2016 Dragon Fall

e torch
Néha GUPTA ’20
Néha Gupta isn’t one to shy away from challenges.
An accomplished student, Néha decided during 7th
grade to seek out new academic inspiration.
So she took the ACT, a college admissions test
geared for high school juniors and seniors. Her above
average test scores resulted in her being accepted
into the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
(CTY), designed for students who are ready for
intense college-level course work and accelerated
study in specific disciplines.
Néha participated in a three-week summer zoology
program at Haverford College in Philadelphia
through CTY, going on field trips to the Philadelphia
Zoo and Camden Aquarium, dissecting animals,
including a shark, squid, rat and frog, and making
new friends with similar interests. “It was fun getting
a chance to go across the country, stay in a dorm, and
be independent,” she said.
Music has been a big part of Néha’s life. In fact, she
started playing the piano when she was three. In
sixth grade, however, she took up the saxophone
and was the oldest student in beginning band. In
her typical driven fashion, Néha practiced diligently
and worked her way up to intermediate band within
five months. Today, she is a member of the M.U.S.E.
(Musical Understanding through Sound Education)
Honor Band that performs in the community at places
like Ghirardelli Square and Great America, and is
looking forward to being a member of the O’Dowd
Jazz Band.
Néha said that she was looking at a few different
East Bay high schools but she became focused on
O’Dowd when she took a shadow visit and learned of
the vast opportunities available. “I definitely want to
get involved with the environmental program, and go
on a science field research trip, join clubs and participate
in activities. I’m excited about finding ways to
contribute to the school community.”
She was also impressed with the
cultural and religious diversity of the
student body, as she is of Indian
heritage and practices Hinduism.
“I noticed the diversity of the school
right away, and that is something
that is important to me.”
Néha is hoping to share her love of Odissi, one of
the oldest Indian classical dance styles that is still
practiced today, with the O’Dowd community. “I
enjoy learning Odissi at my local Hindu temple and
performing at school functions. I like bringing my
dance world together with my school life,” she said.
Fall Magazine 2016 // 15