Anika Gundlapalli: A local National Merit Finalist
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - Anika Gundlapalli, a senior at Odessa High School, has achieved remarkable success in academics, extracurricular activities, and personal pursuits. As a member of the varsity choir, an advocate for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a National Merit Finalist, and a future Stanford student, Gundlapalli’s journey is one of dedication and perseverance.
“It’s a weird sensation being the teacher in the room and knowing you’re not the smartest in the room.”
The path to becoming a National Merit Scholar is a lengthy one, beginning with the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Reflecting on her journey, Gundlapalli expressed gratitude, saying, “I was really grateful. I tried to do my best on the PSAT and then found out I was a semi-finalist, did the application, then I didn’t think about it. A few months later, Ms. Moreno told me I was a finalist.”
Gundlapalli’s achievement as a National Merit Finalist places her in the top 0.5 percent of the 1.3 million high school seniors who took the PSAT in 2022. She credits her family and educators for their unwavering support.
Gundlapalli attributes her love of history and her appreciation for different perspectives to her favorite teacher, Lee Jordan, who teaches IB and AP World History at Odessa High School. Jordan’s teachings have instilled in her a valuable skill that she plans to carry forward into her future endeavors, as she remarked when speaking about her favorite subject.
“It was really unexpected, but whenever I started taking Mr. Jordan’s class, I realized that I really enjoy learning from different perspectives and to come to a more truthful conclusion about something.”
Jordan, reflecting on his student’s accomplishments, expressed admiration, saying, “The opportunity to go out and use her gifts and at a school that’s going to challenge her. They’re really lucky to be getting a kid like this.”
After qualifying as a semi-finalist, Gundlapalli embarked on the next phase of the National Merit competition, which involved submitting SAT scores, writing an essay, detailing her extracurricular activities, and securing a teacher recommendation. Months of anticipation followed, culminating in the moment when Gundlapalli learned she had achieved finalist status in March.
Gundlapalli’s recent visit to Stanford University, where she will continue her academic journey, left a profound impression on her. Inspired by the university’s vibrant community and its commitment to academic excellence and service, she eagerly anticipates the opportunities that lie ahead. She compared the inquisitive and passionate students she met at Stanford to those in the IB program at Odessa High School, highlighting the importance of challenging oneself and using one’s gifts to make a positive impact.
In her own words, Gundlapalli offers words of wisdom to her younger self:
“I would tell younger Anika and other people to follow what you’re passionate about and to always try your best.”
And to future Anika and her endeavors:
“I hope to be in medical school and I hope that I’m able to make a positive impact on whichever community I’m in.”
She encourages others to follow their passions and always strive to do their best:
“It’s the best way to make a positive impact on yourself and the people around you.”
Looking ahead, Gundlapalli aspires to attend medical school and hopes to use her education and experiences to serve her community and make a difference in the world. Her journey serves as a reminder to follow one’s passions and always strive for excellence, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on themselves and those around them.
Copyright 2024 KOSA. All rights reserved.
