1. A presentation to the Public School
by AST

2.  My Introduction
 His Big Fat Indian Wedding
 “Fresh of the Boat”
 Instate Tuition
 Giving Back to the
Community
 Lessons Learned
 Just Do IT!

3.  My name is AST
 Lived in the US for 25 years, migrated from
India
 Own a software company that makes
Tracking Systems using RFID technologies
 Wife is a Pharmacist
 Kids -- All go to “The Public School”
 Motto #1: Be Kind
 Motto #2: Never Refuse Free Food

4. Let me show you the wedding of two New
Yorkers recently held in the city of Surat, India

14.  MM and his family migrated in the late 80’s
and brought nothing with them
 He attend AISD and was among the top
students
 He wanted to attend college but was still in
process of becoming a US Citizen
 No Instate tuition for him – Instate v/s out of
state tuition is 10x difference

15.  He studied hard and got top marks
 Research and speaking to friends led him to a
Houston Chronicle Reporter Ed Hegstrom
who publicized his case amongst others
 After much lobbying, meetings, etc. the
Texas Senate ruled that outstanding students
of his immigration status would get Instate
Tuition
 He was able to get Instate Tuition and also
scholarships because of his leadership

16.  MM: He completed BS in Biology & Arabic
Literature from UT Austin, MS in Physiology
& Biophysics from Stony Brook University,
Manager of the Biomedical Engineering Dept
 Dr. AM: She completed BS in French
Linguistics & Chemistry from NYU, MD from
Stony Brook University School of Medicine,
currently doing Pediatric Residency Training at
Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City

17.  While in high school MM became the
President of the Alief Youth Corps
 He felt very strongly about building
something of lasting value for the community
 After engaging peers, community members,
teachers etc. the team settled on developing
a park in the neighborhood

18.  MM began by first selected a team
comprising of other kids, parents, and other
community members of the Alief Community
Association
 They put together a plan and selected a site
 They then coordinated with City of Houston
through the office of Harris County
Commissioner Steve Raddick

19.  They raised money from public sources,
private individuals and corporations, United
Kids Way Foundation, and the City of
Houston
 They worked on permits and legal issues
 They got architects, landscapers, contractors
together and negotiated with them
 They did a neighborhood walk and gathered
many many volunteers
 And then on one Weekend they just did it!!

22.  America is a land of great opportunity where
everyone gets a chance
 If we get something we do need to give back
 Team is everything. One person can make a
difference but does need a team to pull it off
 Ideas are good but you need execute beyond
ideas
 People who are passionate about success get
to the finish line

23. Community/Govt. Academics
You
Corporations Press

24.  Focus on an area of interest or passion
 Could be an area of future career, hobby,
social work, or just a cause for bonding
between friends
 Talk to the best and the brightest in that field
 Look for a consular or mentor….and aTEAM
 Pick a project NOW!
 Create a 2 year activity plan
 Execute

25.  Do a book/computer drive and build up one library in a
rural area or developing Country
 Research an energy or water conservation project and
intern with a company next summer
 Engage in cultural exchange program at an American-
Indian Reservation & create a means of commerce for
the people of that community
 Teach English to Mexican, Chinese, or Indian Sr.
Citizens
 Volunteer for a political leader, a hospital, the
Houston Zoo, or even the village school soccer team
 JUST DO IT!