“My life is rooted in the balance of identities—an eldest immigrant daughter navigating the dichotomy of American and Indian culture. I’ve always been an inherently curious person, which I get from my dad, drawn to why things are the way they are. With a love for the hard sciences instilled in me by my grandfather and a passion for community care fostered by my mother, I’ve learned to uplift others, ask thought-provoking questions, and delve deeper into both biological and social phenomena. Growing up quiet and reserved, I found strength in subtlety. A pivotal moment came from an English teacher who reminded me that advocacy can begin quietly—grassroots, community-based, and sustainable. What once felt like weakness evolved into my power, shaping how I lead and listen. When I first visited UC San Diego, it already felt like home. I envisioned a future filled with research, service, community, and learning—and I built it. Through dance, a youth mental health initiative, clinical exper...