Hi, my name is Deeksha Chauhan, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Data Analytics at San Jose State University, California, USA. Originally from India, I am an international student who began this exciting journey in the fall of 2024. Education has always played a pivotal role in my life, and I see it as a transformative force that is shaping not only my career but also my ability to contribute meaningfully to society. As I advance in my studies in Data Analytics, I am gaining both the technical expertise and strategic mindset needed to solve real-world challenges. The program's in-depth curriculum covers mathematical methods, data visualization, and data warehousing, all of which are equipping me with the tools to tackle complex problems. My goal is to leverage the power of data to drive better decision-making and create innovative solutions across industries. By analyzing data patterns and trends, I believe I can contribute to advancements in sectors like healthcare, environmental sustainability, and business operations, improving efficiencies and outcomes. However, education, to me, is about more than personal career advancement. I view it as a responsibility to give back to society. One of my key aspirations is to work on projects that use data-driven insights to address pressing societal issues, such as improving access to quality education, creating environmentally sustainable practices, and enhancing public health initiatives. I am passionate about the role that technology can play in improving lives, and I want to be at the forefront of these initiatives. In addition, I aspire to mentor and support others, particularly students and professionals from underrepresented communities. As someone who has benefited immensely from educational opportunities, I feel a strong sense of duty to give back by inspiring and guiding the next generation of tech professionals. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I hope to create a ripple effect that encourages others to pursue careers in technology and data science. Ultimately, my education is not just about personal achievement—it’s a path toward contributing to the greater good. Through technological innovation and knowledge-sharing, I aim to leave a lasting, positive impact on society. Not only this but my education will help me run my family back in India since I am a single daughter and I am the single hope for my parents. Getting this scholarship will not only help me achieve my dreams but will also enable me to take good care of my family in India. Thanks and Regards Deeksha Chauhan

Moving abroad from India to pursue my passion in Data Analytics was not an easy decision, and the journey has been profoundly shaped by my experience with anxiety. Since childhood, I’ve struggled with a constant fear of speaking in front of people. Sweaty hands, a choked throat, and cold chills have often accompanied any social interactions, these physical symptoms of anxiety made me feel inferior, often withdrew from social situations, which only deepened my sense of isolation. Growing up in a culture where academic achievement was heavily emphasized, the weight of my family's expectations for good grades and success often left me feeling trapped. While I excelled academically, I was never truly able to live freely or explore my own desires and interests. The pressure for academic excellence felt suffocating, especially as I struggled internally with anxiety and self-doubt. Socially, I never had close friends or meaningful relationships. The few relationships I did have often ended in heartbreak, leading to panic attacks that made me feel even more disconnected from those around me. There were times when I felt that I didn’t want to live anymore, overwhelmed by the emotional toll of anxiety and loneliness. I was consumed by feelings of unworthiness, believing that I didn’t deserve the happiness or connection that others seemed to enjoy so easily. Financial burdens compounded these struggles. Coming from a family where money was tight, I carried the stress of knowing that my pursuit of higher education was a significant financial strain. The cost of studying abroad added another layer of anxiety, as I felt the pressure to make every opportunity count and justify the sacrifices my family had made. This responsibility prevented me from truly enjoying the precious moments of my life, I was often weighed down by the practical and emotional challenges of navigating this path. Despite all these hurdles, I knew deep down that pursuing a college degree, particularly in Data Analytics, wasn't only important but essential to my personal, professional growth. Data has always fascinated me, the way it can reveal hidden patterns, inform decisions, shape the future. Pursuing a degree in this field has allowed me to channel my passion into something tangible and rewarding. It’s provided me with a sense of purpose and direction, something that anxiety often robbed me of. The decision was driven by my desire to break free from the limitations that anxiety and societal expectations had placed on me. It was an opportunity to reinvent myself, to confront my fears, and to pursue something I was truly passionate about. I knew that studying in a new environment would be challenging, especially with the added pressure of financial and emotional stress, but it was a risk I was willing to take for the chance to carve out a future that I could be proud of. Now, as I work towards my degree, I see how far I’ve come, journey hasn’t been easy, there are still days when anxiety gets the better of me. However, I’ve learned to manage it better, to embrace the discomfort, and to push forward even when things feel overwhelming. Pursuing a college degree has given me the tools and the confidence to build the life I want. Ultimately, this journey is about more than just a degree, it’s about reclaiming control over my life, my future. It’s about learning to live despite the anxiety, finding meaning in my passions. Moving abroad to pursue my dreams has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it has also been the most rewarding.