Beyond the Classroom
Some of the experiences that have shaped me most happen outside of research, school, and service. Dance, Formula 1, photography, and horses each give me a different way to focus, observe, express myself, and recharge. Together, they remind me of the importance of curiosity, creativity, and making space for the things that simply bring me joy.
Bharatanatyam
Discipline & Expression Indian Classical Dancer | 2014–Present
I’ve practiced Bharatanatyam since kindergarten, performing and competing while learning how movement, expression, and storytelling come together.
At one competition, I made a mistake in a routine I had practiced for months. It made me realize how much I had begun treating dance as something to perfect rather than something to feel. Since then, I’ve tried to focus less on flawless execution and more on trusting myself, staying present, and communicating the story behind each movement.
Formula 1
Strategy, Curiosity & Connection
Formula 1 has been part of my life for years. My dad and I have spent countless weekends watching races, waking up early or staying up late to follow qualifying, debate strategy, and cheer for our favorite teams.
As I became more interested in the sport, I also started noticing how often people were surprised that I cared so much about racing because I’m a girl. That curiosity about why certain interests are still associated with gender became one of the first things that made me think more deeply about bias and expectations. F1 taught me that curiosity can start anywhere—even with a race on a Sunday morning.
Equestrian
Finding Calm Around Horses
I started horseback riding before high school and quickly grew to love the quiet focus that comes with being around horses. Riding taught me to pay attention to small signals, stay patient, and communicate without always relying on words.
Even after regular riding became harder when my family moved farther from the barn, I realized how much I missed being around horses. That connection eventually helped lead me back to the barn through Equine Assisted Therapy, but horses remain something I enjoy simply because they help me slow down and reset. Around horses, I’ve learned that trust often begins with paying attention.
Photography
Noticing the Details
Photography gives me a reason to slow down and pay attention. I enjoy noticing expressions, light, small details, and moments that might otherwise pass quickly.
What I like most is that the same scene can look completely different depending on where you stand, what you focus on, and when you choose to take the picture. It has made me more aware of how perspective shapes what we notice. Photography reminds me that paying attention can change what you see.
