1. My Journey In Sixth Grade
Ring of Fire: Self-Realization
Seated amidst fifteen fellow campers, my eleven year old self had been eager to hear
about the qualities they had observed in me. I was shocked when just a few people
charitably commented about how I smile a lot.
I realized that having spent my school life in a class of over fifty students with intimidating
teachers, I had shied away from speaking. This introversion had been exacerbated by a
seizure at the age of six, which had mildly impaired my motor skills. Embarrassed about
looking uncoordinated, I had resisted my parents efforts to get me involved in activities
through which I could express myself. If I wanted the world to see more of me than my
smiles, I needed to change.
Emerging with Art and Discovering Movement In a Sea of Students
I started drawing myself out of my shell by, well, drawing. I dove into letting my thoughts take form as
shapes and colors. My confidence started molding itself around the framed pictures my parents proudly
displayed all over the house.
I embraced karate classes, making peace with the fact that I took longer than most kids to get it right, and
instead focused on enjoying the practice. These early experiences motivated me to participate in a
student exchange in Germany at the age of fifteen. Living with a family I at first barely knew, and
discovering the sights and sounds of a city on my own, I returned to India transformed.
Performing for the
South Asian Student Association
Full Circle at Brandeis
Today, I’m independent, open-minded
and an explorer. Art remains an
important avenue for my
expression, where my attention to detail
comes alive. I’m just as comfortable
cooking a thanksgiving meal from scratch
Self Portrait for 20 friends or participating in
choreographed Bollywood dances in
front of hundreds of people. The ring of
fire has come full circle.
Preparing for
Background: My contemporary take on a Renaissance painting. Fashion Show