dare to dream – small

A presentation to the Public School by AST

My Introduction His Big Fat Indian Wedding “Fresh of the Boat” Instate Tuition Giving Back to the

Community Lessons Learned Just Do IT!

My name is AST Lived in the US for 25 years, migrated from

India Own a software company that makes

Tracking Systems using RFID technologies Wife is a Pharmacist Kids -- All go to “The Public School” Motto #1: Be Kind Motto #2: Never Refuse Free Food

Let me show you the wedding of two New Yorkers recently held in the city of Surat, India

MM and his family migrated in the late 80’s and brought nothing with them

He attend AISD and was among the top students

He wanted to attend college but was still in process of becoming a US Citizen

No Instate tuition for him – Instate v/s out of state tuition is 10x difference

He studied hard and got top marks Research and speaking to friends led him to a

Houston Chronicle Reporter Ed Hegstrom who publicized his case amongst others

After much lobbying, meetings, etc. the Texas Senate ruled that outstanding students of his immigration status would get Instate Tuition

He was able to get Instate Tuition and also scholarships because of his leadership

MM: He completed BS in Biology & Arabic Literature from UT Austin, MS in Physiology & Biophysics from Stony Brook University, Manager of the Biomedical Engineering Dept

Dr. AM: She completed BS in French Linguistics & Chemistry from NYU, MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine, currently doing Pediatric Residency Training at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City

While in high school MM became the President of the Alief Youth Corps

He felt very strongly about building something of lasting value for the community

After engaging peers, community members, teachers etc. the team settled on developing a park in the neighborhood

MM began by first selected a team comprising of other kids, parents, and other community members of the Alief Community Association

They put together a plan and selected a site They then coordinated with City of Houston

through the office of Harris County Commissioner Steve Raddick

They raised money from public sources, private individuals and corporations, United Kids Way Foundation, and the City of Houston

They worked on permits and legal issues They got architects, landscapers, contractors

together and negotiated with them They did a neighborhood walk and gathered

many many volunteers And then on one Weekend they just did it!!

America is a land of great opportunity where everyone gets a chance

If we get something we do need to give back Team is everything. One person can make a

difference but does need a team to pull it off Ideas are good but you need execute beyond

ideas People who are passionate about success get

to the finish line

Community/Govt. Academics

Corporations Press

You

Focus on an area of interest or passion Could be an area of future career, hobby,

social work, or just a cause for bonding between friends

Talk to the best and the brightest in that field Look for a consular or mentor….and aTEAM Pick a project NOW! Create a 2 year activity plan Execute

Do a book/computer drive and build up one library in a rural area or developing Country

Research an energy or water conservation project and intern with a company next summer

Engage in cultural exchange program at an American-Indian Reservation & create a means of commerce for the people of that community

Teach English to Mexican, Chinese, or Indian Sr. Citizens

Volunteer for a political leader, a hospital, the Houston Zoo, or even the village school soccer team

JUST DO IT!