My first major set of community service hours came from MAMS Community Service Day on October 21, 2024. That day, after a week of preparation and hosting practice run throughs, we traveled via bus to visit Tatnuck Magnet School. There, the energy and passion for STEM was contagious and refreshing. I was in the group that explained the science behind DaVinci bridges. Despite the activity being difficult, the students persevered, asked questions, and remained engaged. I enjoy working with elementary students, so I truly enjoyed the opportunity to share my passion for STEM, and hopefully inspire or make an impact on a student there.

Another great portion of my hours is from volunteering at Project Just Because, a local organization aiming to end food insecurity and close the income gap. I volunteered there mostly in the winter where I restocked the pantry shelves, took inventory of closet supplies, and helped visitors carry their groceries to their car. On Saturday mornings I also got to volunteer in the Winter Clothing Program. I helped visitors find clothes, entertained babies, and read to their children. I truly enjoy volunteering at Project Just Because and I look forward to spending more time there this summer.

I have not achieved my full 50 hours of junior year community service, but I do have a plan to complete several of these, and senior year’s, hours over the summer volunteering as a State House Tour Guide. I was seeking a new opportunity and way of exploring art, history, culture, and government. I am looking forward to learning more about the State House’s art and symbolic meanings and historical context.

Hi, I’m Ravena! I’m a junior at Massachusetts Academy of Mathematics and Science (MAMS) and I'm a first-generation South Indian-American. I was raised in Shrewsbury for most of my life where I attended Shrewsbury High School , but in my early life, my family and I lived across the United States: Marlborough (2008), New York (2008), and Chicago (2009), before returning to Massachusetts in 2015.

My family and friends have always been central to my life. My family consists of my mom, dad, and older sister Retna. We love watching movies together, going on hikes, and playing card games, especially Uno. My sister is my favorite person and my biggest role model. I love spending time with her listening to music, trying new Trader Joes snacks, or exploring Boston together when she’s not at college. During the pandemic, my family and I also loved birdwatching from our driveway and trying out new New York Times recipes.

I also love spending time with my friends from my sending school, at MAMS, or ones I’ve made over the years through athletics, after-school activities, and volunteering. Although I don't see many of them on a daily basis anymore, I love going on long walks with them, Target runs, or crying laughing over IHOP pancakes over the weekend. I’m so grateful to have these people in my life. As Winnie the Pooh said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard".

I've had a passion for STEM and engineering from an early age. I joined an FLL robotics team with my family friend in 2015. We continued competing for another six years, earning regional Project Awards and entry into internationals in June of 2021. I continued my participation in robotics at Shrewsbury High School. I was primarily on the electrical team where I gained experience in soldering.

Pictured on the right are some of my most recent and favorite views. These were all captured while doing another one of my favorite activities: going on long walks and drives, especially after dark in cities. The feeling of the breeze and the overwhelming calmness and peace I felt while walking through Boston one summer night will forever be a core memory.