And the Tree was Happy This is a story that explains how a simple children’s book shaped my role in the world and resulted in new educational resources for children in Ladakh. I loved Shel Silverstein’s book, The Giving Tree, when I first read it. A seemingly straightforward story of a lifelong relationship between an unconditionally loving tree and a naive boy. While the boy ages and becomes more interested in pursuing material gains, the tree offers everything...

Growing in Nepal, I have witnessed the country develop through increased industrialization, international trade and access to education & healthcare. However, I have also witnessed severe income disparity between the population. Around my own neighbourhood, it was common to see a palace-like mansion built right next to an impoverished farm. Growing up, I always asked myself why there is such large gap between income/wealth in the country. My efforts to alleviate the income/wealth inequality started at the age of 11...

As a tech-enthusiast, I only focused on the actual and potential benefits of technology until I watched the TV show Black Mirror. Each episode is about a different dystopian world, each of which shares a common theme - the unanticipated consequences of modern technology. Of particular impact, the episode Nosedive portrays a society where individuals are judged by a rating system based on their interactions with others (virtuous deeds result in high ratings while misbehavior results in low ratings). The...

Separate from ethical online user behavior, I believe integrity begins with platform providers, which have greater power, and as a result greater responsibility to act with integrity. However, integrity by platforms is severely lacking. Companies should ensure privacy and protection over the vast streams of user data that they have easy access to. Yet rampant data appropriation allows corporations to capitalize on consumer data by treating it as an asset for their own use. Although users may technically give consent,...

As a tech-enthusiast, I only focused on the actual and potential benefits of technology until I watched the TV show Black Mirror. Each episode is about a different dystopian world, each of which shares a common theme - the unanticipated consequences of modern technology. Of particular impact, the episode Nosedive portrays a society where individuals are judged by a rating system based on their interactions with others (virtuous deeds result in high ratings while misbehavior results in low ratings). The...

At my flash seminar, I would advocate against the practice of data appropriation. I would structure the seminar as follows: Firstly, I would commence with an icebreaker that would involve students reviewing each other’s social media accounts in order to understand the sheer amount of data we provide to such platforms. Afterwards, I would give the following speech which expresses my thoughts on data appropriation- “Although general consumers are encouraged to act with integrity online, I believe integrity begins...

I was elected from the the schools english department as one of fifteen students who would participate in the British English Olympics in England. The international competition provides an opportunity for bilingual schools to challenge and develop the academic and leadership skills of the students. Students compete in a series of debates, presentations, role-plays and song and dance performance in a completely immersive environment. We had around 3 and a half months to prepare for the competition. I was a leader...

It was a dreary summer day in 2008. I was exploring the extensive antique room of my cousin’s house which was home to vintage phonographs, amber-hued liquor bottles and exquisite furniture, then suddenly a framed degree caught my eye. It had a glaring shine that lured me towards it. As it was stuck high up on the wall, I found myself a stool and stood on it to get a better look at the ornament. The engraved text read - â€...