1. When did you learn English? I started learning English in the first grade as a second language. At the time, I thought it was one of the hardest subjects. I struggled a lot and honestly didn’t enjoy learning it. I remember hating English classes and avoiding the language whenever I could. Things started to shift around fourth or fifth grade when I began watching English cartoons and movies, mostly because my brother was watching them. I didn’t understand anything at first, but I kept watching with him. Over time, I started picking up words, phrases, and context. By the time I got to sixth grade, I was doing much better in my English tests. Even though those tests were pretty basic compared to what students in English-speaking countries do, they gave me confidence and showed me that I was improving. Watching those shows over and over again helped me learn without realizing it, and eventually I became comfortable enough to read, write, and have conversations in English. 2a. Describe an obstacle you encountered in your educational journey. One of the biggest challenges I faced was when I moved to the United States two years ago. I had to adjust to learning all of my school subjects in English, which was tough because in Sri Lanka I had learned everything in Sinhala. The biggest struggle for me was math. Even though I already understood a lot of the concepts, I didn’t know the English terms or how to follow along when the teacher explained things. It felt like I had to start over again. 2b. How did you overcome this obstacle? To overcome that challenge, I had to relearn many of the things I already knew, this time in English. It wasn’t easy and I still find myself trying to catch up, but I work hard. I ask questions when I need help, I spend extra time studying, and I use online resources to better understand the material. Most importantly, I stayed consistent. I also think back to how I first learned English through shows and movies and use similar strategies now to learn more complex subjects. I’m still learning every day, but I’ve come a long way. 3. Who is your educational role model and why? For a long time, I didn’t have a role model, and it bothered me. I would hear people talk about how they were inspired by someone and how that person helped shape their success. I felt like I was missing out on something important. But over time, I realized I don’t need to look up to someone else. I can be my own inspiration. I want to build my own path, make my own mistakes, and be someone others can look up to one day. That realization changed the way I think about success and motivation. 4a. How do you plan to continue your education? I plan to continue my education by earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. If possible, I’d like to go even further and get my master’s. My love for cars is what drew me to this field. I’ve always been curious about how they’re built and how they function. I’m also learning how to trade right now so that I can support myself financially and hopefully avoid the stress of late-night shifts while trying to keep up with school deadlines. 4b. What do you hope to do after you complete your formal educational journey? Once I finish my degree, I want to work in the automotive industry. My dream job is to be part of a Formula team. I want to be involved in designing and building vehicles that change the world. I want to be part of something innovative and impactful, something that brings both speed and sustainability together. That’s where I see myself making the biggest difference. 5. Outside of the traditional school environment, how do you give back to others in your community? I try to help those who are struggling to learn, whether it’s English or any other subject. I know how hard it can be to feel behind and not know how to catch up. That’s why I make an effort to support my classmates and others who might be going through the same challenges I faced. Even small acts of help can make a big difference, and I believe that lifting others up is one of the best ways to give back to the community.

In 2023, my parents won the green card lottery, giving me the unimaginable opportunity to come to the United States. But that opportunity came at a cost. Leaving Sri Lanka meant leaving behind a life my parents had spent decades building. They were nearing retirement, finally living in peace. Yet they gave it all up, even leaving behind two of my brothers, just to give me a chance at something better. Starting over wasn’t easy. I had to re-enter high school, leaving behind what had been the best part of my school life back home. Everything felt unfamiliar. I had to learn a new education system, a new culture, and carry the weight of honoring the sacrifices my family made. At first, I struggled. But with time, that struggle became fuel. I began to push myself harder, determined to make their sacrifices worth something. To help ease the financial burden on my family, I started working nearly full-time while going to school. There are days when I leave school and head straight to my shift at Dunkin’ Donuts, returning home late to study for a few hours before collapsing into bed. Balancing work, school, and college applications is exhausting. But it’s also shaped my work ethic and shown me how strong I can be. Even when it feels overwhelming, I remind myself why I’m here and who I’m doing it for. That same determination drives my passion for mechanical engineering. Growing up, I was fascinated by how machines worked, especially high-performance cars. What started as a love for speed and design grew into a deeper interest in the mechanics behind them. I began learning more about motorsport, particularly Formula One and Formula E, and discovered how racing technology influences real-world transportation. These aren’t just sports; they are platforms for innovation. One example that stood out to me was the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, developed in Formula One. It captures energy usually lost during braking and reuses it for acceleration. That same technology is now used in hybrid and electric vehicles. Formula E, the all-electric racing series, continues to push the boundaries of battery efficiency and renewable energy. This intersection of performance and sustainability is exactly where I want to build my future. My dream is to become a mechanical engineer who contributes to environmental progress through innovation in the automotive and motorsport industries. I want to work on designing technologies that not only improve performance but also reduce environmental impact. STEM, to me, is about finding solutions that make life better, cleaner, and more efficient for everyone. But none of this matters if I only focus on myself. I believe in giving back. I know how it feels to struggle, and I know how much a little support can mean. Whether it’s volunteering at food banks, helping clean up parks, or tutoring younger students, I want to give my time where it’s needed most. Service, to me, is about connection and gratitude. I’ve been helped along the way, and I want to be that person for someone else. I may not have everything, but I have enough. Enough strength, enough purpose, and enough gratitude to keep going, and to give back. I plan to use everything I’ve been given to build a meaningful future, not just for myself, but for my community and for the people who believed in me.

From a young age, my fascination with machines, especially high-performance cars, sparked an interest in the intricate world of engineering. What started as a passion for speed and performance soon evolved into a deeper appreciation for how innovation in motorsport, particularly Formula Racing, is shaping the future of transportation and environmental sustainability. Formula Racing isn’t just a sport, it’s a proving ground for cutting-edge technologies that have real-world environmental impacts. My goal is to become a mechanical engineer who contributes to advancements in environmental sciences through the motorsport and automotive industries. Formula Racing, especially Formula One and Formula E, has been instrumental in driving eco-conscious innovations. For example, the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), originally developed for F1 cars, captures energy normally lost during braking and reuses it, a technology now found in hybrid and electric vehicles worldwide. Formula E, an all-electric racing series, pushes the boundaries of battery efficiency and renewable energy integration. These innovations not only make racing more sustainable but also influence the direction of everyday vehicle manufacturing. This intersection of performance and sustainability is where I want to build my career. My love for math and physics makes engineering a natural fit for me, and environmental science gives my passion a purpose. I want to be part of the movement that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels by making vehicles smarter, faster, and cleaner. I envision myself working on prototypes that reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, or even eliminate fossil fuels altogether by advancing electric and hydrogen-powered systems. Formula Racing has already demonstrated that high-performance doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment, and I want to be one of the engineers who helps push those boundaries even further. What excites me most is that the innovations born in the racing industry often make their way into the cars we drive every day. For example, the advanced aerodynamics used to reduce drag and improve speed in race cars can also improve fuel efficiency in commercial vehicles. Tire technology, regenerative braking, and lightweight materials all have roots in racing and have been adapted for everyday use. These are the kinds of advancements I want to contribute to, ones that have real-world applications and help fight climate change. To prepare for this path, I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, followed by a master’s in automotive or environmental engineering. I will seek internships and industry experience with companies known for sustainable innovation in transportation, be it a Formula Racing team or an automotive giant like Toyota or Mercedes-Benz, both of which are investing heavily in green technology. I believe that through research, development, and hands-on engineering, I can help create more sustainable transportation solutions. After contributing to this field for 20 years or so, I hope to retire knowing that my work helped steer the automotive industry toward a cleaner future. My ultimate ambition is to be remembered not just for working in motorsports, but for pushing the sport, and the technology it inspires, toward environmental responsibility and innovation. My passion for Formula Racing has shown me that speed and sustainability don’t have to be opposites, they can evolve together. The innovations developed on the track are already shaping the cars we drive and the way we think about energy and efficiency. That’s the kind of impact I want to have. Through a career in mechanical engineering with a focus on environmental science, I hope to design technologies that not only perform but protect. It’s not just about building faster machines, it’s about building a better future.

In 2023, my parents won the green card lottery, giving me the unimaginable opportunity to come to the United States, But that opportunity came at a cost. Leaving Sri Lanka meant leaving behind a life my parents had spent decades building. They were almost at the age of retirement, living a peaceful, worry-free life. Yet they chose to give all of that up, even leaving behind two of my brothers, just to give me a chance at something better. Their sacrifices weighed heavily on me as I started over. I entered high school again, leaving behind what had been the peak of my high school experience back home. It felt surreal, like I had been plucked from one life and placed into another. I struggled at first, adjusting to a new education system, a new culture, and the pressure of honoring the sacrifices my parents had made. But over time, that struggle gave me strength. I realized that I could no longer afford to live passively; I had to become the person my parents believed I could be. I threw myself into my studies, determined to build a future that would make their sacrifices worthwhile. Every challenge I faced, became a reminder of the bigger purpose I was carrying with me. To help ease the financial burden on my family, I also began working almost full-time while attending school. Balancing long hours at work with homework, studying, and preparing for college applications has been exhausting. There are days when I leave school only to head straight to a shift that ends late at night, and then return home to squeeze in a few hours of studying before collapsing into bed. It is physically and mentally draining. Even with all the hours I work, I know it might not be enough to fully cover the costs of my dream college. That knowledge sometimes weighs heavily on me, the fear that despite all my effort, I will fall short. There are moments when it feels hopeless, when the exhaustion and worry feel too big to carry. I could easily give in to those feelings, but I choose not to. Instead, I remind myself that my parents left everything behind so I could have this chance. I remind myself that my brothers, still back home, are rooting for me. I remember that dreams are not built in moments of ease, but through perseverance in the hardest times. At times, it feels like I am running a race with no clear finish line. Yet even in moments of doubt, I continue. Even when it feels impossible, I push forward. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it , because I am not just working for myself, but for all the sacrifices, hopes, and dreams that brought me here. Moving to the United States was the experience that changed my life for the better. It transformed me into someone who values scholarship as a way to honor sacrifice, integrity as a way to honor trust, and service as a way to give back for everything I have received. It taught me that true strength isn’t about never feeling fear, it’s about carrying on in spite of it. Working through school while nearly holding a full-time job has taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving despite the odds. It’s about keeping your head up, even when the road feels endless. I may not know exactly what the future holds, but I know that with the work ethic, gratitude, and determination that my journey has taught me, I am ready for it.

From a young age, my fascination with machines, especially high-performance cars, sparked an interest in the intricate world of engineering. What started as a passion for speed and performance soon evolved into a deeper appreciation for how innovation in motorsport, particularly Formula Racing, is shaping the future of transportation and environmental sustainability. Formula Racing isn’t just a sport, it’s a proving ground for cutting-edge technologies that have real-world environmental impacts. My goal is to become a mechanical engineer who contributes to advancements in environmental sciences through the motorsport and automotive industries. Formula Racing, especially Formula One and Formula E, has been instrumental in driving eco-conscious innovations. For example, the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), originally developed for F1 cars, captures energy normally lost during braking and reuses it, a technology now found in hybrid and electric vehicles worldwide. Formula E, an all-electric racing series, pushes the boundaries of battery efficiency and renewable energy integration. These innovations not only make racing more sustainable but also influence the direction of everyday vehicle manufacturing. This intersection of performance and sustainability is where I want to build my career. My love for math and physics makes engineering a natural fit for me, and environmental science gives my passion a purpose. I want to be part of the movement that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels by making vehicles smarter, faster, and cleaner. I envision myself working on prototypes that reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, or even eliminate fossil fuels altogether by advancing electric and hydrogen-powered systems. Formula Racing has already demonstrated that high-performance doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment, and I want to be one of the engineers who helps push those boundaries even further. What excites me most is that the innovations born in the racing industry often make their way into the cars we drive every day. For example, the advanced aerodynamics used to reduce drag and improve speed in race cars can also improve fuel efficiency in commercial vehicles. Tire technology, regenerative braking, and lightweight materials all have roots in racing and have been adapted for everyday use. These are the kinds of advancements I want to contribute to, ones that have real-world applications and help fight climate change. To prepare for this path, I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, followed by a master’s in automotive or environmental engineering. I will seek internships and industry experience with companies known for sustainable innovation in transportation, be it a Formula Racing team or an automotive giant like Toyota or Mercedes-Benz, both of which are investing heavily in green technology. I believe that through research, development, and hands-on engineering, I can help create more sustainable transportation solutions. After contributing to this field for 20 years or so, I hope to retire knowing that my work helped steer the automotive industry toward a cleaner future. My ultimate ambition is to be remembered not just for working in motorsports, but for pushing the sport, and the technology it inspires, toward environmental responsibility and innovation. My passion for Formula Racing has shown me that speed and sustainability don’t have to be opposites, they can evolve together. The innovations developed on the track are already shaping the cars we drive and the way we think about energy and efficiency. That’s the kind of impact I want to have. Through a career in mechanical engineering with a focus on environmental science, I hope to design technologies that not only perform but protect. It’s not just about building faster machines, it’s about building a better future.

In 2023, my parents won the green card lottery, giving me the unimaginable opportunity to come to the United States, But that opportunity came at a cost. Leaving Sri Lanka meant leaving behind a life my parents had spent decades building. They were almost at the age of retirement, living a peaceful, worry-free life. Yet they chose to give all of that up, even leaving behind two of my brothers, just to give me a chance at something better. Their sacrifices weighed heavily on me as I started over. I entered high school again, leaving behind what had been the peak of my high school experience back home. It felt surreal, like I had been plucked from one life and placed into another. I struggled at first, adjusting to a new education system, a new culture, and the pressure of honoring the sacrifices my parents had made. But over time, that struggle gave me strength. I realized that I could no longer afford to live passively; I had to become the person my parents believed I could be. I threw myself into my studies, determined to build a future that would make their sacrifices worthwhile. Every challenge I faced, became a reminder of the bigger purpose I was carrying with me. To help ease the financial burden on my family, I also began working almost full-time while attending school. Balancing long hours at work with homework, studying, and preparing for college applications has been exhausting. There are days when I leave school only to head straight to a shift that ends late at night, and then return home to squeeze in a few hours of studying before collapsing into bed. It is physically and mentally draining. Even with all the hours I work, I know it might not be enough to fully cover the costs of my dream college. That knowledge sometimes weighs heavily on me, the fear that despite all my effort, I will fall short. There are moments when it feels hopeless, when the exhaustion and worry feel too big to carry. I could easily give in to those feelings, but I choose not to. Instead, I remind myself that my parents left everything behind so I could have this chance. I remind myself that my brothers, still back home, are rooting for me. I remember that dreams are not built in moments of ease, but through perseverance in the hardest times. At times, it feels like I am running a race with no clear finish line. Yet even in moments of doubt, I continue. Even when it feels impossible, I push forward. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it , because I am not just working for myself, but for all the sacrifices, hopes, and dreams that brought me here. Moving to the United States was the experience that changed my life for the better. It transformed me into someone who values scholarship as a way to honor sacrifice, integrity as a way to honor trust, and service as a way to give back for everything I have received. It taught me that true strength isn’t about never feeling fear, it’s about carrying on in spite of it. Working through school while nearly holding a full-time job has taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving despite the odds. It’s about keeping your head up, even when the road feels endless. I may not know exactly what the future holds, but I know that with the work ethic, gratitude, and determination that my journey has taught me, I am ready for it.

In 2023, my parents won the green card lottery, giving me the unimaginable opportunity to come to the United States, But that opportunity came at a cost. Leaving Sri Lanka meant leaving behind a life my parents had spent decades building. They were almost at the age of retirement, living a peaceful, worry-free life. Yet they chose to give all of that up, even leaving behind two of my brothers, just to give me a chance at something better. Their sacrifices weighed heavily on me as I started over. I entered high school again, leaving behind what had been the peak of my high school experience back home. It felt surreal, like I had been plucked from one life and placed into another. I struggled at first, adjusting to a new education system, a new culture, and the pressure of honoring the sacrifices my parents had made. But over time, that struggle gave me strength. I realized that I could no longer afford to live passively; I had to become the person my parents believed I could be. I threw myself into my studies, determined to build a future that would make their sacrifices worthwhile. Every challenge I faced, became a reminder of the bigger purpose I was carrying with me. To help ease the financial burden on my family, I also began working almost full-time while attending school. Balancing long hours at work with homework, studying, and preparing for college applications has been exhausting. There are days when I leave school only to head straight to a shift that ends late at night, and then return home to squeeze in a few hours of studying before collapsing into bed. It is physically and mentally draining. Even with all the hours I work, I know it might not be enough to fully cover the costs of my dream college. That knowledge sometimes weighs heavily on me, the fear that despite all my effort, I will fall short. There are moments when it feels hopeless, when the exhaustion and worry feel too big to carry. I could easily give in to those feelings, but I choose not to. Instead, I remind myself that my parents left everything behind so I could have this chance. I remind myself that my brothers, still back home, are rooting for me. I remember that dreams are not built in moments of ease, but through perseverance in the hardest times. At times, it feels like I am running a race with no clear finish line. Yet even in moments of doubt, I continue. Even when it feels impossible, I push forward. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it , because I am not just working for myself, but for all the sacrifices, hopes, and dreams that brought me here. Moving to the United States was the experience that changed my life for the better. It transformed me into someone who values scholarship as a way to honor sacrifice, integrity as a way to honor trust, and service as a way to give back for everything I have received. It taught me that true strength isn’t about never feeling fear, it’s about carrying on in spite of it. Working through school while nearly holding a full-time job has taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving despite the odds. It’s about keeping your head up, even when the road feels endless. I may not know exactly what the future holds, but I know that with the work ethic, gratitude, and determination that my journey has taught me, I am ready for it.

In 2023, my parents won the green card lottery, giving me the unimaginable opportunity to come to the United States, something I once thought I could only dream about. But that opportunity came at a cost. Leaving Sri Lanka meant leaving behind a life my parents had spent decades building. They were almost at the age of retirement, living a peaceful, worry-free life. Yet they chose to give all of that up, even leaving behind two of my brothers, just to give me a chance at something better. Their sacrifices weighed heavily on me as I started over in the United States. I entered high school again, leaving behind what had been the peak of my high school experience back home. It felt surreal, almost like I had been plucked from one life and placed into another. I struggled at first, adjusting to a new education system, a new culture, and the pressure of honoring the sacrifices my parents had made. But over time, that struggle gave me strength. I realized that I could no longer afford to live passively. I had to become the person my parents believed I could be. I threw myself into my studies, determined to build a future that would make their sacrifices worthwhile. Every challenge I faced, whether it was cultural barriers or academic pressure, became a reminder of the bigger purpose I was carrying with me. That purpose also began to take shape in my growing passion for engineering. I've always been drawn to machines, especially cars, and I started to realize that engineering was more than just a fascination. It was a path where I could combine creativity and problem-solving to build something meaningful. My goal is to become a mechanical engineer and work on sustainable automotive technologies. I want to be part of designing cleaner, more efficient vehicles that can help the world transition to a greener future. This career is not just a dream for me. It feels like a way to create change that lasts and give back to the world that gave me this second chance. At times, it feels hopeless. There are moments when I wonder if what I am working for, what I am dreaming of, is even possible. The fear of letting everyone down, my parents, my brothers, myself, sometimes feels overwhelming. But even in those moments of doubt, I remind myself why I started. I remind myself of the sacrifices that brought me here, of the dreams that are bigger than my fear. And so, even when it feels impossible, I continue. Even when it feels hopeless, I move forward. Moving to the United States was the experience that changed my life for the better. It transformed me into someone who values scholarship as a way to honor sacrifice, integrity as a way to honor trust, and service as a way to give back for everything I have received. It taught me that true strength is not about never feeling fear. It is about carrying on in spite of it.

From a young age, my fascination with machines, especially high-performance cars, sparked an interest in the intricate world of engineering. What started as a passion for speed and performance soon evolved into a deeper appreciation for how innovation in motorsport, particularly Formula Racing, is shaping the future of transportation and environmental sustainability. Formula Racing isn’t just a sport, it’s a proving ground for cutting-edge technologies that have real-world environmental impacts. My goal is to become a mechanical engineer who contributes to advancements in environmental sciences through the motorsport and automotive industries. Formula Racing, especially Formula One and Formula E, has been instrumental in driving eco-conscious innovations. For example, the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), originally developed for F1 cars, captures energy normally lost during braking and reuses it, a technology now found in hybrid and electric vehicles worldwide. Formula E, an all-electric racing series, pushes the boundaries of battery efficiency and renewable energy integration. These innovations not only make racing more sustainable but also influence the direction of everyday vehicle manufacturing. This intersection of performance and sustainability is where I want to build my career. My love for math and physics makes engineering a natural fit for me, and environmental science gives my passion a purpose. I want to be part of the movement that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels by making vehicles smarter, faster, and cleaner. I envision myself working on prototypes that reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, or even eliminate fossil fuels altogether by advancing electric and hydrogen-powered systems. Formula Racing has already demonstrated that high-performance doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment, and I want to be one of the engineers who helps push those boundaries even further. What excites me most is that the innovations born in the racing industry often make their way into the cars we drive every day. For example, the advanced aerodynamics used to reduce drag and improve speed in race cars can also improve fuel efficiency in commercial vehicles. Tire technology, regenerative braking, and lightweight materials all have roots in racing and have been adapted for everyday use. These are the kinds of advancements I want to contribute to, ones that have real-world applications and help fight climate change. To prepare for this path, I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, followed by a master’s in automotive or environmental engineering. I will seek internships and industry experience with companies known for sustainable innovation in transportation, be it a Formula Racing team or an automotive giant like Toyota or Mercedes-Benz, both of which are investing heavily in green technology. I believe that through research, development, and hands-on engineering, I can help create more sustainable transportation solutions. After contributing to this field for 20 years or so, I hope to retire knowing that my work helped steer the automotive industry toward a cleaner future. My ultimate ambition is to be remembered not just for working in motorsports, but for pushing the sport, and the technology it inspires, toward environmental responsibility and innovation. My passion for Formula Racing has shown me that speed and sustainability don’t have to be opposites, they can evolve together. The innovations developed on the track are already shaping the cars we drive and the way we think about energy and efficiency. That’s the kind of impact I want to have. Through a career in mechanical engineering with a focus on environmental science, I hope to design technologies that not only perform but protect. It’s not just about building faster machines, it’s about building a better future.