HTHS Technology Student Association

Alexander Yao

Chapter President

What are your TSA responsibilities / title?

President (POTTSA for short)

How long have you been a part of TSA?

4 years

What competitions have you participated in / are going to participate in?

Biotechnology Design, VEX, VEX, VEX

What is your favorite part about TSA?

Writing these webmaster descriptions. Aside from the spectacular all-you-can-eat buffet at TCNJ each year (2 if you include the leadership conference), I am always fascinated by the people at TSA conferences. For example, last year at nationals, I discussed robot designs with a team captain from Georgia who went on to direct an international award winning promotional video for his team. I enjoy being surrounded by so many like-minded peers and to learn from the incredible projects they create for TSA.

Why do you do TSA?

I often find myself standing, alone, in my shower, contemplating a single, elusive question: Why do I do TSA? Perhaps, I find great pleasure in stressful, chocolate-fueled all-nighters the week before a conference. Or perhaps, the name "TSA" appeals to my deepest, wildest dreams of frisking people as a proud employee of the Transportation Security Agency. As a second semester senior slowly succumbing to senioritis, I still find myself inexplicably and repeatedly drawn to TSA in a relationship that transcends all logic, like a Stockholm Syndrome victim.

Anjali Nambrath

Chapter Vice President

What are your TSA responsibilities / title?

I'm the vice president of our chapter. I help with running the club and overseeing its activities - this involves attending meetings, organizing workshops for members, and generally offering assistance wherever I or my fellow officers see fit.

How long have you been a part of TSA?

I've been a member of TSA since seventh grade, which makes six years now!

What competitions have you participated in / are going to participate in?

Throughout my TSA career I've participated in a variety of competitions, from System Control Technology to Technology Bowl to Debating Technological Issues to VEX Robotics.

What is your favorite part about TSA?

I really appreciate the variety of events available for members to participate in, but I'm also amazed by the strong sense of community TSA creates between participants. I was first drawn to TSA by the opportunity to try my hand at a variety of different events, all connected by the common thread of STEM experience and leadership. But I stayed in TSA because I realized I had forged new friendships with incredible people as a member. TSA creates a sense of community and engenders strong relationships between people who might have nothing in common besides the fact that they both belong to this incredible organization. I'm very proud to be a part of it.

Why do you do TSA?

I'm excited about what the future holds for me, and I can't wait to get out into the world and tackle real, tangible problems. But until then, I want to get as much experience as I can in as many areas as I can -- and TSA is one of the best places to do that. Where else can I simultaneously indulge my interest in robotics and also hone my public speaking skills?

Where else are aerodynamics and fashion design considered equally interesting and valuable?

TSA gives me the opportunity to sharpen my technical skills while meeting bright and interesting people. TSA is a community I belong to, and gives me a sense of home. TSA is practically part of who I am -- so I can't really help doing it, can I?

Aparna Ragupathi

NJ TSA President

What are your TSA responsibilities / title?

I'm the New Jersey State President. As a state officer, I help put together the state and leadership conferences and increase membership and interaction within our state TSA. This year we've been focusing on improving communication within the state membership and giving members more opportunities to get involved and "define their future" through new design challenges, new conference events, and more college/career interaction. As President, I promote cooperation in carrying out the activities and work of our organization. The symbol of my office is the gavel.

How long have you been a part of TSA?

I've been in TSA for six years.

What competitions have you participated in / are going to participate in?

I have participated in Prepared Presentation and Essays on Technology at the high school level. In middle school, I competed in events like Agricultural and Biotechnology Design, Go Green Manufacturing, and Website Design.

What is your favorite part about TSA?

My favorite part of TSA is all the people you get to meet and work with within your chapter, state, and at the national level. Because of TSA, I have a community of 250,000 friends and memories I will treasure forever.

Why do you do TSA?

I do TSA because I love STEM, CTE, and all of the experiences that come with being a TSA member. I joined TSA in 6th grade because I wanted to learn more about science and engineering, and I've stuck with it ever since! TSA has given me the skills, experience, and mindset I need to lead in a technical world. It's become a huge part of my life and I'm grateful I get to give back to the organization as the NJTSA State President.

What are some chapter activities (past or present or future)?

Relay Relay Relay! Beginning last year, HTHS TSA puts together teams from each grade at HTHS to send to the Middletown Relay for Life to raise money for TSA's national service project, the American Cancer Society.