, I could ask more targeted questions and focus on mastering the material instead of just keeping up.
What are your college plans? To which college are you going, and what are you studying?
I will be attending the University of Notre Dame and studying Accounting in their Business Honors Program. In addition, I’m considering a minor in German, and I may extend my studies for a 5th year masters program, making me eligible to sit for my CPA.
What advice do you have for future Benet Academy students?
Don’t try to do everything. Focus on what you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about– don’t just build a résumé to impress colleges. I had an amazing experience at Benet because I committed to the things I truly loved.
If you could have a Benet Academy do-over, what would you do differently?
One time I was studying flag football for my PE exam, and my dad jokingly said that not knowing football was why I’d never get a boyfriend. So if I had a do-over, I think I’d learn more about football–maybe for both academic and social reasons!
Who would you like to thank for influencing, motivating, or supporting you?
There are so many people I’m grateful for. My parents have been my biggest supporters. I also want to thank Ms. G, Mr. L, Mr. Drinan, and Deacon Christopher for their guidance and the positive impact they’ve had on my life.
Who is/are your role model(s)?
My grandparents are my biggest role models. My grandfather came to the U.S. from India with just $10 in his pocket and earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Cornell within three years. My grandmother also earned her Ph.D. from Cornell while overcoming gender discrimination in the sciences. Their resilience and determination inspire me every day. (By the way, Cornell didn’t hesitate to reject me.)
What would you like the Benet Academy community to know about you? What would surprise people about you?
Two things might surprise people. First, despite being a STEM nerd, I’m actually pretty artistic-I love drawing flowers and creating digital art, and some of my work has even been published, Second, I’m a die-hard K-Pop and anime fan. I know an almost embarrassing amount about both, and I credit BTS and their music for helping me through high school.
What is your favorite Benet Academy memory?
I have a running list of hundreds of terrible pickup lines on my phone. As the lighting tech for school performances, I made it a tradition to share a new pickup line over the headset during rehearsals. It always got a laugh and became a fun little ritual that I’ll never forget.
