UM Student Selected as Finalist for Rhodes Scholarship

UM student Kartik Telukuntla recently received the honor of being selected as a finalist for the Rhodes scholarship, one of the oldest and most prestigious international fellowships in existence.

Applicants for the Rhodes scholarship are judged on the basis of "high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership, and physical vigor," according to Elliot F. Gerson, American Secretary of the Rhodes Trust. The ranks of past Rhodes scholars include famous names such as astronomer Edwin Hubble and former President Bill Clinton.

Candidates applying for the Rhodes must be endorsed by their university. Over 1500 students each year seek their institution's endorsement; this year, 805 were endorsed by 326 different colleges and universities. Selection Committees in each of 16 U.S. districts then invite the strongest applicants to be interviewed. UM endorsed two candidates this year and Telukuntla was among the 216 finalists to be interviewed for 32 scholarships.

On November 20, 2009, Telukuntla traveled to Birmingham, Alabama for the final round of interviews for District VII and competed against 11 other finalists in the region. Although he ultimately was not awarded the scholarship, he finds the experience invaluable and is proud to come as far as he did; "It was an honor and privilege to be considered a part of such an accomplished group of students. I know everyone wished for a different outcome, but I think I gained a whole lot from just going through this entire process. It has definitely forced me to think more about myself and what I truly want to accomplish in the future."

As member of the Medical Scholars program, Telukuntla will enter the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine this coming fall, upon completing his third year of undergraduate study. With majors in Political Science and Biology, Telukuntla's goal is "to bridge the fields of medicine and social policy to eliminate inequalities in our health care system. " In addition to serving as Chief Justice of the Student Government Supreme Court and President of the Honor Council, in February 2009 Telukuntla organized the Miami Poverty Conference, which brought together over 135 students and various non-profit agencies to raise awareness about the growing problem of poverty and to inspire students to volunteer in the Miami-Dade community.

"The quest for the Rhodes, is about reaching for the stars," according to Kefryn Reese, Director of Prestigious Awards and Scholarships at UM, who explained that the most successful candidates prepare for months, even years to compete for the award. Telukuntla spend hours upon hours revising his application, preparing for the interview and working with faculty mentors like Dr. Arthur M. Simon in the Political Science Department, among many others.

The institutional endorsement process for the Rhodes scholarship is coordinated through the Office of Academic Enhancement. For more information, students should contact Kefryn Reese, Director, Prestigious Awards and Fellowships at 305-284-5384 or e-mail prestigiousawards@miami.edu.