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Sanjay Sundaram

That moment, when you start working for Corporates!

So, it all started at the end of my sophomore year when my brother's friends kept talking about how internships are the key to life. They said it would help me get work experience and look awesome on college applications. At first, I thought, “Maybe I’ll just get a job at a retail store or a fast-food place.” But then I stumbled upon these incredible opportunities for high school students online, and it blew my mind!



I mean, NASA offers internships to high schoolers! I got super excited but quickly realized I missed their deadline. Bummer, right? But I didn’t let that stop me. Next, I checked out Lockheed Martin. This was a big deal because I had competed in their CodeQuest competition for two years and even snagged third place out of a hundred kids in my second year. That felt like a golden ticket, so I jumped on the chance and applied for their internship, thinking, “This has to be my in!”


While waiting to hear back, I learned about the UT Southwestern STARS program from my brother and some friends. This one seemed intense – they needed a two-page essay or a two-minute video, plus all my grades, class rank, GPA, and SAT scores. It was a lot, but I was up for the challenge. It felt like preparing for an epic quest.


I didn’t stop there. I also threw my hat in the ring for the Summer Science Program (SSP), MITES at MIT, and a research lab program at UT Dallas. Each of these was a shot at something big, something that could really set me apart. I imagined myself in these prestigious programs, making discoveries and learning from the best. It felt like reaching for the stars.


Then came the waiting game. Every day felt like an eternity. I kept refreshing my email, hoping for some good news. The anticipation was killing me, but it was also super thrilling.


And then, it happened. I got the acceptance letter from the UT Southwestern STARS program! I was over the moon. This was a tough program to get into, and knowing I made it felt like winning a lottery. I could already see the doors this opportunity would open for me.


Once I knew I was in, I started gearing up. I read everything I could about the program, got to know the research projects, and psyched myself up for the experience. I couldn’t wait to dive in, meet new people, and soak up all the knowledge.


The first week at UT Southwestern was insane. We had orientation, met our mentors, and got a glimpse of the research projects. The place was buzzing with energy, and I felt like I belonged there. I was assigned to a medical research project, which was right up my alley.


As the days went by, I got deeper into my project. It was challenging, but I loved every second. I learned how to run experiments, analyze data, and work with a team. My mentor was awesome, guiding me through the complexities and encouraging me to think critically.


I could feel myself growing, not just in skills but in confidence too. Every day was a new adventure, and I was thriving. I was tackling tasks I never thought I could handle, and it felt amazing to contribute to real research.


One of the coolest parts of the internship was the people I met. My fellow interns were from all over, and we clicked instantly. We bonded over our shared passion for science and technology, exchanged ideas, and supported each other. It felt like I had found my tribe.


As the internship was wrapping up, I took a moment to reflect. The experience was beyond anything I had imagined. I felt proud of what I had accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious program.


This internship has been a game-changer for me. It reinforced my love for science and technology and fueled my drive to achieve my goals. I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned and apply it to future projects and opportunities. The skills and connections I’ve made will shape my future in ways I can’t even predict yet. I’m ready for new challenges, confident in my abilities, and driven by my dreams. This internship was transformative, and I’m pumped to see where it leads me next.

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