Shreya Singhal: The IIT Madras Student Paving Her Way To Harvard

When the COVID-19 lockdown shut classrooms and forced students into uncertainty, most people simply tried to cope with the disruption. Shreya Singhal chose to do something different. At the time, she was pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) at the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies in Delhi. But she felt something was missing. The tech world was moving rapidly toward data science and analytics, and she wanted to be part of that future. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she created one. During the pandemic, she enrolled in the IIT Madras BS Degree in Data Science and Applications, a demanding online program designed to build strong skills in programming, statistics, and data analysis. What made her decision remarkable was that she pursued this IIT program while continuing her regular BCA degree, effectively working toward two degrees at the same time. The lockdown that slowed the world down became the moment that accelerated Shreya’s academic journey.Overcoming Doubts and Mastering New SkillsShreya’s path into data science was not straightforward. She had dropped mathematics after Class 10, something that usually closes doors to technical careers. But the IIT Madras program gave her a second chance to rebuild those foundations. It started with basics and gradually moved toward advanced concepts in programming and analytics. Managing two degrees was not easy. Her days were packed with lectures, assignments, coding practice, and exams. Many nights were spent studying while others slept.But she kept going. Along the way, she found support in the community of students enrolled in the program. Even though much of the course was online, events at the IIT Madras campus helped students connect in person. These interactions became an important part of her journey, helping her gain confidence and stay motivated through the demanding coursework.From Student to Teaching AssistantHer dedication soon began to stand out. Shreya performed strongly in the program and was selected as a Teaching Assistant for a Python course in the IIT Madras BS degree. The role gave her the opportunity to help other students understand programming concepts and support the teaching process. It also allowed her to experience campus life more closely. Beyond academics, she explored creative spaces at the institute as well. She became involved with the Drama Club, directed a play, and collaborated with other students in theatre activities that brought together online and on-campus communities. But the most important shift came when she started taking a deeper interest in research. While assisting with coursework, she noticed gaps and questions that sparked her curiosity. Instead of ignoring them, she decided to explore them further, a decision that would soon shape the next stage of her journey.A Leap from IIT Madras to HarvardThat curiosity opened new doors. Shreya later secured a research internship at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), one of India’s leading research institutions. The experience strengthened her interest in education, learning systems, and the role of technology in shaping how people learn. Eventually, her academic achievements and growing research experience helped her take a major step forward. She was admitted to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she pursued a master’s degree. Today, Shreya Singhal serves as a Teaching Assistant at Harvard, contributing to academic discussions at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Her story is a powerful reminder that opportunity does not always arrive at the perfect moment, sometimes it appears during the most uncertain times. What matters is the courage to use that moment well. From studying during lockdown to teaching at Harvard, Shreya’s journey shows how determination, curiosity, and consistent effort can turn even the toughest phase into the beginning of something extraordinary.