For DonorsFor Applicants
user profile avatar

Tharika Sundaram

785

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a Master's student in Aerospace Engineering here at Georgia Tech. I found my passion for planes from a young age, watching planes fly above my head in the night sky. After completing my Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering in India, I felt the need to study further and to improve my knowledge and skills. It is for this reason that I decided to apply to Georgia Tech, my dream school and I am absolutely honored to have been offered this opportunity. Besides having a strong passion for Aviation, I find joy in working out and spreading awareness on minority representation in STEM.

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Master's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering

Indiana Institute of Technology

Bachelor's degree program
2018 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Aviation & Aerospace

    • Dream career goals:

      Netflix and Scholarships!
      Are you ready to embark on a rollercoaster of laughter, tears, and teenage shenanigans? If your answer is a resounding yes (or even a hesitant maybe), then look no further than Netflix's delightful gem, "Never Have I Ever." Brace yourself for a wild ride through the ups and downs of adolescence, sprinkled with humor, heart, and a hefty dose of coming-of-age wisdom. Picture this: an awkward yet endearing high school sophomore named Devi Vishwakumar, navigating the treacherous waters of adolescence while juggling the complexities of family, friendships, and romance. Created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, "Never Have I Ever" isn't just your run-of-the-mill teen drama; it's a heartfelt exploration of identity, culture, and the universal quest for belonging. At the heart of the show lies Devi, portrayed with impeccable wit and charm by the talented Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. With her quick wit and unapologetic demeanor, Devi leaps off the screen, inviting viewers to join her on a whirlwind adventure through the trials and tribulations of high school life. From navigating the nuances of teenage romance to grappling with the loss of a loved one, Devi's journey is as relatable as it is entertaining. But what truly sets "Never Have I Ever" apart is its diverse and dynamic cast of characters, each with their own quirks, flaws, and endearing qualities. From Devi's overbearing yet lovable mother Nalini (played by the incomparable Poorna Jagannathan) to her effortlessly cool best friends Eleanor (Ramona Young) and Fabiola (Lee Rodriguez), the ensemble cast breathes life into the vibrant world of Sherman Oaks High School. Of course, no coming-of-age tale would be complete without a dash of romance, and "Never Have I Ever" delivers in spades. Enter Paxton Hall-Yoshida (Darren Barnet), the epitome of teenage heartthrob perfection. With his smoldering good looks and charming demeanor, Paxton sends hearts aflutter as Devi's love interest and resident dreamboat. But don't be fooled by appearances; beneath Paxton's cool exterior lies a complexity that adds depth and intrigue to his character. Yet, what truly sets "Never Have I Ever" apart is its ability to tackle serious themes with grace, humor, and authenticity. From exploring the nuances of cultural identity to addressing the complexities of grief and mental health, the show isn't afraid to delve into the messy, unfiltered realities of teenage life. And amidst the chaos and confusion, "Never Have I Ever" reminds us that laughter is often the best medicine, serving up an irresistible blend of humor and heart that's sure to leave you craving more. So why should you watch "Never Have I Ever"? Simply put, because it's a delightful escape into the tumultuous world of adolescence, filled with laughter, love, and life lessons aplenty. Whether you're a seasoned fan of coming-of-age dramas or simply in need of a pick-me-up, this charming series offers something for everyone. In the end, "Never Have I Ever" isn't just a show; it's a testament to the messy, beautiful journey of growing up and discovering who we are meant to be. So grab your popcorn, settle in for a binge-watching marathon, and prepare to be swept away by the irresistible charm of "Never Have I Ever." After all, life's too short to miss out on the magic of a good Netflix binge.
      Joseph Lipovits Memorial Aviation Scholarship
      For some, taking a flight to another city is as mundane as riding a car or reading the morning newspaper. For others, it is a terrifying experience, filled with fear and uncertainty, even though flying is statistically one of the safest modes of transport. But for me, getting on a plane was one of the most exhilarating adventures of my life. My eyes were glued to the windows as I watched the plane ascend over the clouds seamlessly. The realization that all of us were 30,000 ft above the ground only made me gawk at the marvel that was this flying machine. Much like Joseph, I developed an early interest in aviation. I was the first in my family to pursue a career in aviation so I relied on mentors and seniors to guide me. Coming from a middle-class family in India, I wanted to get involved in aviation and decided to pursue my Bachelor's degree in Aerospace engineering. It is here that my interest in aviation was piqued even further. One experience that I distinctly remember was sitting at the pilot simulator and thinking, "Man, I am going to fly for real one day." I not only wanted to be an engineer, but also wanted to learn to fly someday. After reading about several aviation disasters, I decided to shift my focus towards aviation safety. I truly wanted to contribute to making flying safer. This is when I decided to apply to Georgia Tech on a whim, and got accepted. I was over the moon with joy. At Georgia Tech, I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering with a focus in Systems Design and Optimization, with the hopes of being able to pursue a career in Aviation safety one day. Community involvement has been one of the core values my parents had instilled in me from a young age. In high school, along with a few of my close friends, we launched a "Swachh Bharat" (Translates to "Clean India") campaign, where we picked up trash around the school and campaigned to raise awareness on cleanliness and littering. In Undergrad, I participated in a COVID-19 vaccination camp, providing free vaccines to the homeless and educating them on the importance of masks and sanitation. I am privileged to have read about Mr. Joseph Lipovits and hope I could have met him. It is amazing how he had a lovely flying career all the way till age 83! I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Thank you for your time!
      Kyle Rairdan Memorial Aviation Scholarship
      For some, taking a flight to another city is as mundane as riding a car or reading the morning newspaper. For others, it is a terrifying experience, filled with fear and uncertainty, even though flying is statistically one of the safest modes of transport. But for me, getting on a plane was one of the most exhilarating adventures of my life. My eyes were glued to the windows as I watched the plane ascend over the clouds seamlessly. The realization that all of us were 30,000 ft above the ground only made me gawk at the marvel that was this flying machine. Much like Kyle, I developed an early interest in aviation. I was the first in my family to pursue a career in aviation so I relied on mentors and seniors to guide me. Coming from a middle-class family in India, I wanted to get involved in aviation and decided to pursue my Bachelor's degree in Aerospace engineering. It is here that my interest in aviation was piqued even further. One experience that I distinctly remember was sitting at the pilot simulator and thinking, "Man, I am going to fly for real one day." I not only wanted to be an engineer, but also wanted to learn to fly someday. After reading about several aviation disasters, I decided to shift my focus towards aviation safety. I truly wanted to contribute to making flying safer. This is when I decided to apply to Georgia Tech on a whim, and got accepted. I was over the moon with joy. At Georgia Tech, I am currently pursuing a Master's degree with a focus in Systems Design and Optimization, with the hopes of being able to pursue a career in Aviation safety one day. My parents taught me that we must always respect and care for our elders. When my grandmother was bedridden, my mom and I took care of her every need, feeding, bathing and helping her do her everyday tasks. I considered it an honor to take care of her, after everything that she has done for me. Even today, as I am studying abroad here in America, she still asks for me everyday. Community involvement has been one of the core values my parents had instilled in me from a young age. In high school, along with a few of my close friends, we launched a "Swachh Bharat" (Translates to "Clean India") campaign, where we picked up trash around the school and campaigned to raise awareness on cleanliness and littering. In Undergrad, I participated in a COVID-19 vaccination camp, providing free vaccines to the homeless and educating them on the importance of masks and sanitation. My deepest and most sincere condolences for Kyle, may the memories you shared with him provide you solace during this difficult time. I am privileged to have read about him and hope I could have met him. I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. Thank you for your time!