Growing up as an only child in Hayward, California, within the heart of a Punjabi family, my life was steeped in a culture that revered resilience and a strong work ethic. My parents, from rural villages in Punjab, India, may have lacked formal education but were determined to lay a foundation for me to exceed beyond the limitations they faced. Their tenacity was my compass, steering me toward a future filled with opportunities they never had.

The landscape of my ambitions shifted profoundly as I worked alongside my father at Humpal Design Support. His story, from a janitor at a CNC shop to owner of a CNC shop, was a living testament to the transformative power of drive and education. This apprenticeship under his guidance was more than just technical skill-building—it was a firsthand lesson in entrepreneurship and the value of applied knowledge.

My academic interests were sparked by a high school physics course, where my strong interest in electromagnetics redirected my path to Electrical/Computer Engineering, diverging from an assumed destiny in Mechanical Engineering. The complexity of electric fields and currents unveiled a new dimension of the physical world, one that I was very eager to explore.

At UC Santa Cruz, among the majestic redwoods and undulating coastline, I embarked on one of the most demanding academic tracks—a Computer Engineering major with an Electrical Engineering minor, concentrated in Robotics and Control. Here, I engaged in projects that spanned from constructing intricate circuit designs to programming autonomous systems, from rigorous programming assignments to math-intensive analysis of feedback systems. It was a deep dive into challenging coursework, where I sharpened my technical skills and learned how to handle the complex challenges of a tough discipline.

While at university, I also maintained a part-time role at my dad's shop, Humpal Design Support. Balancing this with my studies, I found a practical application for every theory I learned in class. Whether it was control systems or mechatronics, I could see these concepts come to life in the shop. This experience bridged my academic and practical worlds, deepening my understanding and fueling my passion for a career that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills.

Reflecting on my heritage, I see the threads of my family's industrious spirit interwoven with my professional endeavors. The values imbibed from my Punjabi upbringing—perseverance, community, and a relentless drive for excellence—have been the cornerstones of my personal and academic development.

Now, as I pursue a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC San Diego, with a concentration in Intelligent Systems, Robotics, and Control, I am fully immersed in an intense, forward-thinking program. This curriculum places a heavy emphasis on AI and machine learning, preparing me for the technological challenges of the future. The combination of advanced theoretical knowledge and practical application excites me as I work toward a career at the cutting edge of robotics and AI.

My journey has been a tapestry of diverse experiences—from the lively expanse of sports fields to the precision of the machine shop, and through the intellectually stimulating environment of UC Santa Cruz. As I embark on this next chapter, I carry with me the collective wisdom of my past, a vision for the future, and a steadfast determination to contribute meaningfully to the world of technology and engineering.