Congratulations to our Alumni Garima Malhotra (Class ‘2017) who has graduated with the highest Honors possible in her Bachelor of Science degree at Houston Baptist University, Texas. Having majored in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Garima was also awarded the President’s Award for being an exemplary all-round student, and the Grigsby Award for the Outstanding Student in the College of Science and Engineering. We got in touch with Garima to congratulate her and to learn more about her journey post-GIS.
Garima, how do you think GIS prepared you for university?
My time at GIS allowed me to form strong personal and professional foundations which I could build upon throughout my undergraduate career. With ample opportunities to serve the community, succeed in academically rigorous programs, explore a wide variety of extracurricular activities and obtain leadership positions, I was able to obtain an all-rounded education at GIS which facilitated my smooth transition from school to university life. I was better prepared to face the academic rigor of my major, confident to be elected in leadership positions, efficient to manage my time to be involved in student life on campus, and excel in tutoring students in biology, chemistry, physics, maths and english.
What are your future plans?
I plan on continuing my education in medical school to become a physician, so that I am able to serve underprivileged communities and work towards making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable.
What advice do you have for current students who might be interested in a similar path?
Brace yourself and enjoy the journey! Medicine is a long and rigorous path so it becomes all the more important to enjoy every step of the way. It’s important to take time out for yourself, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, so don’t give up on those hobbies or occasional binge-watching sessions! Most importantly, it’s important that you continue to believe in yourself. There will be times where you question yourself, doubt yourself and experience failures, but know that it’s all part of the journey! Volunteer in hospitals and clinics, shadow physicians, and get involved in internship programs early to immerse yourself in your future working environment to affirm that medicine is truly your passion. If so, you have everything within you to make it happen!
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
My journey throughout my schooling and undergraduate career would be incomplete without the constant support, encouragement and guidance I was blessed with from my family, friends, teachers, and professors. Special mention to my parents and sister for always standing by me, encouraging me to follow my dreams and for being role models in whose footsteps I could follow. Amongst my teachers at BISH (British International School of Houston) and professors at Houston Baptist University, teachers at GIS helped me identify my strengths early on and formed a crucial foundation of my identity which I will continue to build upon throughout my career.
And finally, do you have a favourite quote to leave us with?
One of my favorite quotes is: “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” This quote truly encompasses the responsibility that we, as the future generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and proactive members of the community, have in order to progress society in our respective fields and make a difference in the lives of others. Issues in our day and age are complex,and so we need to innovate and think outside the box in order to come up with the most efficient solutions. We are blessed to have received the best education, have access to excellent opportunities and the comforts of life, and it is up to us to gear these privileges to leave behind our legacy as change-makers.
Congratulations and thank you, Garima, for taking the time to share your achievements and experiences with us. We wish you all the best for the future! If you would like to feature as part of our ‘Alumni Spotlights’, just get in touch with us: alumni@gardenscool.edu.my. Because every story matters.
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