Medha Vijay Kulkarni
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
Using her technical knowledge along with a passion for community issues, Medha Vijay Kulkarni, a third year student at IUPUI, blends the elements of her coursework, service, and co-curricular activity in developing community service activities that are meaningful, relevant and life-changing. As a Social Justice Scholar, she oversees the development of the Hash It Out podcast through the IUPUI Multicultural Center, which views current issues through a social justice lens. She is also a leader of the IUPUI Alternative Spring Break Program where she has led her peers in several service trips focusing on issues such as the global refugee crisis and domestic violence. With these experiences, Medha brings diverse views together, maintains adaptability and confidence in high stress situations, and broadens her understanding of our community needs.
Personal Statement
In 2019, I participated in Fall Alternative Break (AB) Trip based on environmentalism. I volunteered to remove plant litter and invasive species. Being on this trip reinforced my perspectives on countering community service and the importance of active citizenship in realm of making change. I plan to continue my involvement by holding others, facilitate difficult conversations and myself accountable when faced with actions that don't align with sincerity and societal conservation. I serve as IUPUI AB Trip Leader and led trips on sexual assault, domestic violence and refugee crisis. I plan a detailed trip schedule including educational material and social learning activities. As IUPUI Social Justice Scholar (SJS), I lead Hash It Out Podcast, addresses social justice issues from various lenses. My experiences taught remarkable lessons to create a diverse and inclusive environment. Social learning is a great component; it emphasizes that community learning is the most crucial type of education. There is so much you can learn from books. Interacting with others on social issues helps reflect on our thoughts, learn about communities that aren’t ours and assist others to better learn. I wish to constantly work on the blurred lines between theory and practicality and promote active citizenship.
