We had the good fortune of connecting with Aryana Wadhwani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aryana, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
My first time visiting Mumbai, India, I was beyond excited. However, while strolling the cities, I noticed the numerous homeless people living among the piles of garbage on the streets, and the odor infiltrating the air. This shocked me as my mother had told of the era when India was known as “The Land of the Golden Bird.” The jarring reality and lifestyle of Mumbai disturbed me and I was driven to change India, to take part in a revolution and restoration of public health. I have spent countless hours researching methods to solve the problem of pollution from a neurological and engineering perspective, including researching the installation of carbon management, integrating wastewater/utility systems, biostatistics and cognitive/environmental psychology. Therefore, my mission is to educate teenagers worldwide about the decline of public health and teach them solutions on how to underline the power of sustainability through the psychological and medical lens. I am confident this will lead to the restoration of the environment and ultimately, humanity’s future.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Personally, I see myself as a very passionate and driven individual. I have collaborated with professors at numerous prestigious universities to discuss cognitive behavior and sustainable development. I see myself as a goal-setter and a go-getter. I am most excited about the amount of technology and the abundance of knowledge the world will gain through the formal initiation of global sustainable development specifically within impoverished communities. The whole idea of socioeconomic equality and gaining the fruit of knowledge excites me. As a student, the title of a nonprofit organization creator, a writer, and podcaster has not been easy. I believe this is because of the amount of commitments I have as a junior in high school. I have learned that time management and prioritization of future goals is key. I constantly ask myself, “Aryana, what do you show the world and what are your ambitions?” This question is the source of my motivation for how I wish to make an impact in local communities to switch to a sustainable lifestyle for the world to truly reach a sense of equality amongst all citizens.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Known as “The New York of the South,” it is extremely difficult to narrow down all the attractions Atlanta has to offer. Personally, I think exciting people are found everywhere in Atlanta. From shopping at the Ponce City Market, walking around the 22-acre Centennial Olympic Park, catching a show in Buckhead’s Fox Theatre or even tasting over 100 different beverages at the World of Coca-Cola, there is never a dull moment. With thousands of restaurant options, I would be obligated to share meals with my friends at Buckhead’s South City Kitchen, Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft, Novo Cucina, Chai Pani, Bhojanic, Le Colonial and definitely Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party. The options are truly endless! But no trip would be complete without stopping amidst the bustling city and enjoying one of the most striking and irresistible sunrises on an early morning in Piedmont Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My inspiration for starting a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable development and neurological research actually stems from my parents. They were both born and brought up in India and, throughout their lives, they were exposed to social conflicts and increasing cognitive impairments as well as decreases in the status of public health among citizens. Driven to overcome their circumstances, my mother became an anesthesiologist and my father, a mechanical engineer. Because of this, I have been exposed to the principles of STEM all throughout my life, inspiring me to always explore and learn more. I have repeatedly said that I want to change India and my parents have always financially and emotionally supported me in my research methods regarding global carbon emissions and applying neuroscience to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. I will forever be grateful for their support!

Website: https://www.theworldweonceknew.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworldweonceknew_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryana-wadhwani-480957257/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theworldweonceknew

Image Credits
Seal Picture: Keith Luke on Unsplash.com, Gardening Picture: Markus Spiske on Unsplash.com

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