“ Anika never fails to amaze me; she is one of the hardest-working people I know, and no matter how busy she is, she is always kind. I truly do believe Anika can do anything she sets her mind to.” - Marina Krumins Beens.
Senior Anika Kundu is an outstanding leader in our Metuchen High School community. In addition to being the current NHS president, Anika embraces several other distinct roles from being a standout member of Pride of Metuchen to serving as our school’s executive Treasurer. Her passions lie in STEM, expressing interest in pursuing a future within either biomedical or biotechnical fields. Anika has always gravitated toward this academic domain and found the unknowns explored within science extremely interesting. She especially enjoys its collaborative aspects, as students can interact with new people and work together towards one common goal.
“The thing I admire most about Anika is her drive. She is so passionate about everything she does from Robotics to Environmental Club.” - Angelina Coreschi.
Anika Kundu has been part of MHS’s Robotics Team since her Sophomore year, holding the role of Programming Captain in both her Junior and Senior years. In this position, Kundu directs all aspects of robot programming and leads outreach efforts, finding jobs for every student on the team, even those with less coding experience. She appreciates the team’s element of innovation, as academic classes are restricted to specific curriculums, causing a lack of opportunity for discovery or creativity.
In addition to being involved with Robotics, Anika is Co-President of the Environmental club, a position she has held since her Junior year. Ever since middle school, Kundu has been extremely passionate about environmental causes, including sustainability and environmental initiatives. When asked why she joined the club, Anika expressed how it was a “noble club” and “something [she] knew she wanted to be a part of.” Her favorite project so far is their wildlife and rain gardens, appreciating the gardens’ “transition over time” and evident progression, with efforts of fall fertilizing and weeding leading to the blooming bulbs of spring.
In her scientific endeavors, Kundu has noticed dwindling amounts of women or girls involved with stem-related activities, especially on the Robotics team. When asked about the importance of female representation in STEM-related fields, Anika passionately responded that representation is essential, as diversity allows for a better perspective, which is integral when innovating or creating.
“Anika is a genuinely good person and I admire her drive and dedication to everything that she pursues. Also, she always gives me rides!” - Gianna Hernandez
Alongside her prominent roles in MHS’ science-based programs, Anika Kundu has further proven her dedication to the school through heavy involvement in the student council. Anika has held the role of Class Treasurer since freshman year, advancing to the role of Executive Treasurer her senior year. She loves the opportunity to be involved in decision-making and planning school events, with Battle of the Classes becoming Kundu’s favorite high school memory.
Anika has also been a part of the Pride of Metuchen Marching Band since freshman year, playing the clarinet since middle school. Though the band elective failed to fit into her class schedule, Anika knew she wanted to stay involved with the music program and loved the band’s sense of community. Now amid her final season, Kundu is certain joining the band was one of the best choices of her high school career.
“In addition to having an outstanding work ethic and academic rigor that I envy, Anika is one of the most empathetic people and the best friend a girl could ask for.” - Juliana Johnston
Accompanying her passion for environmental causes, Anika is extremely passionate about the topic of ending period poverty. This subject was the focus of her junior speech, as she believes the issue is extremely underlooked as people don’t realize how prevalent the matter truly is. In the future, Kundu wants to continue exploring this issue throughout high school and eventually at the college level.
When asked who she is inspired by, Anika responded with three impactful figures: her mom, Taylor Swift, and Malala Yousafzai. Anika expressed how the support and love provided by her mom has helped her throughout high school and allowed her to grow into the person she is today. When asked about Taylor Swift, Kundu expressed how she has been a dedicated fan since 3rd or 4th grade, and admires her both from the business and music perspectives. Anika’s last major role model is Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai, with her inspiring and enlightening story. Anika had read the young edition of “I am Malala” in 4th or 5th grade, and later reread the full version about two years ago. Kundu expressed how this novel and Malala’s journey as a whole opened her eyes to how privileged we all are and how much we take for granted, changing her perspective for the better.
“I loved having Anika in Precalculus last year; she's bright, and was always so chill, even when our class was being crazy. She even almost laughed at one of my jokes. Once. Not to mention her locker was right next to my room, so she was forced to put up with me more than most students - she's a good kid.” - Mr. Murray.
Throughout Anika’s high school journey, several significant, impactful teachers have helped her along the way. Kundu identifies two in particular, fan-favorites Ms. Baird and Mr. Murray. When asked to elaborate, Kundu expressed her appreciation for the safe and encouraging environment Ms. Baird creates. Kundu communicated how she felt Ms. Baird was someone she could truly talk to, not just about AP Lang or synthesis. Though the AP Lang course is loaded with heavy assignments, Ms. Baird continued to make English a fun and engaging class and Anika was able to build a strong relationship with her teacher, highlighting in her interview Ms. Baird’s personality and exceptional music taste (specifically Phoebe Bridgers and Boygenius). Anika additionally shouted out Mr. Murray, expressing how she enjoyed having him as a teacher and misses taking his class. She never knew what to quite expect when walking through the door, and she noted how his contagious energy always jolted her awake!
“Anika is just the best! Along with her obvious intelligence, she is a wonderful friend!” - Mary McGrath
Senior Anika Kundu has shown to be an incredible contributor to the MHS community and an inspiration for all future students with her determination, passion, and care for others. When asked for any advice towards underclassmen, Anika emphasizes the idea of making the most of high school and seizing every opportunity. She claimed, “It really feels like just yesterday I was sitting in sophomore chemistry,” expressing how time truly does fly. So? Follow Anika’s advice. Talk to other students and expand your friend groups. Join new clubs, meet new people, and learn new things. Find something you’re passionate about and join related programs, find others with similar interests, and be part of a community. As Anika Kundu once said, “It’s nice to be part of something greater than yourself.”
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