Prasanna Chandankhede, Class of '25

Dear Reader,

My name is Prasanna, I’m 15 years old, originally from India but currently living in Ghana, Africa. Growing up between two cultures has shaped me into someone curious, adaptable, and eager to take on new challenges. I’ve always thrown myself into opportunities—Model UNs, student initiatives, and community projects, but for a long time, I didn’t know where exactly I was headed. Science never felt like my future, yet I hadn’t found the right direction.

That changed with HUVTSP. I discovered the program back in January through Instagram and Discord. Exams delayed me, the essays intimidated me, and I nearly gave up. But two days before the deadline, I told myself to take the chance. I applied, expecting nothing and ended up being selected with a scholarship. That moment felt like a sign I was on the right path.

What stood out first were the lectures and sections. My section with Taryn transformed theory into practice. We debated startup strategies, worked through case studies, and even competed in Kahoots that made learning both fun and intense. Those sessions, paired with WhatsApp conversations with peers, helped me see how ideas grow stronger when tested and challenged.

The workshops were another highlight. From resume-building and coffee chats to mastering networking and understanding AI, every session gave me skills that felt immediately relevant. These were practical lessons no classroom had ever offered, and they built a foundation I know I’ll rely on in the future.

The internship made everything real. For five weeks, I worked with eight other students on market research and competitor analysis. We split tasks, brainstormed strategies, and refined our work late into the night. By the end, we weren’t just a team, we were a family. Presenting our findings to the founder on the final day was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, because it proved our effort had paid off.

HUVTSP didn’t just give me new skills; it gave me clarity. I now know I want to pursue business economics and one day launch startups that merge innovation with impact. It wasn’t just a summer program; it was the moment I began to see my future clearly. Thank you HUVTSP!

Love,

Prasanna Chandankhede