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Niharika is currently pursuing her master's in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (DACSS) in the U.S.A. Her journey to get there wasn't an easy one. But with the support of her mother, a few colleagues and a Glow & Lovely Careers Scholarship, she fulfilled all her dreams. Here's her success story:
As Niharika would say, her entire life has been a journey filled with obstacles. She was born into a financially struggling family with an alcoholic, abusive father. By the 5th grade, Niharika was forced to join a Telugu-medium school as her mother could no longer afford the fees. Luckily for her, the government had passed a law stating that classes from 6th grade onward would be taught in English. She mentioned that joining a Government School was a huge turning point in her life. She was provided with many opportunities to learn and grow. Niharika excelled in school - She participated in various competitions, was a state-level hockey player and was awarded the best cadet in the NCC. In 9th grade, her father succumbed to a heart attack. Instead of getting her married or forcing her to leave her studies and work, her mother became the driving force in her life.
Her brilliant marks (9.7/10 CGPA) and all-rounder skills paved the way for her to join the Electronics and Communications Engineering at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Basar, Telangana, under government scholarship. She submitted two projects to NASA in her first year, receiving honourary mentions. But her scholarship fell through, and she was threatened with expulsion if she couldn't come up with the fees (INR50K). When nothing else seemed to work, she came across the Buddy4Study Scholarship network, a Glow & Lovely Careers partner. After listening to her story and achievements, Glow & Lovely Careers knew she deserved to let her light shine. Such talent needed to be given a chance to grow. She was awarded the Glow & Lovely Scholarship, which helped her pay her fees and continue her education.
As a kid, Niharika was inspired by the 'Road Not Taken', So even when nothing seemed to go her way, she persevered to make her dreams come true. It did not matter to her what others would think - which is why she chose a career completely different from her stream - arithmetic and logical reasoning trainer, she helped many undergrad students become placement ready. In addition, Niharika always wanted to give back to society and decided to help make India a better place for girls like her. Hence, she joined the innovation fellowship of Telangana State Innovation Cell, which works toward creating a culture of innovation in the state from all backgrounds. Niharika considers TSIC as her second family; they helped her apply to the University of Massachusetts to pursue her master's after her mother's demise. She is deeply grateful to Dr Shanta Thoutam, the Chief Innovation Officer of TSIC, for her support.. Niharika has won the student elections and was recently announced as a Graduate Student Senate officer (Treasurer) and also works as her department's communications manager.
Her mother, unfortunately, passed away during the second covid wave but her memories and advice remain. Niharika wishes to pass on her favourite saying from her mother to all aspiring girls out there: "Dream Big and Never Give up" When asked if there was anything that inspired her, Niharika excitedly shared her screen to show her favourite quote, "Dreams don't work unless you do!" She wishes that girls nowadays work towards their dreams and not compromise on them. When you work towards something, the universe will find a way to give you the help you require when you need it the most. If you're looking for a scholarship to further your education, apply for Glow & Lovely Careers Scholarship here.