My Nonprofit Reviews

I typically don’t write public reviews; however, in this case, I felt compelled to share my story with future volunteers seeking outstanding learning opportunities.

During my 2008 visit to Orissa, India, where my family is originally from, I was shocked to find that HIV prevalence was becoming a growing problem for the communities in this region. So, when I came to Stanford, I started to look for solutions to address this problem. My search ended with TeachAIDS.

TeachAIDS has designed the highest quality products for teaching about HIV prevention. I strongly feel that, just like a child’s math textbook or the newspaper, the TeachAIDS animations are educational and informative works that every person has the right to gain from. Having the backing of Stanford doctors and educators, the materials are a trusted source for accurate and perceptive health information that you really don’t see anywhere else.

Since 2008, I have been volunteering with the nonprofit to adapt and bring these products to India and the rest of the world. For example, during the development of the TeachAIDS animation for Orissa, I had the opportunity to work with Prashanta Nanda, former Minister of State of Orissa and esteemed Indian actor, director, and singer, along with Ira Mohanty, one of the most recognizable singers in the state. Nanda and Mohanty donated their voices for the male and female versions of the TeachAIDS Oriya animations. ‘A moment’s insight is sometimes worth a life’s experience.’ Recording the Oriya version with these artists is that moment in my life! The warmth and support for the work I was helping enable in Orissa made me realize the powerful potential of TeachAIDS.

The nonprofit is a vast learning ground that develops sound educational materials and, at the same time, exceptional human beings, who have the potential to make a grand difference in the world. I have grown professionally and personally at a rate that I consider a success in itself. TeachAIDS has provided me with access to do cutting-edge research on the nonprofit’s animations in Botswana and India, work with famous Stanford professors like Professor Clifford Nass, and speak at global platforms like the 2011 Asia Pacific Advanced Network Conference. Such rare opportunities (for even a Stanford undergraduate) have really helped build my confidence. TeachAIDS has pushed my boundaries and allowed me to rediscover my skills and personality. Everyday brings new learning and challenges, and the office culture is such that I feel free to explore and share ideas. Whereas most of my Stanford undergrad friends are merely relegated to backbone operations in their volunteer opportunities, I feel like an active team member at TeachAIDS.

For all these reasons, I am so happy to have been part of the TeachAIDS family for the past four years. I will continue to volunteer even after graduating from Stanford because being a part of TeachAIDS has been the most fulfilling aspect of my life.

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