Hi, My name is Raksha and I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Neurobiology and Behavior, and minoring in Global Health and Music. In the future, I hope to pursue a medical career in oncology and hope to use my abilities in non-profits like Doctors Without Borders to provide free quality medical care to those in need. I am incredibly passionate about non-profit work and have been involved with Doctors Without Borders, along with The International Red Cross and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
On-campus, I am a researcher in the Harrington Lab of Entomology and Vector Diseases, researching harmonic convergence in mosquitoes. I also am the president of The Carl L. Becker House, where I plan and execute events dedicated to the wellbeing of our West Campus Community. I am also the vice president of the Cornell Center for Health Equity here on campus and am a co-founder and co-president of the Cornell Society of Wellness. I love to sing, both Carnatic and western styles of music and I am a part of the Cornell Chorale, as well as several other acapella ensembles. I also love star-gazing, traveling, composing music, reading, listening to music, hanging with friends and family, and learning more about the world around me!
I have always been passionate about volunteering and helping those in need, and have been a part of several important global health initiatives including MSF's Missing Maps campaign, where I helped in creating maps for doctors traveling to underrepresented communities around the world. Last year, I worked at Weill Cornell, doing anthropological research on the behavior of doctors and their relationships with patients.
This was an incredible experience to learn about western medicine but this year, I wanted to experience healthcare in a completely different setting. Being the daughter of Indian immigrants, I have a deep love of India and Indian culture, and have always dreamed of being a part of a program at SVYM- I hope to learn even more about this country that I love by living and learning with the community. I am ready to learn from this incredible community and am prepared to be challenged as well. This is an opportunity I am incredibly excited for and I cannot wait to embark on this journey!
SHALINI G.
This was an incredible experience to learn about western medicine but this year, I wanted to experience healthcare in a completely different setting. Being the daughter of Indian immigrants, I have a deep love of India and Indian culture, and have always dreamed of being a part of a program at SVYM- I hope to learn even more about this country that I love by living and learning with the community. I am ready to learn from this incredible community and am prepared to be challenged as well. This is an opportunity I am incredibly excited for and I cannot wait to embark on this journey!
SHALINI G.
Hello! My name is Shalini. I am from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and currently a rising senior in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell. I am majoring in Biology and Society with a concentration in health and society and minoring in Global Health. I am on the pre-med track and dedicated to contributing to global health research and initiatives throughout my career. On campus, I am involved in GlobeMed, an organization aimed at global health equity through long term partnerships with grassroots health organizations, Society for India, Cornell Tarana, the only South Asian a cappella group on campus, as well as undergraduate research in the Ophir Integrative Neuroethology Lab.
I firmly believe in SVYM's mission to build social capital where it is needed and provide so many opportunities. I am very excited and thankful to be working at SVYM! As a second-generation South Indian, I am glad to be further exploring the culture and specific nuances or barriers to health, education, and other rights in Mysore, as well as connecting with wonderful mentors and community members.
KAITLIN M.
Hi, my name is Kaitlin. I am a rising junior in the ILR School from Cleveland, Ohio. I am pursuing minors in Business, Inequality Studies, Migration Studies and the Globalization, Ethnicity, and Development minor. I am interested in international finance, consulting, and development in a sustainable way to promote economic equality.
ASHLYN A.
Outside of class, you’ll find me working at Manndibles Cafe in Mann Library. When I’m not making lattes, I am attending Cornell Concert Commission meetings, writing travel articles for Guac Magazine’s semesterly publications, or setting up Cleveland themed events for the Northeast Ohio at Cornell University club.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to participate in the ILR School’s Vietnam engaged learning opportunity this past winter as well as the Cornell - ILR Exchange: University of Warwick, London Summer Program in the summer of 2019. Given my international experiences with Southeast Asia and England, I am ready to learn more about India given its colonial past and Southern Asia location. I’m very excited to work with Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement within SVYM on a project about the effectiveness of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), a government-sponsored skill development program for unemployed youth.
ASHLYN A.
Hello! My name is Ashlyn and I am a junior from Upstate New York. I am in the College of Human Ecology studying Human Biology, Health, and Society and minoring in Global Health and Infectious Diseases. I am extremely interested in pursuing a career in epidemiology and health management.
On campus I am the captain of the rugby team and I am involved in undergraduate research in the Lazzaro Lab, studying the host-microbe interactions of Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly. I am also employed by the Cornell Fitness Center and am a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.
I am extremely excited to be offered the opportunity to participate in the GSL India program and work with SVYM in India. I am very interested in disease and health related research and performing service on a global scale, and while I have spent a lot of time performing research within a lab at Cornell, this program is the perfect opportunity for me to put my interests into real life applications. I am really looking forward to immersing myself in the Indian culture and to learn more about the health care systems of a country that is structured immensely different from my own.
ANJALI M.
Hi! My name is Anjali. I am a junior in the ILR school and transferred to Cornell last year from Occidental College. I am planning on completing a film minor. After graduation I am interested in pursuing union organizing efforts in the entertainment industry, screenwriting, or working in the non-profit world and hopefully participating in the Peace Corps.
Previously I have participated in an organization to tutor individuals in New Haven, Connecticut called Break Through New Haven. I also went to South Africa and worked for a non-profit called Sharing to Learn in high school. I am enthusiastic to continue my interest in non-profit work in college through the India GSL program.
I am very excited to participate in the India GSL program as it will be interesting to work on a project for SVYM, it will be a good primer for the Peace Corps, and as I am half Indian, I am very enthusiastic to immerse myself in Indian culture.
Previously I have participated in an organization to tutor individuals in New Haven, Connecticut called Break Through New Haven. I also went to South Africa and worked for a non-profit called Sharing to Learn in high school. I am enthusiastic to continue my interest in non-profit work in college through the India GSL program.
I am very excited to participate in the India GSL program as it will be interesting to work on a project for SVYM, it will be a good primer for the Peace Corps, and as I am half Indian, I am very enthusiastic to immerse myself in Indian culture.
ANNE B.
Hello! My name is Anne and I am a freshman studying Industrial and Labor Relations and minoring in Law & Society and Inequality Studies. I was born in Quezon City, Philippines and moved to Naperville, Illinois in 2005. On campus, I am involved as the Alumni Chair and Choreographer for the a capella group, Touchtones, along with being a member in the Cornell Filipino Association and Minorities in ILR. During my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, singing, listening to audiobooks, and hanging out with friends. I hope to one day advocate for socioeconomic equality through a legal or non-profit career. I am eager to learn and grow as a global citizen, immersed in a new culture. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Global Service Learning program and I cannot wait to have a successful experience!
ASHLEY A.
On-campus, I am involved with La Asociacion Latina as the Vice President of Community Relations. I pride myself on my Dominican heritage and love to foster a sense of community for other Hispanic/ Latinx students at Cornell. In addition, I am also the Vice President of Event Planning and Coordination for the Minorities at ILR Student Organization. Last but not least, I am extremely involved in the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives at Cornell. I am a member of their Pre-Professional Program, and also am the Assistant Program manager for one of their student success programs: Graduate Students Mentoring Undergraduates (GSMU). My involvement on campus is centered around my passion for helping the community, and as I continue to grow, I see more and more that I want to dedicate my life to helping undepriviledged communities.
The opportunity to participate in the SVYM GSL Program is something I am extremely grateful for. As a first-generation college student, I am so proud to be able to say that I can partake in something like this during my college experience. It combines my love for traveling and my constant desire to learn about other cultures. And to be able to take my passions and apply them in a global setting is something that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world!
ROCIO C.
Hello! My name is Rocio and I am a sophomore in the school for Industrial and Labor Relations, I am from the Bronx, NY. On campus, I am on the e-board for the Minority ILR Student Organization (MILRSO) and am the VP of Alumni Relations. As an EOP student, I became an Ambassador to bring attention to opportunity programs available for disadvantaged high school students. I am also a program assistant for Upward Bound and STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) where my tasks include planning logistics for college visits, Saturday academies along with other things. These programs focus on closing the achievement gap and providing services that will prepare students for college. Coming to college I have found a passion for working with high school students and making them realize that college is a possibility no matter where they are raised. This is a major reason for why I decided to apply for SYVM in India. Having traveled to Cambodia this past winter and learning about their education system, amongst other things, have peaked my interest in learning about other countries. I believe that India will provide more insight on how they function as a country, specifically focusing on the education sector. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity that GSL and SYVM is giving me to explore a new part of the world!
MALLORY A
Hi! My name is Mallory and I am a sophomore in the Industrial and Labor Relations School at Cornell. I transferred to Cornell for the Fall 2019 semester from William & Mary in Virginia and I am so happy I did because I absolutely love the ILR program. While I’m here, I want to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible like this exceptional learning opportunity. On campus, I am involved in Chorale and Cornell Rowing Club so if it’s good weather you will probably find me down at the boathouse or out on Cayuga Lake. I am so excited and honored to be a part of the Global Service Learning Program in association with SVYM because it combines my passion for culture, people, learning, and health. I am immensely impressed with the drive and past success that SVYM has experienced and am fortunate to be a part of its mission.
ELIS L.
Hi! My name is Mallory and I am a sophomore in the Industrial and Labor Relations School at Cornell. I transferred to Cornell for the Fall 2019 semester from William & Mary in Virginia and I am so happy I did because I absolutely love the ILR program. While I’m here, I want to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible like this exceptional learning opportunity. On campus, I am involved in Chorale and Cornell Rowing Club so if it’s good weather you will probably find me down at the boathouse or out on Cayuga Lake. I am so excited and honored to be a part of the Global Service Learning Program in association with SVYM because it combines my passion for culture, people, learning, and health. I am immensely impressed with the drive and past success that SVYM has experienced and am fortunate to be a part of its mission. ELIS L.
Hello! My name is Elis. I am a junior in CALS majoring in Biology and Society with a concentration in society and disease. In addition to my major, I am minoring in Infectious Disease, Nutrition and Health, as well as Global Health. After undergrad, I am planning to get a dual master’s in Public Health and Social Work, which I would use for clinical social work and population-level health research. In the summer of 2019, I had the privilege of working at the Cornell Clinical Trials Unit, where I focused on studies relating to HIV and AIDS treatment and prevention.
OLIVIA S.
Hello! My name is Olivia, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m a sophomore in the ILR school, pursuing minors in Business and Inequality Studies. On campus, I am involved with Amnesty International, Cornell Peer Review Board, the Society for Human Resource Management club, and boxing club. I am interested in a career where I can advocate for others, and I hope that the GSL trip will show me impactful things that I can do with an ILR degree.
I am passionate about equality and social justice, specifically regarding refugee rights. In high school, I led the Students Together Assisting Refugees club, where I created a volunteer program at a local elementary school and organized an annual school-wide toiletry drive. This past summer, I continued my service through the High Road Buffalo program, where I planned lessons for and taught ESL classes to adult refugees on the west side of Buffalo. During my Fellowship, I learned that almost all refugees who become citizens are registered to vote, yet very few of them actually vote. I then organized a voting workshop and mock election for my students, where I taught them about their rights in the polls, and how they can use their voices to help their community.
I am overjoyed to have been selected to be part of the GSL team for this coming summer. I am looking forward to growing as a global citizen through this challenging, educational and rewarding summer to come!
Caleb, a Denver native, is a sophomore in the ILR School. Having grown up in the Colorado Indian immigrant community, he is thrilled to work with SVYM in the land of his heritage. In addition to his academic interests—such as mediation—he enjoys videography, martial arts, strategy games, moviegoing, and hiking
TRISHA O.
Hi! My name is Trisha. I am a sophomore majoring in Human Biology, Health and Society. I'm from Monmouth County, NJ. My favorite things to do include: going to the beach, playing soccer, and just hanging out with my friends. I love doing anything active, really, from skateboarding aimlessly around our neighborhood to playing volleyball with strangers on the beach.
Being involved with the community I live in has always been very important to me, whether it be volunteering at my local hospital or fundraising through annual town 5k runs. On campus, I am currently involved in Cornell University EMS, where I not only get to contribute positively to the Cornell community, but also get to further pursue my interests in medicine/healthcare. I am also a member of the Kellogg Research lab, where we study protein structure. I am also a member of the tutoring organization, R.E.A.C.H., as well as on the E-board of my sorority Phi Sigma Sigma.
My interests in global health and outreach, in particular, have definitely stemmed from my family origins. Being born in the Philippines and having most of my family reside there makes it difficult to ignore the large disparity between life in the U.S. and life in the Philippines. I feel lucky to have gained such a unique perspective of the world at such a young age and have always known that serving underprivileged communities on a global scale was something that I wanted to pursue. This program gives me the opportunity to immerse myself in a completely different culture and country and learn about global health issues from new perspectives. I am so excited for this trip. Quite frankly, no matter what I choose to pursue in the future, I am confident that this experience will make me a better, more informed human being.
GABBY G.
Hi! My name is Gabby and I am a transfer sophomore from Fairfield, Connecticut. I’m a Biology and Society major with a minor in Global Health and Law and Society and plan to pursue a career in medicine or health policy. I am currently on the Cornell Women’s Rowing team and when I have some extra time, I love to play tennis, hike, surf, and listen to podcasts (my favorite right now is one about mysteries called “Crime Junkies”; I highly recommend on long drives). I am also very passionate about Relay For Life and genetics, and in the past have worked/interned in a genetics lab and organized and ran Relay For Life in the town of my high school.
I am super excited to go to India because of everything the program has to offer not only because of the amazing chance to work at SVYM, but also because of the opportunity to explore both global health and policy aspects of the program, which are both of incredible interest to me. I originally became interested in the water and sanitation side of global health, particularly as it pertains to young women in education systems and how the lack of accessible water and sanitary resources negatively impacts their attendance in school. I am thrilled to be connecting with new people and learning from others, especially from the young women in the area! I cannot wait to connect with those in SVYM and in Mysore in general!
PEIWEN S.
My name is Peiwen and I am a sophomore currently studying Human Biology, Health and Society, with interests also in anthropology and government. My hometown is Beijing, China, and I left for the U.S. to attend high school in 10th grade. I first became interested in global health when reading about the work of a medical anthropologist, and was drawn to the deep connections he made with the community through long-term immersion. It has since become my model to understand a community by studying the roots of illness through ethnography while using medical training to provide health care, and I am excited about the India program for the field opportunity to begin to explore the type of work I hope to pursue. I am also excited to experience and become a learner of a culture I do not yet know much about. In my free time, I enjoy reading, running outdoors, and writing.SAARA K.
Throughout my time at Cornell, I’ve involved myself with the Ithaca community by devoting my time to volunteer organizations such as REACH and PCAT. I am also currently involved in maternal and child health and nutrition research in DNS. For fun, I like to sing and play guitar in my singing group on campus. In my free time, I enjoy working out, hiking, reading, and spending as much time as possible surrounded by friends and family.
My studies in global and public health over the past 3 years helped me find my passion for topics such as maternal and child health and nutrition, chronic non-communicable diseases, and infectious disease. I am very excited to be given the opportunity to further explore the field of global health by contributing to SVYM!
