Dare to dream – small
Transcript of Dare to dream – small
A presentation to the Public School by AST
My Introduction His Big Fat Indian Wedding “Fresh of the Boat” Instate Tuition Giving Back to the
Community Lessons Learned Just Do IT!
My name is AST Lived in the US for 25 years, migrated from
India Own a software company that makes
Tracking Systems using RFID technologies Wife is a Pharmacist Kids -- All go to “The Public School” Motto #1: Be Kind Motto #2: Never Refuse Free Food
Let me show you the wedding of two New Yorkers recently held in the city of Surat, India
MM and his family migrated in the late 80’s and brought nothing with them
He attend AISD and was among the top students
He wanted to attend college but was still in process of becoming a US Citizen
No Instate tuition for him – Instate v/s out of state tuition is 10x difference
He studied hard and got top marks Research and speaking to friends led him to a
Houston Chronicle Reporter Ed Hegstrom who publicized his case amongst others
After much lobbying, meetings, etc. the Texas Senate ruled that outstanding students of his immigration status would get Instate Tuition
He was able to get Instate Tuition and also scholarships because of his leadership
MM: He completed BS in Biology & Arabic Literature from UT Austin, MS in Physiology & Biophysics from Stony Brook University, Manager of the Biomedical Engineering Dept
Dr. AM: She completed BS in French Linguistics & Chemistry from NYU, MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine, currently doing Pediatric Residency Training at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
While in high school MM became the President of the Alief Youth Corps
He felt very strongly about building something of lasting value for the community
After engaging peers, community members, teachers etc. the team settled on developing a park in the neighborhood
MM began by first selected a team comprising of other kids, parents, and other community members of the Alief Community Association
They put together a plan and selected a site They then coordinated with City of Houston
through the office of Harris County Commissioner Steve Raddick
They raised money from public sources, private individuals and corporations, United Kids Way Foundation, and the City of Houston
They worked on permits and legal issues They got architects, landscapers, contractors
together and negotiated with them They did a neighborhood walk and gathered
many many volunteers And then on one Weekend they just did it!!
America is a land of great opportunity where everyone gets a chance
If we get something we do need to give back Team is everything. One person can make a
difference but does need a team to pull it off Ideas are good but you need execute beyond
ideas People who are passionate about success get
to the finish line
Community/Govt. Academics
Corporations Press
You
Focus on an area of interest or passion Could be an area of future career, hobby,
social work, or just a cause for bonding between friends
Talk to the best and the brightest in that field Look for a consular or mentor….and aTEAM Pick a project NOW! Create a 2 year activity plan Execute
Do a book/computer drive and build up one library in a rural area or developing Country
Research an energy or water conservation project and intern with a company next summer
Engage in cultural exchange program at an American-Indian Reservation & create a means of commerce for the people of that community
Teach English to Mexican, Chinese, or Indian Sr. Citizens
Volunteer for a political leader, a hospital, the Houston Zoo, or even the village school soccer team
JUST DO IT!