Hi! My name is Megala, and I’m so excited to join the Baldwin Class of 2028! I’m from Tamil Nadu in Southern India, where I spent most of my childhood at a school called Shanti Bhavan, a residential school I attended from the age of four. Growing up there was a truly unique and life-shaping experience, and I carry the lessons I learned there with me every day.
At Duke, I plan to explore a double major in Economics and Psychology. I’ve always been fascinated by how these two fields intersect—understanding what drives human behavior and how it affects decision-making on an individual and societal level.
Outside of academics, I’ve been playing football and basketball since I was 12, and I love the sense of teamwork and energy these sports bring into my life. When I’m not on the court or the field, you’ll probably find me reading, watching psychological thrillers, or losing myself in a mix of Bollywood and Hollywood movies. Music is also a huge part of my life—I’m obsessed with The Weeknd and Arijit Singh!
Cooking is another passion of mine. Growing up, I’d watch my mom in the kitchen, and now I love experimenting and creating dishes myself (though she’s still the master chef!). During my gap year, I took on a new challenge—teaching English, math, economics, and accounts to middle and high school students. It was an incredible experience that taught me a lot about responsibility, patience, and the power of education.
Community has always been one of my biggest values. In high school, I enjoyed leading initiatives that brought people together and created supportive spaces, like organizing events through student council and championing discussions on empowerment through our Girls Empowerment Club.
I’m so honored to be a Baldwin Scholar and can’t wait to connect, grow, and make memories with this incredible cohort. Here’s to an exciting journey ahead!