Meet the Minerva Freshmen - Divya Tarak Balaji

What made you apply to Minerva?

The opportunity of total cultural immersion in 6-7 different countries with such rich cultures and traditions. Also, the opportunity to interact with such a plethora of interesting and capable individuals from every corner of the world drew me to Minerva. 

What have you learned about yourself during the application process?

The Minerva application process helped me understand what was truly important to me since we were allowed to display only limited accomplishments. This made me think of the three most important things to me - my books, dancing, and my personal growth. After having a bad year in 2022, I decided to change my mindset in 2023 and every single day I noted down one thing that made me happy. Some days could be monumental like a dance showcase and some days could be terrible. Even on the bad days, I would look for what made me happy, like a friend comforting me or a really nice hug. Unlike my experiences with other applications, Minerva's unique process encouraged me to reflect on and share something deeply personal that was crucial to my growth.

What was your favorite accomplishment you submitted in your Minerva application?

I wrote and self-published two full-length novels (over 350 pages each). The first was a sci-fi about flawed superpowers and mutants called "Without Flaws". My second novel, called "Ederra", was about a world where everyone can choose what they look like. This explored themes like body dysmorphia and raised awareness about eating disorders. People die but literature lives forever. This is why they are my proudest accomplishments, and they make me feel like I've left, albeit a tiny one, a mark on the world.

‍Is there anything you are particularly excited about regarding your first year at Minerva?

I'm excited to explore San Francisco. Every single district in San Francisco has a different culture and feels like a piece of a different country. Mission has a rich Latino Community, Castro is embedded in the history of the LGBT community, and SF has the biggest Chinatown outside of China. There's so much history and so much culture just within SF.  I can't wait to explore every single burrow of San Francisco and meet ambitious interesting people in the city. 

What are your first impressions of the Class of 2028 community? What does the Minerva community mean to you? 

The Minerva community feels like home. Since Minerva is highly selective, most Minervans are highly accomplished, passionate, and driven. They each bring a unique perspective to the table and I love talking to them and hearing about their lives: their countries, their endless stories, and enthralling experiences. Everyone is also just so kind and welcoming, so the community makes me feel loved. 

What is your favorite Minerva memory so far? 

Ocean Beach Ritual. At the end of an amazing Foundation Week, full of core memories, our entire cohort gathered at Ocean Beach. We were asked to talk in groups about our sunshine (things we were grateful for), waves (our obstacles getting to Minerva), and horizons (our ambitions for the next 4 years). After that, we had to take a small part of the beach (ocean water or wet sand) and place it in a mason jar. It was an incredible experience just reflecting on these things and spending time together as a cohort at Ocean Beach. We all spent the rest of the evening having s'mores by the campfire and listening to the soft acoustic guitar in the background. The evening unfolded with us gathered around a warm campfire under the starlit sky, toasting s'mores and enjoying the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar. It was a perfect end to foundation week and just the beginning of our journey at Minerva. 

What advice would you give to future applicants?

Personally, I didn't think I was going to get in. I saw the 1% acceptance rate and believed that Minerva was out of my reach. Clearly, I was wrong. The application is free and genuinely a fun way to spend your evening. Minerva is just looking for ambitious and interesting human beings - showcase what is unique about you and what you are most proud of. Don't stress out about it or overthink it too much, it's cliche but just be you.

If you were inspired by Divya's story and are seeking a college experience that will teach you valuable pragmatic skills that will enable you to change the world, apply to join Minerva today.