- Pronouns: he/him
- Hometown: I am from Portland, Maine. I enjoy spending time in the West End, where I can look out over the horizon. It’s one of my favorite spots, and I live just down the street from it. I also love visiting the Old Port to admire the water, which I find very calming and relaxing. Walking through downtown is another activity I enjoy. My high school was located in that area, so it feels familiar and is always a great place to explore.
- School: University of Maine, Orono, Class of 2029
- Major: Biomedical Engineering
- Other interests: Video games, soccer and photography
- Coach: Roy Chatterjee
What is something you love about your school?
In 2024, I joined a summer program called Upward Bound at the University of Maine, Orono, which I will be attending this fall. I had the opportunity to live on campus for a month and experience college life firsthand. I really enjoyed how spacious the campus is and how close-knit the community feels. As a sports fan, I especially appreciate that the university offers a wide variety of athletic activities. The recreation center is one of my favorite places. It includes a gym, an indoor track, basketball and squash courts, a pool, and many other options for staying active.
How did you choose your major?
I chose my major while I was in high school, though it took some time to figure out the right path. I initially considered electrical engineering, but later I discovered my passion for the medical field. Taking an anatomy and physiology course played a big role in helping me realize how much I enjoy the medical sciences. Eventually, I decided to combine both interests, which led me to pursue Biomedical Engineering. I am excited to excel in this field and appreciate how it allows me to blend science with innovation.
What is your relationship with your ZF coach like/In what ways have they helped you?
Roy is a great mentor. I was introduced to him through a meeting with my academic coordinator from the Upward Bound program. I have had the opportunity to work with Roy while applying for scholarships, and he has provided valuable advice about preparing for college, especially in the beginning stages. He also guided me on steps I could take during the summer to ensure financial stability before starting college.
What hobbies/extracurriculars/other interests do you have?
I have several hobbies and interests that I am passionate about. I have loved playing video games since I was five years old, starting with my first console, the Nintendo 3DS. Soccer is another passion of mine, I have been playing since I was three, having been taught by my dad, and I consider it the best sport in the world. Additionally, I enjoy photography. I developed this interest during a digital photography class in high school and often go out to capture photos of nature and other subjects that catch my eye. Finally, I have a strong interest in geography. I know every country’s flag, and, for my capstone project, I took photographs of clouds that resembled the shapes of various countries.
Why did you apply to ZF/what drew you to this organization?
I visited the ZF website and was impressed by how highly the foundation values building a strong community and fostering genuine connections among students. Many scholarship programs focus primarily on financial support, but ZF emphasizes both financial and mental support, which I find very important. This commitment to supporting each student in all aspects of their lives is what motivated me to apply to the foundation.
What impact has ZF had on your academic and professional career thus far?
Academically, meeting Roy was a turning point for me. Before that, I did not fully understand the importance of organizing financial documents for college, and his guidance was invaluable. Without his support, I would not be able to attend the University of Maine, Orono this fall. Professionally, Roy informed me about a mentor through the Zenie Foundation who can assist me with my major, which I believe will greatly contribute to my success in Biomedical Engineering. Looking ahead, I hope the foundation will continue to support me in pursuing my chosen career and enable me to give back by helping others with the knowledge and encouragement I have received, not only from my coach, but also from the entire Zenie community.
Tell us something you are excited about! This can be anything: an upcoming study abroad trip, an internship or fellowship, a new position in your club, etc.
I am excited to move into the University of Maine, Orono and begin this next chapter of my life. I look forward to starting my classes, making new friends, learning more about myself, and growing stronger academically. Additionally, I'm excited to live with my best friend, who will be my roommate. He is majoring in biology, so as fellow STEM students, I believe this will be a fun, supportive, and memorable year for both of us.
Tell us about a time you made yourself proud.
A time I made myself proud was when I passed my anatomy and physiology class. Many staff and students described it as one of the most difficult classes due to the extensive memorization and heavy writing involved. To my surprise, I really enjoyed the course. I learned so much about the human body, which deepened my passion for science. This experience was very meaningful to me, because rather than avoiding a class others warned was too difficult, I chose to challenge myself, stepped out of my comfort zone, and succeeded. It reminded me of the importance of not letting fear get in the way of pursuing something valuable.
Tell us about some of your career aspirations. It’s totally ok if you aren’t sure yet! This can be as specific or as general as you want.
As a Biomedical Engineering major, I aspire to become an engineer who contributes to advancing healthcare. My best friend, who is majoring in biology and plans to become a doctor, and I share the goal of eventually opening a hospital or medical facility to provide care for those in need. This is an important ambition for both of us, aimed at helping individuals who may lack access to proper healthcare. Additionally, I want to use my engineering skills to develop innovative medicines that can help cure deadly diseases.
Who is a role model for you/someone that you look up to and why?
My role models are my family who have always encouraged me to never give up. In Spanish, they often say "échale ganas", which means to give it your all. They have taught me the importance of hard work and putting my heart into everything I do to succeed in life. Additionally, I look up to soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo who has influenced my mindset. He has demonstrated how to block out negative thoughts and comments from others and maintain a positive attitude. His example has helped me personally to practice a similar mindset whenever I face challenges with negativity.
Do you have a favorite quote/what is a saying that you live by?
"If you're not prepared to be wrong, you will never come up with anything original."
In 2024, I joined a summer program called Upward Bound at the University of Maine, Orono, which I will be attending this fall. I had the opportunity to live on campus for a month and experience college life firsthand. I really enjoyed how spacious the campus is and how close-knit the community feels. As a sports fan, I especially appreciate that the university offers a wide variety of athletic activities. The recreation center is one of my favorite places. It includes a gym, an indoor track, basketball and squash courts, a pool, and many other options for staying active.
How did you choose your major?
I chose my major while I was in high school, though it took some time to figure out the right path. I initially considered electrical engineering, but later I discovered my passion for the medical field. Taking an anatomy and physiology course played a big role in helping me realize how much I enjoy the medical sciences. Eventually, I decided to combine both interests, which led me to pursue Biomedical Engineering. I am excited to excel in this field and appreciate how it allows me to blend science with innovation.
What is your relationship with your ZF coach like/In what ways have they helped you?
Roy is a great mentor. I was introduced to him through a meeting with my academic coordinator from the Upward Bound program. I have had the opportunity to work with Roy while applying for scholarships, and he has provided valuable advice about preparing for college, especially in the beginning stages. He also guided me on steps I could take during the summer to ensure financial stability before starting college.
What hobbies/extracurriculars/other interests do you have?
I have several hobbies and interests that I am passionate about. I have loved playing video games since I was five years old, starting with my first console, the Nintendo 3DS. Soccer is another passion of mine, I have been playing since I was three, having been taught by my dad, and I consider it the best sport in the world. Additionally, I enjoy photography. I developed this interest during a digital photography class in high school and often go out to capture photos of nature and other subjects that catch my eye. Finally, I have a strong interest in geography. I know every country’s flag, and, for my capstone project, I took photographs of clouds that resembled the shapes of various countries.
Why did you apply to ZF/what drew you to this organization?
I visited the ZF website and was impressed by how highly the foundation values building a strong community and fostering genuine connections among students. Many scholarship programs focus primarily on financial support, but ZF emphasizes both financial and mental support, which I find very important. This commitment to supporting each student in all aspects of their lives is what motivated me to apply to the foundation.
What impact has ZF had on your academic and professional career thus far?
Academically, meeting Roy was a turning point for me. Before that, I did not fully understand the importance of organizing financial documents for college, and his guidance was invaluable. Without his support, I would not be able to attend the University of Maine, Orono this fall. Professionally, Roy informed me about a mentor through the Zenie Foundation who can assist me with my major, which I believe will greatly contribute to my success in Biomedical Engineering. Looking ahead, I hope the foundation will continue to support me in pursuing my chosen career and enable me to give back by helping others with the knowledge and encouragement I have received, not only from my coach, but also from the entire Zenie community.
Tell us something you are excited about! This can be anything: an upcoming study abroad trip, an internship or fellowship, a new position in your club, etc.
I am excited to move into the University of Maine, Orono and begin this next chapter of my life. I look forward to starting my classes, making new friends, learning more about myself, and growing stronger academically. Additionally, I'm excited to live with my best friend, who will be my roommate. He is majoring in biology, so as fellow STEM students, I believe this will be a fun, supportive, and memorable year for both of us.
Tell us about a time you made yourself proud.
A time I made myself proud was when I passed my anatomy and physiology class. Many staff and students described it as one of the most difficult classes due to the extensive memorization and heavy writing involved. To my surprise, I really enjoyed the course. I learned so much about the human body, which deepened my passion for science. This experience was very meaningful to me, because rather than avoiding a class others warned was too difficult, I chose to challenge myself, stepped out of my comfort zone, and succeeded. It reminded me of the importance of not letting fear get in the way of pursuing something valuable.
Tell us about some of your career aspirations. It’s totally ok if you aren’t sure yet! This can be as specific or as general as you want.
As a Biomedical Engineering major, I aspire to become an engineer who contributes to advancing healthcare. My best friend, who is majoring in biology and plans to become a doctor, and I share the goal of eventually opening a hospital or medical facility to provide care for those in need. This is an important ambition for both of us, aimed at helping individuals who may lack access to proper healthcare. Additionally, I want to use my engineering skills to develop innovative medicines that can help cure deadly diseases.
Who is a role model for you/someone that you look up to and why?
My role models are my family who have always encouraged me to never give up. In Spanish, they often say "échale ganas", which means to give it your all. They have taught me the importance of hard work and putting my heart into everything I do to succeed in life. Additionally, I look up to soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo who has influenced my mindset. He has demonstrated how to block out negative thoughts and comments from others and maintain a positive attitude. His example has helped me personally to practice a similar mindset whenever I face challenges with negativity.
Do you have a favorite quote/what is a saying that you live by?
"If you're not prepared to be wrong, you will never come up with anything original."
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