Between studying for high school exams and hanging out with friends, 16-year-old Mahathi Mahendran immersed herself in two additional challenges. The young student from the International School of Differdange has recently achieved a rare double milestone, one that is both locally and internationally appreciated.
Mahathi earned herself a spot on the shortlist for the prestigious John Locke Global Essay Competition, an international academic writing contest for students aged 18 and under, and valued by elite universities worldwide.
At the same time, she can call herself founder of RAC (Rise Against Cancer), a student-led initiative about cancer awareness, which is well on its way to becoming a non-profit organisation.
In an interview, Mahathi revealed that the two passion projects started with her withdrawal from the national team in badminton. In search of new projects in which to immerse herself, she decided to become involved in research, enter the John Locke Essay Competition, and found RAC.
Her essay, titled 'Is religious experience better explained by neuroscience or theology?', explores how science, philosophy, and religion intersect. Having always been interested in questions without straightforward answers, she explored both biological mechanisms behind religious experiences and its attributed meanings and moral significance through theology.
"I couldn't quite believe it", she said when receiving the news that she was shortlisted for a competition that attracted over 100,000 students from 183 countries this year.
In the future, Mahathi would like to pursue medicine, a field that combines her love for research and helping others. For now, as a first time youth founder, she realises how important awareness and community support is to contribute meaningfully to a cause that is dear to her heart.
With cancer directly and indirectly affecting 92% of people worldwide, it is important that students make contributions and educate themselves.
One of the main challenges that Mahathi had to face was the balancing of RAC and her school work, maintaining a consistent team of devoted students, and the responsibilities that come with a leadership position.
"It was a steep learning curve, but it taught me leadership, teamwork and resilience", she explains.
Mahathi also highlighted that it is rewarding to see that her initiative is sparking conversations. One instance that stuck with her was when she had the opportunity to hold a cancer awareness presentation on Breast Cancer Awareness Day in front of all the students from year 10 in her high school.
Encouraging words from classmates mean a great deal to her and it shows that RAC is not just about raising money, but also prompting discourse.
An achievement that made her particularly proud was when RAC raised €1,500 for Fondation Cancer by means of student-driven fundraising efforts.
RAC is currently working towards becoming a non-profit organisation, a title that would give the initiative a stronger foundation to build long-term partnerships and commit to larger goals and projects. It would also allow for greater visibility across Luxembourg and attract a wider range of collaborators.
She would like readers to remember that it is okay to change paths and follow wherever curiosity might lead them. Mahathi finds joy in academic challenges, is driven by her values, and loves contributing to "something bigger" than herself.
She wants to encourage young people to create meaningful change and not underestimate what they are capable of. RAC is a perfect example that age does not limit ambition, and that students can create meaningful impacts within their communities regardless of age.
