My name is Salman Chowdhury Onindo, I’m currently in 11th grade, attending Vestal Senior High School in New York, and already preparing/planning for my college application. My hope is to get into Cornell University. I am a first-generation American, brought up mostly in New York. I was brought up in Queens, although my dad had to change locations around quite a bit due to his job. Not always easy, but it taught me how to adjust. I have been fascinated with technology since I was a kid. I was an editor for my elementary school’s newspaper club, volunteered to teach younger kids about STEM during summers in middle school, and worked on almost all the graphics for my middle school’s yearbook club. I was also the main video editor in my journalism club. I also took classes in app development hosted thru Apple at Sewanhaka High School in Long Island, it was a great time as I learned many new skills and problem solving techniques. It was through these experiences that I realized how much I enjoyed combining creativity with technology. My parents have always encouraged me to do my best because they know that without a little nudge and dash of encouragement, I’d probably slack off like most kids when they get the chance. Honestly, I’m thankful for their constant encouragement because it’s shaped me into someone with a strong work ethic.
Some of my proudest achievements and volunteer experiences include being a youth member of the Rotaract Club, participating in the World Fest and Fair Association events as member and helping by taking a role in the technical support and operations department, and volunteering with World Human Rights USA Inc, also the Meta Info Tech. My dad has inspired to do all these activities and volunteering because he, himself is a human rights activist and I have been involved in such things since basically kindergarten, through now 11th grade, but trust me I’m like any normal kid, I play my fair share of video games but also know when it’s time to get serious and limit myself because I know many kids who have problems with screen time management.
Through these opportunities, I’ve worked to bridge the cultural gap between my parents’ home country and the United States, this amazing melting pot of cultures. I want to add to this connection and make it even stronger. They have sacrificed so much for my younger siblings and me, and that is something I truly do not take lightly. They expect the best out of me, and that is just what I want for them: not only to make them proud but also to set an example for my siblings. I want to show them what’s possible and be the kind of older brother they can look up to.