Latest news with #MeridianAcademy
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- The Hindu
A student from Sitapur on her experience of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL-YES) Programme
There are moments in life that change you in ways you can't fully understand until later; moments that shape your future and how you see the world. My year in the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL-YES) Programme 2023-24 was one of those moments. This programme, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, gave me an opportunity to be part of a 10-month cultural exchange in the U.S., where I learned about leadership, peace, and global connections. My journey started in September when I landed in Boston, just as the city's autumn colours were at their peak. The mix of Boston's history, the energy from its universities, and the excitement of sports made the city feel alive, and the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of fall made it feel like the perfect time to start something new. From the start, my host family made me feel at home. I was introduced to the everyday rhythms of American life, and I realised that home is not just about where you live, but who you're with. More than a visitor Through the year, I travelled to places like Wisconsin, New York, and Georgia but what made these trips special wasn't just the sightseeing; it was the experiences we shared. Whether it was celebrating Christmas and New Year together, carving pumpkins for Halloween, or skating on frozen ponds in New Hampshire, those small, simple moments made me feel I wasn't just visiting; I was living it. At Meridian Academy, where I was a sophomore, I learned to think critically and participate in discussions that mattered. It was more than about getting good grades; it was about engaging with ideas and people from all over the world. The Model United Nations (MUN) conferences I attended at MIT and Brown University were a great opportunity to connect with students from different countries and talk about global issues that we all care about. One unforgettable experience was a two-week trip to Puerto Rico with my Spanish class. Besides improving my Spanish, I got to work on rebuilding homes and communities that had been impacted by Hurricane Maria. The KL-YES Program gave me plenty of opportunities to grow and I learned how to work with others toward a common goal. I earned a certificate from the U.S. Department of State for completing over 100 hours of volunteer work, which made me feel that I was truly making a difference. Whether it was in poetry and ceramics clubs or during MUN sessions, I learned how important it is to communicate clearly, collaborate with others, and take initiative. Looking back, I realise this year led me to discover more about myself, grow as a person, and see the world in a bigger way. I came home with a deeper understanding of who I am, more excited than ever to continue exploring the world around me. Even though my time with the KL-YES programme has come to an end, the friendships I have made, the lessons I have learned, and the memories I created will stay with me. I'm beyond thankful to my family, my school, my mentors, and everyone who made this an experience I'll never forget. The writer is a student of VidyaGyan School, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh.
CBS News
24-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Teen introduces program to Cambridge that helps the planet with plant-based meals
A teen is introducing an initiative in Cambridge, Massachusetts that she hopes can help the planet with a simple change that starts with people's diets. Seventeen-year-old Ruti Pfeffer is leading the "Eat for Impact" program this month, hoping to better the environment with planet-conscious meals. "For me, the thing that started it was, I care about how the animals are treated in our food systems, but for some people that's really about the environment," said Pfeffer. The junior at Meridian Academy worked with city leaders and restaurants to include more plant-based menu options for the month of March with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "I think it's super important because of how much plant-based eating can reduce our emissions," she explained. Eat for Impact Cambridge is one of five initiatives happening around the world this month. Others are taking place in New Jersey, Nigeria, France, and the Netherlands. City leaders were happy to get on board with the program and support the teen. "Including more fresh, local produce and plant-based foods in meals helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type II diabetes. We are looking forward to the partnerships between 'Eat for Impact' and restaurants here in the city," the manager of the public health nutrition services at the Cambridge Public Department Bridget DeVeau, said in a statement. Base Crave is one of the restaurants adding new climate-friendly meals this month. "Since she called, we are now offering basil tofu and eggplant basil paneer," said restaurant owner, Bhola Pandey. Pandey told WBZ-TV that the cafe already has an extensive vegetarian menu, but the program is a good reminder that what we eat and how food is sourced and prepared has a larger impact. "This is the only planet we have," added Pandey. "Food is basically all medicine. What you eat makes you." Both Base Crave and Pfeffer hope their efforts will inspire diners to make small daily choices to better their health and the health of the planet. "Hopefully, these restaurants will keep the wonderful dishes they've created because truly they look so amazing," said Pfeffer. Base Crave says they plan on keeping their newly designed dishes on the menu permanently. "Let's encourage people to eat more vegetables," concluded Pandey. The "Eat for Impact" program in Cambridge was made possible with the help of the non-profit Planted Society. At the end of the month, a climate report on the program's impact will be published to highlight the restaurant's greenhouse gas savings. According to Planted Society, past initiatives have reached an average of 600,000 individuals, sparking conversations and driving awareness. For more information about "Eat for Impact", click here .
