TNP New Face 2016: Shonalie Raha
Shonalie Raha, 23
Energy consultant at Sun Electric
Shonalie has one wish - to save Earth.
To achieve that dream, the environmental studies graduate wants to be involved in the sustainability industry in Asia.
In a decade, she wants to have her own home with a family and a cavalier King Charles spaniel named Bartholomew.
What are some exciting things that have happened to you this past year?
I finished a 10-day silent meditation course last July. Anyone who knows me knows that staying silent for an extended period is quite difficult for me so the mere completion of this challenge makes me happy.
I also graduated from Carleton University in Canada in June and worked hard to get my first job as a solar energy consultant. Last but not least, the incredible opportunity to be in the Top 20 of New Face.
How would you pamper yourself after a long day at work?
The only thing I want to do is crawl into my bed and watch some episodes of (US TV series) Gilmore Girls on Netflix. There's nothing that some spaghetti and Gilmore Girls can't fix.
What is one interesting fact about you?
Last March, I fell in love with poetry.
I discovered spoken word poets such as Sarah Kay, Andrea Gibson and Buddy Wakefield, and was inspired to write my own poetry. Now I just can't seem to stop.
Poetry helps me express myself and deal with dilemmas that I face on a daily basis.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To live in the moment and keep dancing to the beat of your own drum. Most importantly, to trust yourself and keep smiling. With that, you'll learn that anything is possible.
What are three words that describe you?
I think I'd go with adventurous, proactive and empathetic.
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