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Students in the New River Valley are breaking barriers and accomplishing goals. Khushi Talajia is an 11th grader at Christiansburg High School who has a 3.71-grade point average and 69 college credits. Her resume rivals many adults with college degrees.
Talajia’s family is from India and practices Hinduism. She was born in New Jersey and moved to Virginia when she was five years old. Her faith and culture are a major part of her life. “I love the fashions and wearing my Sari for different events and learning about my faith,” said Talajia. She visits a Hindu temple in Roanoke on Saturdays. She said religious programs involve prayer and sharing a meal together. “I try my best to uphold traditions,” she added. The 11th grader said many teens and young adults attend fun events like Holy. “Holy is the festival of color. It’s like a huge food fight. Everyone is covered from head to toe in color. After the celebration we have prayer and food.” She has not only been able to participate in cultural activities in the states but also in India through visits every few years during the winter.
Her strong faith and love for her heritage keep her motivated to excel. “I look up to my mother because she overcame so many struggles coming to America,” said Talajia. Her mother went back to college to obtain her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) while working and raising two children. “She tells me to always try my best and she is always proud of me,” said Talajia. Her mother has several reasons to be proud including the manner in which Talajia handled a bullying situation. “There were people in my class that made racist comments. I believe it’s because of their limited experience with people from other backgrounds,” said Talajia. The student of color population is small at her school, but Talajia explained once she reported the incident she felt supported by staff. “I am able to talk to my teachers and they shared wonderful advice,” said Talajia
The teen has the determination to be her own advocate. “The other semester my workload was difficult,” said Talajia. She has learned to balance a strenuous academic course schedule. She attends the Southwest Virginia Governor’s School. The specialized program focuses on math and science. “It pushes me to do better. I was honored to be selected,” said Talajia. She applied for the program which attending middle school because she knew it would prepare her for college. Talajia has earned 69 college credits. “It was hard course work; it can be difficult to balance at times.”
Talajia’s extra-curricular activities are numerous. She is part of HOSA, Health Occupational Students of America. She serves as vice president, helping her peers to explore careers in the medical field and hosting blood drives. Talajia is vice president of the Environmental Club, promoting recycling programs on campus. She is even a member of the Debate Club. “My parents encouraged me to try it. I’ve noticed it has improved my public speaking skills,” said Talajia.
The ambitious teen has even carved out time to prepare for her career as a hematologist. She volunteers at the hospital. “Helping my community inspires me. I grew up around medicine, so that’s where my priority of helping others started,” said Talajia. As a polite and kind individual, Talajia realizes the impact her presence makes on the patients. “I like bringing a smile to their faces when they aren’t feeling good,” said the future doctor. Talajia shared it was a trip to India and the potential of working with leukemia patients that sparked her desire to specialize in blood. With a giving heart and positive spirit, Khushi Talajia is destined to have healing hands.
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