“First off, if you have an idea, go for it. The idea came to you because you’re clearly passionate so it’s worth a shot. If you’re really invested in your project and it aligns with your passions, you’re bound to have a positive impact on your community with it.”
Grade: College—first-year student
History with Roots & Shoots: Three years with Roots & Shoots; RSYC member 2021–2023
Adrija grew up in Edison, New Jersey, and is now continuing college in her home state, where she is passionate about equitable access to STEM education. Though she joined the council at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, her fellow council members encouraged her and showed her that she could still make an impact. This inspired her to start her project, Science4Students—supported by Roots & Shoots grants—in which she brings science kits to students across NJ and at her aunt’s school in India. So far, she has delivered 1200 kits! This has been her favorite Roots & Shoots groups because it allows her to share her love of science with young children, and it has even sparked her interest in a career in pediatric surgery. Adrija has many interests outside of this work—everything from cancer research to reading rom-com novels and thrillers—and she relaxes by hanging out with friends, listening to music, and watching the TV show, New Amsterdam.
