Swati Madankumar

(Publication pending as Centerpiece article of Sept/Oct 2021 issue of the Barnard Bulletin) While it’s easy to lament the limitations that are placed on how we are able to interact in person, I think our interactions have been made all the more sweeter. Humans have always been innately social creatures, but we now approach others as profoundly changed people and with an appreciation for the moment. This appreciation comes from both looking back at the opportunities that we lost due to COVID-19 and looking ahead with the acknowledgement that the time we have with each other, and in any stage of our lives, such as college, is limited and something we should make the most of, no matter the circumstances.

It happened almost in slow motion.

Forty-six Long Island students in public and private schools were among 300 high school seniors nationwide named scholars Tuesday in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search, the country’s oldest high school competition in the math and science. In the Bethpage district, educators said Bethpage High School senior Smiti Shah — whose research project focused on efforts to increase access to clean water — is their first-ever honoree in the contest. “Since eighth grade, it’s been my goal to

"The growing consensus is that social media and screen-time = bad, but how founded is this claim?"

"Maybe you've been offered a 'hit', or even decided to purchase one yourself."

To a remix of the songs 'Swalla', 'Rolex', 'Shape of You', & Carnatic music

(Received Gold Key from Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and 3rd Prize in South Asian American Women’s Alliance Essay Contest) When confronted with the question of social media’s impact on cultural diversity, I would first acknowledge the blatant oppression of almost half the world’s population: women.