Hritaal Saha: Life Map by

November 6th, 2003: Birth

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-26 22:42:19 UTC

I was born in Rockville, Maryland at Shady Grove Hospital. When I was 3, we moved to Urbana, Maryland which was a small suburban town that has expanded a lot since then. I lived there my whole life so far.

Getting on the Varsity Tennis Team

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-26 22:48:40 UTC

I have been playing tennis since I was young. Being able to join the varsity tennis team was a major goal of mine when I started my freshmen year of high school. Completing tryouts and getting on the team was competitive and stressful but very fulfilling. Being a part of this team gave me some of my best memories from high school.

Starting High School

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-26 22:53:12 UTC

This was a new and exciting time for me, as this was the start of my last four years of grade school before college. I also knew I would be doing a lot these years that would have at least some influence on my future goals/life. During this time, I also developed my interest in Biomedical science/engineering.

Summer 2016: Trip to Kolkata, India

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-26 23:36:09 UTC

This was the first trip to India that I had a clear memory of. We visited family on my father's side. I got to experience a way of life different from life in the US, although there were a few similarities too. Spending time with many extended families was very enjoyable and made me appreciate my culture, family ties, and community a lot more.

Fork in the Road: Choosing to ED to Hopkins

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-26 23:41:29 UTC

My interest in applying to Hopkins started around the end of my High School Junior year. I also had just learned about the Early Decision Option but was not sure whether to make that level of commitment for Hopkins. Eventually, I did and was accepted for Biomedical Engineering. I don't know for sure if I would have gotten in without doing Early Decision, but I go to this school now because of this choice, and I grew as a person because of it.

June 2024: Passing of my Grandmother

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-26 23:44:53 UTC

My grandma had lived with us since I was born. She took care of me when I was little and my parents were at work. She was the last grandparent I had and the several months to weeks before her passing were difficult for my whole family. However, during her final days, she said many meaningful things and gave great advice that inspired me.

Goat Biryani

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-27 20:05:14 UTC

This is one of my favorite meals to eat at home. It is a rice dish with a lot of spices, potato, and goat meat. My parents would make it during special occasions and whenever I was back home from college.

Witnessed Leadership: Cancer Treatment for my Uncle

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-27 20:45:14 UTC

One of my uncles was diagnosed with cancer around this time. I was only a high school freshman, but I remember how my parents helped effectively coordinate tasks with other family friends to help with the chemo treatment. They helped organize who would prepare food for my uncle's family, drive my uncle to chemo sessions, stay overnight, etc. They were also very firm about the expectations for sanitation whenever people visited. I found this to be a inspiring example of initiative and leadership when dealing with a family issue.

Summer 2021: Internship Leadership

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-28 18:20:35 UTC

The summer after high school junior year, I did an internship at Coppin State University Center of Nanotechnology. Toward the end of the internship, I had the opportunity to teach some new fall interns how to perform certain procedures in the lab. I oversaw some of their work and made sure they were learning/doing everything properly. I believe I did a good job, and the new interns were engaged and interested in the work.

Time I felt heard

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-28 18:25:57 UTC

My dad has always been someone I felt comfortable talking to about any problems or worries I had. I remember coming home after my first semester of college and I just talked about certain mistakes I made, some frustrations, anxieties, and goals for the future and he was very empathetic and supportive.

Summer 2018: Trip to Chicago

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-30 00:32:46 UTC

When my parents came to the US, they lived in Chicago for some time. I was almost born there, but my parents moved to Maryland shortly before. For this reason, I always felt some connection to this city. I was really amazed by the architecture and enjoyed the deep-dish pizza. Living in Chicago at one point is definitely a goal of mine.

Summer 2023: FDA Internship + Immunology Interest

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-30 01:01:55 UTC

I wasn't exactly sure what my specific research interests were. The summer after freshman year I interned at a gene therapy lab at the FDA that looked at immune responses against AAV viral vectors. This got me very interested in immunology-related research and I chose immunoengineering as my focus area track for my BME major.

May-August 2022: Graduate HS, Start College

hrssaha2003 — 2024-08-30 17:01:54 UTC

This was a major milestone in my life where I finished one chapter and started a new one. Sadly, I wouldn't see friends from grade school as often, but it was also great to meet new people at JHU. College taught me how to accept change, be more responsible, and manage my time better. I also got better at dealing with failure and pushing forward.

Personality Type

hrssaha2003 — 2024-09-09 16:01:20 UTC

Mediator (INFP-T)