IN Cranberry Summer 2017 | Page 17

To her point, Urvi was able to skip ahead in math and science classes and take multiple humanities classes simultaneously while at Seneca Valley—taking Calculus and Physics together in 10th grade, and Government/Politics and Economics in 12th grade. “Though I am slightly more STEM oriented in terms of my interests, I love exploring subjects like History and English,” she notes. “The personalization that Seneca Valley has offered me when it comes to my course schedule is one of my favorite things about my school.” Urvi learned about many of the scholarship programs through older friends. “Being ahead in my courses allowed me to interact with older students, and I learned about so many amazing opportunities through their guidance,” she explains. The application process for each accolade was extensive. Urvi’s motivation was to challenge herself and put herself in the best possible position to create positive change in the world. With this mindset, she is continuously inspired to seek new opportunities. Each award is unique and introduced Urvi to a new community of motivated and talented students. “I feel so honored and humbled each time I learn about another recognition, and I am inspired to continue pushing myself to achieve new goals,” she says, and feels that the Coca-Cola Scholarship has been her largest achievement so far. In addition to the scholarship money, the award involved a weekend trip to Atlanta for a banquet, a service project, leadership development opportunities and a chance to meet the other scholars, each of whom was an inspiration to Urvi. “The community fostered by the award and the trip is unique to Coca-Cola Scholars, and getting to meet and learn about the other scholars was truly life- changing,” she adds. Urvi’s inspiration is—without a doubt—her parents. “They give me the support and guidance that I need to make my own choices, and they help me stay level-headed through it all,” she says. “Knowing the sacrifices they have made for me inspires me to strive for excellence.” Her parents couldn’t be more proud. “Urvi really cares about what she does, and she knows how to balance her responsibilities,” they say. “She has extremely high goals set for herself, and she has the motivation, energy and willpower to achieve those goals. Sometimes, we even need to tell her to slow down and relax!” Urvi also gives credit to her Seneca Valley teachers for her success, noting that each one has a unique way of investing in students, and all of her teachers have contributed to her academic growth and development. She plans to study medicine because it combines the humanities with STEM, and she’s looking for a career where she can pursue her academic and personal interests while positively impacting lives. Urvi will be attending Case Western Reserve University this fall through its Pre-Professional Scholars Program for medicine. Her career goal is to become a doctor, with the intention of practicing for a few years after medical school and residency, then hopefully transitioning to a career with a greater focus on public and population-based health. For more information about Urvi Gupta’s accolades and success, contact Katherine Huttinger at [email protected].   ■ NAEYC STARS Early Education Makes All The Difference! Our research-proven curriculum sets children ahead of others where it matters, when it matters. Cranberry KinderCare 1321 Freedom Rd. Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 724.776.2122 Seven Fields KinderCare 103 High Pointe Dr. Seven Fields, PA 16046 724.779.3600 Wexford KinderCare 106 VIP Dr. Wexford, PA 15090 724.935.5711 900278-MKT-GEN © 2014 Knowledge Universe Education LLC. All rights reserved. Cranberry | Summer 2017 | icmags.com 15