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Determined to be a doctor

Sonia Chopra

As far back as Priyanka Seekand can remember, she always wanted to be a doctor. Though she knew that on her single mother's salary, medicine as a major would be a tall order, she didn't stop reaching out for her dream. In fact, Seekand would eagerly scan every bulletin board, every newspaper, and any piece of paper that had information about scholarships.

Last month, her diligence finally paid off. And as she gets ready to join the University of Georgia next week, Seekand will march into her college, proudly, with three scholarships in her pocket.

"It has really helped out. It has been a big relief getting all this aid. I don't know what I would have done without all this,' said Seekand, 17, who graduated from Southside High School, in Greenville, South Carolina.

"I'm happy and grateful."

Seekand will study genetics and either go into bio-medical engineering or be a doctor. Her background seems to have prepared her for her ambition.

A straight A student, Seekand was in the International Baccalaureate Programme for academically advanced students, who gain knowledge that is equivalent to a year of college.

Seekand won the Two/Ten scholarship -- $3,000 annually -- given to need-based students in the footwear/leather industry. She was eligible because she had been working in a shoe store called Famous Footwear for a few years to make "pocket money".

She also qualified for the $2,750 a year James F Burns scholarships, given to students who have lost at least one parent. Her father Rajeev died a decade ago in a car accident.

The Sirrine scholarship of $2,000 a year is also given to needy students. After these three scholarships, Seekand's mother will be responsible for 20 per cent of her only child's annual tuition fees.

"I am very proud of her. She has always been motivated, focused and an obedient, honest child. She was easy to raise, a real blessing," says Shalini Seekand, 38, who works as an accountant for a local company called Matrix.

The early loss of her father brought Priyanka and her mother very close. "My mother and I grew up together, we are friends and we tell each other everything. My life hasn't been that difficult," says Seekand, who was born in New Delhi. Her parents immigrated to the United States in 1988 and they remain connected with their family with annual visits.

"I don't know what I would do without her. I know I will miss her," says Shalini Seekand as she steels herself to face an empty nest in a fortnight.

Still, the mother consoles herself with the thought that Priyanka has a very bright future.

Others agree. "She was one of our top applicants. She is an outstanding student with an unbelievable report card. She has academic promise and we believe that our investment in her will be worthwhile," said Catherine Nelson, scholarship director for the Two/Ten foundation.

Debbie Carrero, 44, co-ordinator of the International Baccalaureate Programme for academically advanced students, described Priyanka as "hardworking and enterprising and determined to reach her goals".

Seekand also participated in extra-curricular activities. She was secretary of the National Honour Society, a peer mediator for the Interact Club, volunteered for Teen Life, a phone crisis hotline for troubled teenagers, and was a representative for the Student Council.

She has a message for other teenagers. "I didn't get involved in activities in school because it was something that would look good on my resume for college. Doing things for others enriched me personally. Rewards will come if you put your mind to something and work hard."

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