Throughout my career, I’ve always been drawn to solving problems, improving systems, and making a meaningful impact. My background in dermatology allowed me to develop a deep appreciation for science and technology, especially when educating patients on innovative treatments. However, as I gained more experience, I realized I wanted to contribute to the development and implementation of cutting-edge advancements in a more direct way. This desire led me to pivot into financial technology (Fintech), a field that merges my love for problem-solving with the power of innovation. As a first- and second-generation immigrant, my journey into STEM has not been traditional. I have not worked in the technology sector yet, nor have I conducted formal research, but I have spent my career educating, building relationships, and learning how technology can enhance industries. The turning point for me came when I began exploring blockchain technology in January 2025. I was fascinated by its potential to revolutionize financial systems, increase transparency, and improve accessibility for underserved communities. This realization solidified my decision to pursue a Master of Science in Fintech at NYU Stern, where I will begin my studies in May. The STEM field, particularly technology and finance, has historically been male-dominated. Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles and innovation spaces, despite bringing unique perspectives that drive progress. The lack of representation is not due to a lack of talent but rather a systemic issue that discourages women from entering or advancing in these fields. This is why scholarships like this one are so important—not only to alleviate financial burdens but also to create a sense of belonging and support for women in STEM. I am determined to be part of the next generation of women breaking barriers in technology. My goal is to leverage my background in client education and relationship-building to bridge the gap between complex financial technologies and the people they serve. By making Fintech more accessible, I hope to encourage greater financial literacy and inclusion, particularly for women and marginalized communities who have historically been excluded from financial opportunities. Additionally, I want to be a mentor and advocate for women entering STEM, especially those who, like me, may be pivoting from a different career path. The transition into a technical field can be daunting, but representation and support can make all the difference. As I grow in my career, I plan to use my platform to encourage other women to explore opportunities in Fintech and blockchain, proving that it is never too late to enter STEM and make an impact. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me financially as I embark on this new chapter but also reinforce the importance of women in STEM. The future of technology depends on diversity, inclusion, and the unique perspectives that women bring to the table. I am excited to contribute to that future and to inspire more women to pursue their own STEM journeys with confidence and ambition.

If selected as the winner of the Damodhar Masram Scholarship, I would honor the vision of this award by continuing to pursue my passion for technology and fintech, focusing on innovation and making a positive impact. As a first-generation immigrant, I understand firsthand the value of perseverance, resilience, and determination. These qualities have been pivotal in my educational journey, and I plan to use this scholarship to further my studies in fintech, an area I believe holds the potential to drive significant change in the world. Coming from a family that immigrated to the U.S. with hopes of better opportunities, I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to succeed—not just for myself, but for my family and community. I’ve had to navigate the challenges of higher education as a first-generation immigrant without the generational guidance many of my peers had. However, these challenges have only fueled my determination to prove that the sacrifices my parents made were worthwhile. The Damodhar Masram Scholarship would allow me to continue this journey, where I am already set to begin the Master of Science in Fintech program at NYU Stern School of Business this May. This opportunity will not only build on the knowledge I’ve gained but also provide the resources and network necessary to make a meaningful impact in the technology and financial sectors. In the field of fintech and digital technology, I am particularly drawn to blockchain technology, which I believe has the potential to transform industries by creating more secure, transparent, and equitable systems. For example, blockchain can democratize access to financial services, enabling underbanked and underserved populations to access the resources they need for economic empowerment. This vision of technology as a force for good is in line with the values that Damodhar Masram’s legacy embodies, and it motivates me to use my knowledge and skills to contribute to a more equitable and just future. While I have not yet worked in the technology sector or conducted research, I have recently begun exploring blockchain through a blockchain basics course I started in January 2025. I’ve found the material fascinating and it has sparked a deeper interest in the potential of blockchain to revolutionize various industries. This course has introduced me to the foundational principles of blockchain, and I am eager to expand my knowledge and skills in this area. The opportunity to pursue a Master of Science in Fintech at NYU Stern will allow me to further develop my understanding of digital technologies and apply them to real-world challenges, especially in financial inclusion and system transparency. As a first-generation immigrant, I’m deeply motivated not only by personal achievement but also by the desire to give back to my community. The Damodhar Masram Scholarship would allow me to expand my impact, supporting my education at NYU Stern and my efforts to foster positive change through fintech and digital technology. I am determined to carry forward the values of resilience and innovation, and I hope to honor Damodhar Masram’s legacy by inspiring future generations to believe in their ability to make a difference.

Entering higher education as an outsider to the system has been a unique journey for me, shaped by my experience as both a first and second-generation immigrant. My parents, who came to the U.S. with hopes of better opportunities, did not have the chance to pursue higher education themselves. As a result, navigating the educational system has often felt like a path I had to carve out on my own, with limited guidance from those who had been through it before. Growing up, there was always a sense of responsibility on my shoulders to succeed, not just for my own future but to honor the sacrifices my family made. My parents worked tirelessly to give me opportunities they didn’t have, and I felt this weight of gratitude and pressure to excel. However, this also made it difficult at times because I didn’t always have the generational knowledge that others seemed to have about how the education system worked. There were no older siblings or extended family members to guide me through applying for scholarships, understanding the importance of internships, or even knowing how to approach professors for support. This gap in knowledge often made me feel like an outsider in academic settings. Many of my peers had families who understood the ins and outs of the system, which sometimes left me feeling isolated or behind. While they had someone at home to talk to about their educational journey, I had to figure things out on my own. For instance, I didn’t always know where to seek help when I struggled academically, or how to navigate the often unspoken rules of higher education. It wasn’t just about being a newcomer to the system—it was about lacking that generational foundation of support and understanding that so many of my classmates seemed to take for granted. Despite these challenges, I have always viewed my immigrant background as a source of strength. Being both a first and second-generation immigrant has made me resilient and resourceful. I’ve had to learn how to advocate for myself and problem-solve in ways that others might not have needed to. Every milestone—whether it was getting through a tough semester, securing internships, or participating in extracurricular activities—felt like a personal victory. And in those moments, I was not just succeeding for myself but also honoring the dreams my parents had when they first arrived here. Looking ahead, I see my experiences as an immigrant as a driving force behind my future goals. I want to build on the resilience, independence, and adaptability I’ve developed through my journey. In my career, whether in fintech or business, I’m eager to bring my unique perspective to the table and make an impact. Additionally, my experience motivates me to help others who face similar challenges. I hope to mentor first-generation immigrants, offering the support and guidance I didn’t always have as they navigate higher education and their own career paths. In the end, my journey as a first and second-generation immigrant has had a profound influence on my education. While it has posed challenges, it has also shaped who I am today—someone who is determined, resourceful, and driven by the desire to succeed not just for myself but for my family and community. I look forward to using these lessons to achieve my goals and to help others like me find their way through systems where they might otherwise feel like outsiders.

Calculus is a fundamental part of STEM, helping us understand change, motion, and how complex systems work. It’s used everywhere—engineering, physics, computer science, biology, and even finance. Although it can seem abstract, the real-world applications of calculus are incredibly practical and touch so many aspects of our daily lives. For someone like me, who’s looking to shift into fintech and business, calculus is becoming even more important. In finance, for example, calculus is essential for things like assessing risk, forecasting market trends, and creating algorithms for stock trading or blockchain technology. Derivatives track how fast things change, while integrals help us look at how things accumulate over time, giving us insight into future patterns. As I dive deeper into Python and blockchain for data analysis, I’m starting to realize how much calculus connects to machine learning and AI. These fields rely on optimization techniques that come from calculus, helping us make better predictions and decisions. But even outside of finance and tech, I’ve seen how calculus shows up in my past experiences in dermatology and sales. In healthcare, for instance, it’s used to model things like how drugs are absorbed in the body or how tumors grow. It helps doctors predict how treatments will affect patients over time. Similarly, in business, calculus-driven models are often used to predict customer behavior, optimize inventory, and set prices. In my own experience, I’ve seen how important it is to make data-driven decisions, and this is where calculus really comes in. Even in my creative projects, like ceramics and candle-making, there’s some calculus at play. The heat transfer involved in pottery or the fluid dynamics when pouring candle wax are influenced by principles rooted in calculus. It’s not always obvious, but it’s fun to think about how math connects to all these different aspects of life. One of the reasons I’m drawn to calculus is that it encourages critical thinking and problem-solving—skills that are key in my career journey. As I transition into new fields, I’m learning to break down problems and find the most efficient solutions, which is exactly what calculus helps with. Whether it’s making decisions in business, analyzing financial data, or optimizing strategies, calculus provides a solid framework for tackling complex problems. I’ve always been someone who enjoys a challenge, and I see calculus as a tool that will help me succeed in whatever path I take. It’s not just something I need to know for school—it’s a skill that will open doors in many different industries. As I continue to explore fintech and business, I know that mastering calculus will help me think more analytically, solve problems more effectively, and ultimately push me toward innovation and success in my career.