Tanaz Hudda currently acts as the new poster girl for the University of Victoria. She graduated from the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad in 2016 and has just completed her first year of university in Canada. While currently undeclared she plans to pursue a double major in History and Economics. Tanaz emphasises the usefulness of the Academy in her past year of study. "I definitely feel that the balance provided by the Academy has helped me get involved in different projects in university without compromising my academics."

 

Another lesson that is helping her through university came from one of her Academy teachers. "My teachers were my support system throughout my time at the Academy. One of my favourite teachers who pushed me harder and harder whenever I would perform well or sometimes not so well was Dr. Karuna Arya. I think she instilled this idea in me that one can always do better, even if it appears that you are the best at it. I genuinely cannot forget that lesson as it has helped me so much in the past few months at university." Tanaz also relied on the Academy's staff for help with university choices. "Choosing the kind of university that would suit you the best is always difficult. I had many questions and I had no clue where I would rather go as all universities seemed appealing. For me, the two things that mattered most was affordability and coop opportunities in the field of humanities. I was able to narrow down the list with the help of our University Counsellor, Ms. Pragati, and that made a huge impact on my university choice."

Even though Tanaz has found that Canada can offer her the best career opportunities she believes that giving back to her country and settling down in India is more important. "That connection is what motivates me to study harder and then settle in India to contribute to the greater good of the place I come from. The Academy taught me to strive for excellence, work for the community and be involved in as many extra-curricular activities as possible, as well as never forget where you come from. Giving back to the society has been my goal ever since I joined the Academy and would definitely influence my plans for the future." While at the Academy Tanaz volunteered at a local residential school and helped organise different events for the children there. This and other service projects, such as her volunteering in Nairobi, has convinced Tanaz of the importance of education for India's future, especially in rural schools.

Not only is it important for students to have an education but she also stresses the importance of a 'proper' education. "I have visited many local schools which have neither resources nor adequate training to teach kids what they are supposed to learn. I feel that education is the only chance we have to transform how the nation thinks and that needs to be instilled in rural areas, because India lives in its villages. No education and most of all, improper education could be dangerous in creating false knowledge and sometimes continuing the social evils that exist in a society. Hence, I would focus on making the education system better."

Tvisha Devavarapu, from the graduating class of 2018, was one of the Academy's two highest scorers in her IB exams with a 42/45. She is also the recipient of the Bowdoin College Book Award 2018. The award goes to students who demonstrate extraordinary service to the public good and an unusual passion for inquiry, discovery and innovative thinking. “Looking back, I've got to agree that all the hard work and effort that I had put in from grade 9, from football, to study, to service, actually ended up paying off! This award, to me, is a sign that reaffirms my faith in continual hard work and focus in a balanced manner,” she says. 

Tvisha never shied away from sports and captained the Nizam house in her final year of school. She also loves reading and led the Academy's Modern Literature in Translations Club. At the same time, Tvisha was also excellent academically.  “Football enabled me to balance my studies,” she says. “It was an exhilarating stress buster. I’ve never had more fun in school than whilst I was playing football.” She also attributes a lot of friendships she made to the game.

Tvisha joined the Academy in grade 9 because she felt that the school’s values aligned with hers. “The Academy’s mission statement offered a more promising and holistic learning experience compared to the other schools,” she said. Once at the Academy, Tvisha lapped up all she could of the IB curriculum. She enjoyed the objectivity in Biology and Maths classes, and also appreciated the nuances of History and English. She was an active participant in Theory of Knowledge discussions and service activities.

Tvisha volunteered at Teach for Change, an NGO that gave her the opportunity to teach at a public school. “I didn’t only aid the children with their communication and leadership skills but also worked on my own character and values,” she says of the experience. “I strengthened  my commitment, resilience, and communication skills, learning to accept and react to challenges in a proactive manner.” Grade 11 students are actively encouraged to take part in summer service internships at locations across India, working with AKDN (Aga Khan Development Network) institutions and other non-profits. “The Academy has a very unique, highly diverse and multicultural environment,” says Tvisha. “This really played a role in enabling me to broaden my perspective through a cosmopolitan way of perceiving things.”

Tvisha is headed to pursue her undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego in September 2018. In the near future, Tvisha wants to focus on science and research. But in the long run, Tvisha wants to try her hand at teaching if she gets the chance. “This must surely be the impact of my experience at the Academy,” she says. “Spending time with people like Ms. Alex, I’ve seen the dynamics of the intersection between professional study and academics and how that enables a fuller scope for learning.”