BANYAN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FOR SOUTH ASIAN AMERICANS
2020 BANYAN SCHOLARS
RIZWAN KAZI
Rizwan, whose family is from Bangladesh, was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He attended the Bronx High School of Science, where he was a part of Model UN, Mock Trial, Social Science Research and founded the school's chapter of Young Democrats. He is currently a freshman at Columbia University, where he plans to major in economics-mathematics and concentrate in philosophy. After college, he is planning for graduate studies in economics and a career in research and academia. Outside his studies, he finds time to read and play chess, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles.
PREETI GURUNG
Preeti was born and raised in Pokhara, Nepal and moved to Queens, New York when she was 12 years old. She attended Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, where she discovered her passion for medicine and social work. In high school, Preeti was involved in UNICEF, research programs, and GSA. Currently, she is at Bucknell University and leaning towards a major in Biology (pre-med track) with a minor in International Relations. Preeti also hopes to volunteer in Nepali/Gurung cultural and educational programs conducted by Gurung Tamu Society. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, read books, paint, make bracelets with embroidery floss and watch shows and movies.
LAMIYA RAHMAN
Lamiya was born and raised in Queens, New York. Her family is originally from Bangladesh. She went to Brooklyn Technical High School, where she majored in Biological Sciences. She is currently on the pre-med track at Columbia University, and plans to major in either Neuroscience & Behavior or Biology. Lamiya hopes to become a physician in the future. She hopes to utilize her passion for the sciences to bring change to the medical world. During her free time, she likes to take walks around the city, play badminton, and read science fiction books.
SYED WAHID
Syed, whose family is from Bangladesh, was born in The Bronx, New York. He attended the Bronx High School of Science where he participated in Model UN, worked at several tutorials, and completed award-winning social-psychology research. He is currently pursuing a public policy major on the pre-med track at the University of Chicago. Syed aspires to receive an MD/MPH and influence global health policymaking while actively working as a physician. Moreover, he is interested in applying his potential medical skills to humanitarian work. In his free time he enjoys political discussions, playing basketball, and binging Netflix.