We are thrilled to share that Aria Goenka has been awarded the prestigious Future Doctors & Scientists Scholarship, to attend an Immerse Education Summer Program at either Oxford University or Cambridge University! This fantastic achievement comes on the heels of her impressive essay in a globally renowned Science essay competition. Aria's insightful research on children's mental health, coupled with her innovative solution for managing stress in young people, impressed the academic panel of experts with its originality, thoughtfulness, and effort.
We asked Aria some questions about her journey and support:
1. Can you start by telling us how you first found out about the Immerse Education Essay Competition?
I found out about it through my family. I searched online for essay competitions because I participated in another one a few years ago.
2. What made you decide to enter the competition? Was there a specific motivation or encouragement from someone?
Yes, my mum challenged me. Actually, I wanted to go to Oxford or Cambridge Summer Program. But the fees are incredibly high (about 7000 British Pounds!!), so my mum asked me to try and earn a Scholarship by entering the essay competition on Innovation.
3. Walk us through the process of applying... What were the requirements for applying?
There are several choices of subjects called Academic Pathways. Once you choose your subject of study, this competition is open-ended because you identify a problem related to that subject, research about it and explain the problem, then create your own innovative solution and describe how your solution solves that problem and what kind of impact it has on the world. The key is to come up with an innovative solution and describe it in great detail through your essay in 700 words.
4. How or why did you choose that topic?
I want to study Medicine in the future. Therefore, I chose the category Future Doctors and Scientists. I also want to work with children, and so the topic I chose was about mental stress in childhood. Since I am part of the MS Mental Health Club, this topic also relates to my interest in the MS Mental Health Club at school.
5. Can you summarize your essay for us?
My essay is almost 700 words! It is about identifying mental stress in children and helping them to manage it effectively with mindfulness techniques. Since meditation is difficult for young children (even for teenagers), I created an innovative solution using a board game, an app, and nature. My essay describes the problem, the solution, and the impact.
6. Did you face any challenges while writing it, and how did you overcome them?
Yes, many times! It's called a writer's block, when my thinking would sometimes freeze and the words wouldn't flow! Writing is a long process for me. I need to sit for several days, several hours, write and edit, write and edit. I also had to read many different sources for my research process. For the innovative solution, I thought about ways that would motivate children to relax and join mindful activities regularly. Whenever I couldn't think further, I took a break and did some mindful activities myself to refresh my mind!
7. What was your reaction when you found out you had been awarded the 50% scholarship? How did your family or teachers respond?
I froze when I read the email announcement. I couldn't believe it! I was absolutely thrilled that I had earned the scholarship by myself instead of asking my family to pay for all of it! It made me realise that even though I am a child, I can use my knowledge, skills, and understanding to achieve something that I really, really want. My family is overjoyed and very supportive. I didn't share the news with all of my teachers yet, but Mr Combes and Miss Nicole were very happy for me when they found out.
8. What program will you be joining through Immerse Education, how long is it and why did you choose it?
I will be joining the Medicine program for 13-15 year olds at Oxford or Cambridge University (I haven't decided between the two yet). The program is for 2 weeks and will be taught by Oxford and Cambridge and other Ivy League professors. I will get to stay in the residential halls of Oxford and Cambridge campuses! I chose Medicine because I want to enrol in Medical School in the future and hopefully become a surgeon.
9. What are you most looking forward to about the Immerse experience?
I am super excited to experience what it's like to be in Oxford or Cambridge University! I am looking forward to my first study of Medicine with students my age from all over the world and being challenged by professors. It is exciting to make new friends from all over the world who share the same passion. I am very excited to experience university life even though I am in middle school!
10. Have you been to London before and will you be going alone (is it a completely new experience for you) ?
I have been to London several times but it will be my first time to go to Oxford or Cambridge. I have seen pictures and both are very pretty towns. I will be going alone for the Medicine Program but my family will be in the UK too. It is a completely new experience for me to live outside of London on a university campus.
11. Do you know of anyone else who will be doing the same program as you or will you be completely independent?
I don't know of anyone else doing this program. I am looking forward to making new friends on campus!
12. What advice would you give other students who are thinking about entering the competition next year? Or anyone who is looking to do a Summer Program next year?
I would highly recommend it! Even if you don't win right away, it is a great experience. It is better to start early, understand the topic questions, think about what interests you the most, and write every day even if it is only a few sentences. It is okay to ask your family to pay for the Summer Program, but it is a very different feeling if you can earn it through your writing!