Trying New Things

As a kid, whenever it came to school projects, I was never hesitant to try new things. From designing propellers in second grade, to making a life-sized cardboard raft in fourth grade, I’ve always enjoyed coming up with out-of-the-box (literally!) ideas.

Skin

While other 5-year-olds played with rubber ducks in the bath, I sat in the sweet strawberry scented tub of childhood, perfecting my bubble beard, and discovering my interest: skin.

Patellar Tendininitis

The summer before junior year was pretty awful. At the beginning of summer, I was diagnosed with patellar tendinitis. Not only did I lose the experience of playing basketball, but I also lost the feeling that came with being part of a team.

Finding Life After Tennis

The rubber on my soles is melting like chocolate in the microwave, a bead of sweat runs off my forehead and sizzles on the blue concrete. There is no one around, no parents, no referees, no fans – only two boys fighting against the Indian Wells sun and each other.

Melanin Mess Up

“Wait.” I froze and stared at the screen. “That’s not me!”  I still remember staring at the picture in my school’s athletic hallway. The name, the description of the sport, and the reason I was being featured were all there, but the person whose picture was displayed was clearly not me. In fact, the only similarity between us was that we were both South Asian people on the Cross Country team.

Quantum Mechanics

The first time I learned about quantum mechanics was at the breakfast table. My dad placed an article titled “Quantum Entanglement” on top of my eggs and toast.

Pranks

Once, a teacher challenged me to make an assignment as difficult to grade as possible. What he failed to remember is that I am a programmer.

Laptop Stickers

My laptop is like a passport. It is plastered with stickers all over the outside, inside, and bottom. Each sticker is a stamp, representing a place I’ve been, a passion I’ve pursued, or community I’ve belonged to.

Trivial Pursuit

Unfold the board and lay out the pieces, it is family game night. Tonight, Trivial Pursuit.