This ePortfolio reflects my journey through the Research Pathway of Distinction, where I have come to understand physical activity not just as exercise, but as something shaped by environment, connected to both brain and body health, and made meaningful through everyday habits, culture, and experiences like dance.

Background & Personal Journey
I moved to the United States from India when I was five years old, and growing up, I moved frequently across the South—living in Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Arkansas because of my dad’s job. Because of this, I never really felt settled until I moved to Lexington, South Carolina in eighth grade. That was the first place that truly felt like home. I attended River Bluff High School and later chose USC so I could stay close to my family. Over time, I grew to love Columbia and the sense of community it gave me. Both of my parents are software engineers, and their work ethic and sacrifices have always shaped my perspective. My mom had always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but she passed away before she was able to pursue that path. That has been one of the biggest motivations behind my journey. As an only child, I feel a strong responsibility to carry forward her dream while building my own path in medicine.

Identity & Cultural Growth
Growing up as an Indian American, I often felt caught between two identities. In high school, there were moments where I became more aware of my culture in ways that made me feel different rather than included. I remember hearing comments about being “smelly like curry,” jokes about Indian accents, or assumptions about what it meant to be Indian. Because of this, I sometimes avoided bringing certain foods for lunch or explaining cultural traditions because I did not want to stand out. Over time, I distanced myself from parts of my identity, even though they were important to me. Coming to USC gave me the opportunity to rethink that. Instead of feeling like I had to separate myself from my culture, I started looking for ways to reconnect with it. Through my role on the executive board of Cocky’s Bollywood Crew, I found a space where I could do exactly that. I helped create an environment where others, especially those with no background, could feel comfortable learning. Through our workshops and performances, we made dance accessible while still preserving its cultural authenticity, which helped promote appreciation rather than appropriation.

Academic & Research Experience
At the same time, my academic experiences helped me understand physical activity from a different perspective. Through my coursework in public health, psychology, and neuroscience, as well as my involvement in the ECHO Lab, I explored how physical activity impacts both cognitive and physiological health. I worked on research examining how mindful walking affects cognitive health in older adults and saw how factors like environment, safety, and accessibility influence whether people stay active.

Future Goals in Medicine
As a pre-medical student, I want to take a more proactive approach to healthcare by focusing on prevention rather than only treatment. Instead of only addressing chronic illnesses after they develop, I want to help patients build habits that actually fit into their daily lives. For example, I want to guide patients toward forms of physical activity that feel realistic and enjoyable for them whether that is walking in their neighborhood, joining a community program, or incorporating movement through things like dance. My experiences have shown me that people are more likely to stay consistent when they feel comfortable and connected to what they are doing, not when they feel overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations. I am also interested in improving diversity and accessibility in healthcare in a more direct way. Growing up as an Indian American and seeing how culture and identity influence comfort and communication, I want to be someone patients can relate to and trust. I hope to take the time to understand each patient’s environment, lifestyle, and background so I can give recommendations that actually make sense for them. Overall, I want to be a physician who not only treats illness, but helps patients build sustainable routines that support both their physical and cognitive health over time.