Hi! I'm Navya Pandya, a senior at Andover High School, and I love learning about new cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Through the Global Engagement Program, I have gotten the opportunity to delve deep into the issues of the world and collaborate with like-minded peers to make a change in our community. I have been motivated to learn more about my own culture along with the hundreds of different cultures which are present around me.

Outside of Global Pathways, I take part in 4 other clubs: DECA, Amnesty International, Relay for Life, and Future Medical Professions. I love learning about business and the marketing strategies used by companies to reach different demographics. With Relay For Life, I have a leadership position where I put these marketing strategies to use and make decisions to plan an event to raise awareness for cancer. At Relay, I market fundraisers and help create a welcoming environment for the final Relay For Life event. At Amnesty, I get to express my opinions on human rights and international affairs, protesting and raising awareness on global issues. Lastly, through Future Medical Professions, I have the opportunity to learn about different medical professions, which is a topic of interest for my future. My plan beyond high school is to major in nursing at Northeastern University in Boston and eventually become a nurse practitioner.

I love helping people out any chance I get. Prior to COVID-19, I spend 2 hours at Project Home Again every Sunday, taking in donations and organizing furniture for low-income families in need. I have so much fun spending time with friends, knowing that what we are doing is positively impacting the lives of so many people in the nearby community. During school breaks, I also volunteer at Lawrence General Hospital in the Maternity Unit, where I help stock rooms and provide service for patients who need help. There, I get to immerse myself in a hospital environment and get a glimpse of what my future may look like! One of my favorite places to volunteer over the summer is Camp Invention. It is a week-long camp where I am a Leadership Intern. I love spending time with these kids and always look forward to it every year!

Since I was around 5 years old, I have been attending temple where I get to learn about my religion and culture. As I have grown older, I have gotten the opportunity to teach there as a Youth Group Leader. Every Saturday, I get to teach young girls about our religion, culture, and life in general. We watch videos, do presentations, play games, and celebrate our culture. During Covid, I have been grateful enough to continue my volunteer work virtually, hosting weekly Zoom calls for over 70 girls around the world. The SMVS Swaminarayan community has allowed me to make lifelong connections and learn countless life lessons. I hope to pass on the knowledge that I have gained from other members to the younger generations, which is why I love my position as a Youth Group Leader.

The various communities that I am a part of have shaped my character and each of them play a crucial role in my life. I am ever grateful for the lessons I have learned and the connections that I have built, and I am so excited for the new communities that I will be able to join in the near future!

Future Plans

Next year, I will be attending Northeastern University as a nursing major! After working hard throughout the four years of my undergraduate studies, clinical rotations, and co-ops, I will go into the nursing field, hopefully in the city of healthcare in Boston. For a couple of years, I will gain experience and make connections, preparing myself to go back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner. While I am not sure which field will be my perfect fit, I cannot wait to find out.

From volunteering to taking care of siblings, I consistently strive to help others, which is why I'm so excited to be a nurse! Being a nurse means that I can make a difference in the lives of those who are vulnerable and in need of help. I have always been an advocate for underrepresented groups and underserved communities, which is why I hope to open up my own clinic to take care of those who do not have access to healthcare. Over 26,000 Americans die due to lack of health insurance, and over 5 million people die worldwide due to poor quality of healthcare. I want to spread awareness on these issues and take the initiative to make a change.