Aditi Naidu is grateful for the opportunity to form global connections and gain a new perspective of the world. This through people she met during the TechGirls program in the United States earlier this year.
Born and raised in Suva, Naidu comes from a close-knit family.
“Growing up, I was always surrounded by science, and it inspired me to become a lifelong learner,” said Naidu, a Year 11 student of Yat Sen Secondary School.
She said the STEM (Science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics) immersive initiative for girls around the world focuses on enhancing STEM-based skills, while also promoting leadership, empowerment, and the development of global solutions through collaboration and science.
“I first heard about the program through school, and my parents who encouraged me to apply. I knew immediately it was perfectly aligned with my interests,” she said.
At first, Naidu thought the program would simply be an exchange opportunity to strengthen her STEM-related skills, but it turned out to be so much more.
“I’ve formed global connections and gained a new perspective of the world through the people I met. What fascinated me most was that although we came from very different cultures and backgrounds, we were united by our shared passion for STEM.
“The overall experience has left a strong impact on me. It’s reignited my interest and reminded me why I was inspired to pursue a career in science in the first place. I was surrounded by the subjects I loved and people who loved them too.
“The program pushed me to think beyond borders and showed me that young women can truly be at the centre of change.”
Naidu, who describes herself as curious and unafraid of change, hopes to pursue a career in medicine.
“In the next five years, I see myself working towards completing my degree,” she said.
Besides school, she spends most of her leisure time reading, listening to music and painting, these provide her with a creative outlet.
Her advice is: “Stay curious, don’t be afraid, and dream big.”
“Every idea, no matter how small, has the potential to grow into something impactful. Keep learning and remember you don’t have to wait to make a difference, you can start now.
“I would also highly encourage girls who are eligible for the program to apply for the next cohort.
“Keep in touch with the US Embassy to stay updated on application dates and programs because it can truly be a life-changing experience.”
