present the 2019 Scholar of the Year
“I was so proud of myself. I did something I set my mind to,” says Khushi Talajia, 2019 ColorsVA Scholar of the Year. Nominations for such a high honor were plentiful. The competition was tough, but still Christiansburg High School 11th-grader Khushi Talajia rose to the top. “My hard work has paid off,” Khushi says. ColorsVA, in partnership with Virginia Tech and Radford University, selected Khushi because she exudes strong academic promise.
Her guidance counselor, Joel Bates, could not agree more. “Khushi is a dedicated person, in and out of school. She looks for challenges and opportunities to learn,” says Bates. Khushi has a 3.71 grade point average and carries more than a full high school course load. In addition to her courses at Christiansburg High School, she also attends Southwest Virginia Governor’s School. “It’s tough. It really is tough going there and a normal high school, trying to balance all these college courses that I’ve been taking,” she says. The dual-enrollment courses include statistics, chemistry, pre-calculus, English and medical terminology. Khushi has previously completed dual-enrollment U.S. History and AP European History, as well as several honors courses. “I wanted to really get myself out there. I wanted to try to build my resume and also achieve new things,” Khushi says.
“I like giving back and helping in the community,”
Khushi’s ambitions led her to dream big and conquer any obstacle. She aspires to become a physician. Her vision has become stronger as she has learned more about her family members in the medical field. In India, Khushi’s uncles and aunts are physicians. She looks up to them and certainly has what it takes to follow their example. Every Friday she volunteers at New River Valley Hospital. “I like giving back and helping in the community,” she says. “I like to make sure people are taken care of and getting good healthcare.” She also took a many courses in the medical field that have fostered her desire to become a physician. “Just seeing the smile on somebody’s face after I help them, that I’ve made their day better just by having a friendly conversation, makes me feel better,” she explains.
As a young woman of color, Khushi looks up to her parents. They were born and reared in India. The Talajias moved to the United States about 20 years ago and now own a small family business. This foundation gave Khushi and her younger sister what they need to accomplish whatever they set their minds to do. “I’m happy they sacrificed for us,” she says. And she longs to “learn more about my family in India.” Khushi knows the struggles of women in her culture and wants to make a difference. “Women of color are so strong. Women around me face different struggles that others may not be able to relate to.” That is why Khushi considers this award a high honor. “I was so happy because secretly you want to win, but you’re doubting yourself like this couldn’t be done. The fact that this is an award for women of color, it helps and it gives me something more to look forward to. I’m happy,” she says.
Khushi’s co-curricular activities are Debate Team, HOSA Club, where she serves as vice president, Junior Class treasurer, Environmental Club vice president, Prom Committee, Mentor/Mentee Program, SWVGC Science Fair, Honor Roll, President’s Award, National Academy of Future Physicians nomination, National Youth Leadership Forum Medicine nomination, National Society of High School Scholars nomination, and CPR & AED certification. “I stay involved and active so I can help different people in my community. That’s why I do this,” Khushi adds.
“Khushi is an exceptional role model and I hope others are inspired by her work ethic and passion for helping.”
Bates says, “Khushi has a heart for helping others. She’s a kind and polite individual. Many student’s work ethic starts to wane as they near their senior year, but Khushi just seems to work even harder. She has served as an excellent leader, council member and helper for her teachers.” Bates adds, “Khushi is an exceptional role model and I hope others are inspired by her work ethic and passion for helping.”
Even with many great accomplishments and accolades, Khushi remains humble and focused. She says the day she learned that she was the 2019 ColorsVA Scholar of the Year, she was ecstatic, overjoyed and forever grateful. “This was the best day ever,” Khushi says. “And the perfect way to end this school year. I am the ColorsVA Scholar of the Year.”
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