Key Takeaways:
- Tejas Attavar, a computer science student, views technology as a means to support justice and public safety, rather than just improving machine capabilities or enhancing day-to-day life.
- Attavar’s academic studies in artificial intelligence (AI) have challenged him to think, adapt, and improve, and have helped him see himself as someone capable of serving others and spreading a positive message.
- He has created two websites, Suryana and DestinationNova, to support mental wellness and create social impact, respectively.
- Attavar is committed to using his skills to make a positive impact on others’ lives, both through his work and his role as a student ambassador.
- He is excited about the opportunity to build meaningful connections and make a difference in the world after graduation.
Introduction to Tejas Attavar’s Perspective
Tejas Attavar, a computer science student, has a unique perspective on his area of study. Rather than looking at the technology field as a means to improve machine capabilities or enhance day-to-day life, he sees it as a pathway to support justice and public safety. This perspective is rooted in his upbringing, where he was deeply rooted in spirituality and watched TV shows about superheroes who used their intelligence to protect others. These characters demonstrated how intelligence could be used intentionally to protect others, not for recognition but because it’s the right thing to do. They sold him on the idea that technology carries responsibility, and as he grew up and learned more about the world’s challenges, he felt drawn to study a field versatile enough to make a tangible impact on people both young and old.
Academic Studies and Personal Growth
With his degree concentration in artificial intelligence (AI), Attavar says his academic studies challenge him to continuously think, adapt, and improve. This keeps him engaged and motivated, and his education has helped him see himself as someone capable of serving others and spreading a positive message through discipline, skill, and responsibility. Attavar explains that everything he has learned has shaped how he views his future and shows him that technology isn’t just a career path, but also a way to serve, protect, and create impact when used with intention. He believes that computer science and AI don’t only mean innovation, but also carry real responsibility toward people and society. This mindset has driven him to use his skills to create something that supports reflection, healing, and personal growth.
Creating a Positive Impact
Attavar’s brainstorming led to the creation of two websites, Suryana and DestinationNova, to support mental wellness and create social impact, respectively. Suryana started as a project for his Intro to Software Engineering course, but as its meaning to him grew, it developed into a passion-driven initiative. The online platform is designed to help users develop healthier mental habits and support spiritual wellbeing in a thoughtful and accessible way. DestinationNova, on the other hand, aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and better protect children from real-world and online dangers. Attavar is working on research that will inform and develop a custom AI model so the service can provide up-to-date information on human trafficking. He saw a need for technology that is intentional, human-centered, and rooted in care, and is especially interested in how analyzing patterns in data can help identify cybercrime activity, uncover risks, and support child protection efforts.
Commitment to Serving Others
Attavar’s commitment to serving others extends beyond the computer screen. A student ambassador on the Long Island campus for the past two years, Attavar helps fellow New York Tech students find guidance and develop strategies to balance their personal and academic lives. He shows up for others with confidence and empathy, and he is grateful to play a small role in his peers’ personal growth. This role has allowed him to build meaningful connections with his peers and make a positive impact on their lives. Attavar’s passion for serving others is not limited to his academic pursuits, and he is eager to continue making a difference in the world after graduation.
Future Plans and Aspirations
Attavar’s anticipated graduation in May is approaching, but he’s not stressed about what post-university life has in store. While he hopes to secure a hands-on internship or full-time position working on data analysis, product management, or AI automation in a professional setting, he will be thrilled to find himself in a role where he is empowered to make an impact on others’ lives. What excites him the most about his future is the opportunity to build meaningful connections along the way, not only professionally, but personally and spiritually, as well. Attavar’s unique perspective on technology and his commitment to serving others have prepared him for a bright future, and he is eager to see the positive impact he can make in the world.
