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Kareena Desai

1,565

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Finalist

Bio

I would love to become a doctor and influence young girls to pursue a career in medicine. It is so important to give females opportunities to learn more about the different opportunities and to help close the gender gap in the medical field. I also have started many different projects on helping women in third world countries by donating lots of sanitary napkins. I know I will make a difference in this world and help many women and young girls around the world. I hope to be able to offer my skills once I complete undergraduate and medical school.

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences

Fairfield Warde High School

High School
2017 - 2021
  • Majors:
    • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Minors:
    • Applied Mathematics, General

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
    • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      computer science

    • Dream career goals:

      non-profit leader

    • summer volunteer

      norwalk hospital
      2022 – Present2 years
    • tutor

      Kumon
      2017 – 20192 years
    • worked at the front desk to check people in

      monkey joes
      2018 – 20202 years

    Sports

    Golf

    Junior Varsity
    2017 – Present7 years

    Awards

    • most improved

    Bowling

    Junior Varsity
    2018 – Present6 years

    Research

    • Public Health

      georgia institute of technology VIP team — undergraduate researcher
      2022 – Present

    Arts

    • School Band

      Music
      School Concerts, Marched in memorial day parade
      2017 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      key club — president
      2019 – Present
    • Volunteering

      uplift humanity — volunteer
      2018 – 2019
    • Volunteering

      st judes golf tournament — head caddy master/volunteer
      2018 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Priscilla Shireen Luke Scholarship
    Currently, I am deeply involved in several volunteer roles that reflect my commitment to supporting and improving the lives of others. At a hospice care facility, I provide compassionate support and companionship to patients in their final stages of life. This experience has been profoundly impactful, illustrating how critical empathetic care is during such a challenging period for patients and their families. By offering emotional support and a comforting presence, I have learned the importance of addressing both physical and emotional needs with sensitivity and respect. In addition to my work at the hospice, I volunteer at a hospital, where I assist with various tasks to support patients and healthcare staff. This role has allowed me to gain a broader perspective on healthcare, from patient interactions to the operational aspects of a hospital. Working in this environment has reinforced my understanding of the importance of a well-rounded approach to patient care and has deepened my appreciation for the dedication and hard work of healthcare professionals. I am also involved in volunteer tutoring, where I help students develop their academic skills and build confidence. This experience has been rewarding, as it allows me to contribute to the educational growth of individuals and support their personal development. Through tutoring, I have honed my ability to communicate complex concepts effectively and foster a positive learning environment. In addition to these roles, I work in healthcare services dedicated to the elderly, focusing on enhancing their quality of life and ensuring they receive appropriate care and attention. This role has provided me with valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by older adults and emphasized the importance of a respectful and empathetic approach to elder care. Looking ahead, I am determined to further my impact by pursuing a career in healthcare with a focus on geriatric care. My goal is to develop and implement innovative solutions and programs that address the complex needs of the elderly. I aspire to create community initiatives and partnerships that promote healthy aging, provide resources for elderly individuals, and support their caregivers. By combining my current volunteer experiences with my future career aspirations, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults and contributing to a more compassionate and supportive society. In summary, my diverse volunteer experiences have solidified my dedication to improving the lives of others. From hospice care and hospital support to educational tutoring and elderly care, I am passionate about creating positive change and enhancing well-being across various facets of life.
    Scholarship for Women Golfers
    Golf is more than a sport to me; it is a passion that has shaped my character and outlook on life. From the moment I first held a golf club, I was captivated by the game's complexity and beauty. The serene landscapes, the strategic thinking, and the precise skill required all combined to create a unique challenge that I eagerly embraced. My journey in golf has been filled with joy, personal growth, and significant challenges, particularly as a female golfer, but these very challenges have prepared me for my aspirations in the field of medicine. One of the primary reasons I enjoy playing golf is the mental discipline it demands. Every swing requires concentration, strategy, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Golf has taught me the importance of focus and patience, skills that extend far beyond the course. These attributes are crucial in the medical field, where precision, critical thinking, and composure are vital. Moreover, golf is a sport that fosters a sense of community. I have met many incredible people through golf, forming friendships built on mutual respect and shared experiences. The camaraderie and sportsmanship in golf are unparalleled, and these relationships have enriched my life in countless ways, just as I hope to build meaningful connections with my future patients and colleagues in medicine. Being a female golfer has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles I have faced is the issue of gender stereotypes. There have been times when I have felt underestimated or dismissed simply because I am a woman. Some people have a preconceived notion that women cannot play golf as well as men, which can be disheartening. However, I have used these moments as motivation to prove that gender does not define one's ability to excel in this sport. Another challenge has been the lack of representation and opportunities for female golfers. The disparity in prize money, sponsorships, and media coverage between male and female golfers is stark. It can be frustrating to see the immense talent and hard work of female golfers go unrecognized. Despite these setbacks, I have persevered, continually striving to improve my game and support my fellow female golfers. These experiences in golf have directly paralleled my journey in becoming a woman in medicine. Just as in golf, the field of medicine presents its own set of gender-based challenges. Women in medicine often face biases, limited opportunities, and the need to prove their competence in a traditionally male-dominated field. However, my experiences on the golf course have equipped me with the resilience and determination to overcome these obstacles. In both golf and medicine, I have learned the value of perseverance, hard work, and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity. The skills I have developed through golf—mental discipline, strategic thinking, and emotional resilience—are invaluable in my medical studies and future career. I am committed to advocating for gender equality in both fields, ensuring that future generations of female golfers and medical professionals can pursue their passions without the barriers that I have faced. My passion for golf and my dedication to becoming a woman in medicine are intertwined, each reinforcing the other. The challenges I have overcome as a female golfer have strengthened my resolve to succeed in the medical field, and the discipline and resilience I have cultivated in golf will undoubtedly serve me well in my career. I am excited to continue my journey, embracing both the joys and challenges that lie ahead, and making a positive impact in the world of medicine
    STEAM Generator Scholarship
    Entering higher education as an outsider to the system, particularly as a second-generation immigrant and first-generation student, is a journey fraught with both hopes and concerns that profoundly shape my educational aspirations and future goals, especially as I strive towards medical school. Growing up in a household where higher education was unfamiliar terrain, I have encountered unique challenges that set me apart from many of my peers. One of the most significant hurdles has been navigating the financial aspects of college. My parents, despite their unwavering support, lack the experience and resources to guide me through the complexities of financing my education and understanding the intricacies of college applications. Their sacrifice to immigrate and build a new life for our family in a foreign land serves as a constant reminder of the opportunities I have been given and the responsibility to maximize them. My educational journey thus far has been defined by resilience and determination. Navigating the academic landscape without the benefit of familial precedent has demanded self-reliance and a proactive approach to seeking out resources and opportunities. Despite these challenges, my immigrant background has imbued me with a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education in fostering personal and professional growth. Looking ahead, my aspiration to attend medical school is driven by a deep-seated desire to give back to my community and contribute meaningfully to society. As a future physician, I aim to address disparities in healthcare access and advocate for marginalized populations, drawing on my experiences as a second-generation immigrant to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive patient care. In addition to the challenges and aspirations that define my journey, my experience as a second-generation immigrant has also cultivated a deep sense of cultural pride and empathy. Growing up with dual cultural identities has enriched my worldview and equipped me with the ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. I believe that this cultural fluency will not only enhance my effectiveness as a healthcare provider but also foster trust and understanding within the communities I aim to serve. Embracing my heritage while pursuing higher education has reinforced my commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in healthcare—a commitment that I am eager to translate into tangible actions as I continue on my path towards medical school and beyond. In summary, while the path to higher education as an outsider presents formidable obstacles, it also offers unparalleled opportunities for personal development and the chance to effect meaningful change. My immigrant upbringing has forged my resilience, determination, and commitment to service—qualities that will serve as my compass as I pursue my dream of becoming a physician. With the support of scholarships and financial aid, I am confident in my ability to overcome financial barriers and achieve my academic and professional aspirations, contributing to a diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce that reflects and serves our society's rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences
    Walking In Authority International Ministry Scholarship
    Medicine has always been a career path to pursue for many years. I have also been heavily involved in many different volunteer opportunities throughout high school and now in college. I have many experiences working with people of all ages. I tutored for many years teaching kids math of all levels, volunteered abroad in Mumbai India to teach orphans and also started a summer camp during the covid pandemic to help parents be able to take time off for themselves and work without distractions. I have also volunteered at homeless shelters, giving out food and necessities to homeless people and worked with several organizations. I hope to be able to get experience working in a hospital environment as well as connecting with other doctors and nurses to explore different areas of medicine. I am passionate and happy to help as a volunteer in any area needed. I hope to also meet other volunteers with similar hobbies and passions. I love working with people and want to be able to contribute to helping others and making them happier. Recently as a pre-med student, I have also started volunteering at a local hospital to enhance many patients' experience in the hospital. I also ensured I was able to help the overworked doctors and healthcare workers in tasks involving turning over hospital beds and rooms, and delivering food and extra necessities to patients. Through this hospital experience, I have not only learned so many valuable lessons about the healthcare field but also was able to do small but time-consuming tasks to allow doctors more time with their patients. In the hospital, I also joined the infectious disease department and went through the entire hospital to ensure no medications or items were expired. I individually went through all closets in the hospital and threw out expired medical equipment and ensured all medications were getting charted and locked away so patients weren't able to access them. My volunteer work at the hospital was a great experience but also showed me how much individuals can influence the community. Lastly, I joined a hospice care team as a volunteer. I was assigned a few patients in a nursing home facility and had the responsibility of cheering up the patients, taking them out for a walk in their wheelchairs, playing games with them or having a conversation. This experience was very heart-warming and my work was appreciated by all the older patients who had lost all their family and friends. Not only did volunteering at hospice care inspire me to stay involved, but also invoked me to spread awareness about the importance of volunteers in healthcare and other areas of the world.
    Esteemed Project Scholarship
    There are countless issues in healthcare starting with women rights towards period products and access to care. Millions of people are not able to get the care they need due to insurance and cost of our countries system. I know through my career of being a doctor I will be able to make change in providing and possibly starting a nonprofit to provide better care and access to low income families. I want to be able to help as many people as possible, while also creating a permanent solution to help generations to come. I am so excited to make my family and parents proud after being raised in a family that came from nothing as immigrants. I hope to continue to provide to organizations like St Judes Hospital throughout my time in undergraduate and medical school. I have been apart of a big golf tournament and helped to coordinate volunteers and tournament day donations. Through this program we have been able to donate over 175,000 to pediatric cancer patients and families to provide for treatments and in some cases save their lives. There is no better happiness than the happiness that comes from helping people and I can't wait to pursue a career that will allow me to do that every day! I am currently a first generation college student pursuing a degree in neuroscience and attend medical school after. I want to make a difference in the healthcare system in offering women more comfortable environments in healthcare and voicing their concerns. I would also like to be able to offer more opportunities to low income communities and teach important information about health to decrease disease numbers in those communities. I have studied abroad to India and been able to offer basic school skills like math and reading to an all girls orphanage and understand their perspective of life. I was there for guidance and inspiration, but I got more out of teaching these talented girls in the end. There is such a big societal issue and stigmatized attitude towards period poverty and health. I want to be able to send this message to as many people as possible, while also being able to integrate more about this social issue in the medical field. This is unfortunately one of the main issues the girls at the orphanage expressed. I would like to be able to support organizations to bring awareness and support to communities with no access to feminine hygiene products.
    Manny and Sylvia Weiner Medical Scholarship
    I have always been interested in pursuing a degree on the pre med track. I am currently studying neuroscience with a minor in health and medical sciences. Last summer I was given the opportunity to volunteer in the operating room and emergency department. I was able to watch several surgeons perform surgeries, and really enjoyed watching the doctors connect with the patients and help them with life threatening problems. I hope to eventually use my degree to volunteer abroad in countries that don't have access to medical supplies or experienced doctors. I want to heal as many people as possible, but also teach doctors in those low income communities on techniques to help more patients. Another experience that has influenced me to go into medicine, was volunteering at a hospice care. I had a different perspective after talking to patients and learning from their past stories. I would comfort the patients, take them on a walk in their wheelchair outside, and sometimes watch their favorite movie with them. Although it different affect my day to day life as much, my visit to them made there week. When I went away to college, I kept up my promise to send them letters to update them and check on them. This experience was so important in learning to really connect with patients and learn about their life in order to be a effective and successful doctor eventually. Medicine has always been a career path to pursue for many years. I have also been heavily involved in many different volunteer opportunities throughout high school and now in college. I have many experiences working with people of all ages. I tutored for many years teaching kids math of all levels, volunteered abroad in Mumbai India to teach orphans and also started my own summer camp during the covid pandemic to help parents be able to take time off for themselves and work without distractions. I have also volunteered at homeless shelters, giving out food and basic necessities to homeless people and worked with several organizations. I hope to be able to get experience working in a hospital environment as well as connecting with other doctors and nurses to explore different areas of medicine. I am passionate and happy to help as a volunteer in any areas needed. I hope to also meet other volunteers with similar hobbies and passions. I love working with people and want to be able to contribute to helping others and making them happier. Wanting to pursue a MD after receiving my bachelors in neuroscience, I will have to take our several loans in order to go to school. It has not been easy watching my parents have to work several more hours a week in order to afford my undergraduate college cost, and am always worrying about how I will pay for medical school.
    Minority/Women in STEM Scholarship
    As a first generation student, it has been difficult to balance academics and working to be able to help my parents pay for my college tuition. I am hoping to pursue medical school when I graduate with my bachelors degree in neuroscience. I want to be able to provide healthcare for underprivileged communities in America and travel abroad often to treat sick patients around the world with no access to resources. I want to be a mentor for many other first generation students and be able to mentor others to successfully get a degree without the struggle of money. Although my parents have been my number one supporters throughout my education, it is tough to watch them struggle to be able to put me and my siblings through school. As a first generation student it is difficult to pay for extra tutoring resources and I feel I have to work harder sometimes to not fall behind in class. As I got more situated into a routine in college with jobs, and classes and extracurriculars, I found it was easier to find resources ot help first generation students to have access to opportunities for our future. Leaving my family is another big struggle as a first generation student. My family works as a team to support each other and leaving my parents and siblings behind was an adjustment. I know my education will allow my family to live more comfortably as they get older. I make sure to show my appreciation to my parents by telling them about all the amazing experiences I have been able to participate in and the amount of opportunities that have opened from being in college. I am currently working as a mentor for low income students close to my university in hopes of helping them apply to college and financial aid. As a future doctor, I want to not only help patients get stronger and healthier but influence other medical students and undergraduate students to become the best doctor they can. I am so grateful for my parents support and understand that struggle is when you learn the most about yourself and the world. It is important to make use of your resources and create a successful life of your own for future generations to have even more resources and success rates. I hope to eventually create opportunities to sponsor students internationally to come to America to get an education when I become a doctor in the future.
    Young Women in STEM Scholarship
    I have always been a very independent and self motivated female. I give all the credit to my parents for setting a great example for my sister and I growing up. Both my mom and dad continue to work so hard every day to give us a better life than they had growing up coming from immigrant families. Through the influence of teachers, mentors and professors I have had throughout grade school, I have decided to pursue a degree in STEM. If I don't work in the corporate world, I will most likely teach. I want to inform younger kids of my mistakes to prevent them from making the same ones. In the future I see myself working as a business woman or in the field of computer science. My passions have always included math and science. I have also done a lot of volunteer work to try and help my motherland country, India. I volunteered in India for a few weeks and worked in different orphanages. I would like to start a nonprofit organization to give back for all the opportunities I was given by my grandparents and parents. More specifically I would like to get into fundraising money to donate feminine hygiene products as well as incorporating teaching basic life skills. As I get older, my younger sister and cousins keep me going to become successful. I want to give back to my family and set a great example for them. I want to make my parents and grandparents proud as well as help others in the world. STEM has always been an appealing field to me from when I was a little girl. I always enjoyed math and science classes and continued to become a tutor as I got older. There is so much creativity, independence and unknown information that allows me to incorporate many of my interests in the field. As I expand my knowledge in technology, I know I could help the world so much. Technology raises social awareness about important issues to the general public. I will be able to enhance the issue about woman in many countries not having access to hygiene products. Menstruating as always been a topic society seems to shut down. It is not emphasized enough about how many females worry about not having access to necessary products. Through STEM I can offer more to the world, and teach young females to not have fear of taking over the world. I want to be able to give them the confidence they need. As I started taking more stem related classes in high school, I felt the presence of the boys in my class thinking they were smarter and better at the subject than me. It never discouraged me to continue with taking these courses because I knew I was capable to do better than them. The advancement of technology will help to get more females involved in pursuing STEM related fields in the near future and allow females to connect and help the world understand their concerns. Over the past, I have been grateful to not have encountered many challenges. My greatest challenge I have overcome with the help of my family is moving towns in 7th grade. My parents wanted a better education for my siblings and I, which required moving to a town about an hour away from where we were born and raised. I was not a very confident young girl and feared not being able to fit into a new school and making friends. I'm not going to lie, it was one of the hardest transitions because everyone in middle school already had their group of friends and I didn't know which group I was going to be apart of. The kids were nice, but I couldn't help but think they were being forced to include me in activities at school. In the town I was living in prior to the move, I had so many friends from kindergarten and I was worried I would lose connection with them. Thanks to technology, I am still very close to my childhood friends, but have also made so many friends in the town I live in now. I am so grateful my parents made the decision to move, because I feel I have benefited a lot from attending a better public school. I have learned to overcome challenges by having a positive mindset about what I will learn from them.
    Bold Love Yourself Scholarship
    I love my self motivation and drive to be the best version of myself. Although, I have always had so much support from my family and friends, I have learned to be my own motivation. I want to teach my younger cousins and sister the importance of loving yourself. I believe I have helped my community so much as a teenager and am excited to be able to help the world as I get older and have a higher education degree. After getting involved with my high school key club, I raised over $500 to donate feminine hygiene products to the local woman's shelter, made over 100 blankets to donate to the children's floating hospital at Tufts Cancer Hospital, and made cards for veterans during the holidays. As the club president for 3 years I also organized various volunteer opportunities for the clubs members to participate in. I have always had a the dream of attending a prestigious school as well. As a result of not getting accepted, I decided to reapply as a transfer student and was accepted. It showed my hard work and dedication to achieve goals I have for myself. I hope to be a good example for my younger family members as I get older.
    Bold Motivation Scholarship
    I view everyday as a new opportunity to learn new things. I am motivated by various influences in my life. The first influence is my parents. I see all that my parents work for and know I want to live a similar lifestyle as them. Their continuous hard work motivates me to work as hard as them. Another motivation of mine is self confidence and drive. I want to please myself and know that I have earned what I am working toward. I want to be able to help the world, and earn several degrees of education to teach others. I want my money earned when I'm older to go to charity to support woman that don't have access to materials and feminine hygiene products. My motivations are influenced by my cousins and older siblings that have attended prestigious schools and become very successful for themselves. They motivate me to be a better version of myself and I have always wanted to live up to their expectations, being one of the youngest cousins. My last motivation is being a great example and older sister to my younger sister and cousins. I want to be their motivation growing up and I know I will be a great mole model.
    Bold Mentor Scholarship
    The past 5 years of my life has involved mentorship through tutoring. During the pandemic is when I saw the most kids struggle with school and guidance of college and after school lifestyles. I volunteered at the local middle and high schools and shared information from my own experiences to help them realize what there hobbies and strengths were. I want to be able to give all kids the opportunities and guidance that I had as I was going through school. I want to prepare them well for college or jobs when they graduate. I want to teach them independence and confidence in themselves. Although, I have always started off helping many kids with school subjects like math and science, I have developed so many relationships with these kids and gained trust with them. Many people don't realize how many adults and older students love to share their experiences and teach younger kids to not make the same mistakes as they did. As I got older and mentorship became more important in my life, I saw a decline in confidence and self-motivation in many of the students I worked with. I hope my continuous help with give students motivation to do well in school for the well-being of themselves.
    Bold Dream Big Scholarship
    As I get older, I am realizing how important it is to pursue your passions rather than choose a career for money. My dream life when I get older is to work in accounting or finance and be able to travel all over the world for my job to meet with clients. I would love to be able to learn different languages, cultures, and lifestyles in countries other than America. I would love to have the flexibility to go anywhere for work and also be able to work with others that have the same passions I have. I would eventually love to settle in a city environment and be able to have a family that has many opportunities in school, and activities. I would like to always be immersed in a diverse community that teaches me something new about people every day. I want to be able to venture out and find my real passions to be able to guide me to live a successful life. I would love to become an entrepreneur as well and create a business related to dogs. Growing up with dogs have made me become the person I am today, and I want to be able to give back to animals at shelters. This is what my dream life looks like, and I know I will be able to make it come true one day!
    Simple Studies Scholarship
    Through opportunities in high school I have refined my academic interest in the area of computer science. The computer science curriculums at many colleges will allow me to pursue a study of mathematics and artificial intelligence. I could continue to study the different algorithms and software designs, and apply this knowledge to creating something to help women around the world. Through computer science classes, I will meet students in a similar field that I am studying and expose me to new ideas. There is a lack of women in STEM and I want to be able to help the community to get more young girls involved with a growing field filled with many opportunities to express creativity and knowledge.