October 20, 2006

Cultural Ambassador

Evergreen resident Akash Dey looks to make
a difference worldwide at the age of 15

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Dedicated, committed, responsible and outgoing, Akash Dey (15) is the kind of student any teacher would be delighted to have. He is also the kind of son that makes a mother proud.

Evergreen resident Akash Dey, with the Sydney Harbor Bridge in the background, during a trip to Australia as a People to People Student Ambassador at the age of 12.

In addition to being chosen to attend a leadership conference in Washington, D.C., Dey has won the Presidential Award, as well as the Mayor’s Commendation from the City of San Jose for Academics and Leadership. He has been featured in the 2006 America’s Who’s Who among American High School Students and was recently inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars, which recognizes academic excellence and encourages members to apply their unique talents, vision and potential for the betterment of themselves and the world.

“I still am seeking new avenues every day of my life,” said Dey. “I can't thank anyone enough for their contributions, as every teacher and mentor has helped me seek the path that I feel so proud to tread on. I feel truly blessed.”

Dey’s mother, Mita, has also been an ongoing influence in her son’s life, from exposing him to politics to travel and world culture, as well as teaching him life lessons, family values and character.

Dey and Mita joined proactive Evergreen residents on a visit to the state legislature in Sacramento on May 23, 2005, to express their concern with the lack of appropriate funding for education. Taken seriously, the District 8 residents were addressed by State Finance Director Tom Campbell and Senators Abel Maldonado and Elaine Alquist.

“It was worth it for the benefit of learning what’s going on,” said Mita. “It gave us some understanding of politics.”

For Dey, the devastating tsunami, which struck 12 countries on December 26, 2005, following a 9.0 earthquake centered in the Indian Ocean, was personal. Dey was visiting family in India at the time and his cousin had a close call.

“She was vacationing in Phuket, Thailand,” he said, “and was very lucky to be late in reaching the beach or else today it would be a different story.”

Dey worked to raise money for the victims and their families, both at school and within the community, meeting with his school’s principal as well as City Council members to assist in relief efforts.

Dey’s personal motto is to build bridges and break barriers through communication. It is so important to him to connect with others that he strives to incorporate this into his daily life.

Comfortable traveling, he has visited more countries in his 15 years than many do in a lifetime, including England, Italy, France, Austria, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, India and Thailand. On Oct. 19, as the only sophomore of the group, he accompanied high school seniors to Japan for two weeks as an exchange student.

“I really enjoy learning about other cultures,” he said.

Dey’s independent travels began at age 12, during the summer after sixth grade, when he experienced “a lifetime adventure” traveling to New Zealand and Australia as a People to People Student Ambassador. Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, student delegations have journeyed to 34 countries on six continents reinforcing the People to People mission of peace through cultural understanding.

Students in the Ambassador Program are nominated by their teachers, principals or community leaders. Before embarking on their journeys, the students and their families attend a series of orientation meetings designed to teach them about the history and culture of the countries they will visit, as well as preparing them for their solo adventure abroad.

Fifteen-year-old Akash Dey is quite the traveler at a young age, having visited England, Italy, France, Austria, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, India and Thailand.

In New Zealand, in addition to touring the ‘Lord of the Rings’ film set, Dey danced with the Maoris, visited volcanoes, shared breakfast with the New Zealand Rugby team and stayed at a farm learning to milk cows and churn butter.

Dey found Australia enchanting and truly a magical land. There he toured the Opera House, Darling Harbor, zoo and Sydney Harbor Bridge. He also went snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef.

“Beauty does lie in the eye of the beholder,” he said. “One has to see it to believe it.”

Dey says he will treasure this experience for years to come.

“These places will beckon me forever,” he said. 

Mita believes that through these experiences, Dey has gained maturity and self-confidence. When the family traveled to Europe, his parents marveled at how well he planned the trip and how comfortable he was traveling.

“He is an avid traveler,” said Mita, “and when we’re traveling, I bank on him.”

Currently an alumnus with People to People (P2P), Dey credits the program with being the stepping stone of his success.

Through P2P, he won an Alumni Achiever Scholarship Award of $1,000, which was awarded to his school.

“After my expedition with P2P, I have really succeeded in many leadership roles,” he said. “I am a member of my student council for the second consecutive year serving as treasurer.”

A sophomore at Saint Lawrence Academy, Dey is also a member of the California Scholarship Federation, Peer Helper Club, and Literary Guild Club at his school.

“While I pursue my innumerable dreams, I appreciate the boost given to me by P2P,” he said. “I totally am honored to have been a part of this organization.”

Mita said that her son is peace loving, a good listener and takes life seriously.

“He is concerned about the world,” she said, “and an extremely compassionate person.”

In his senior year, through the National Society of High School Students, Dey hopes to work in an orphanage or build homes in Europe.

Dey plans to attend a four-year college such as Harvard or the University of California and become a lawyer.

“I love to travel and help the world with whatever I can,” he said. “I enjoy reaching out to people…and hope one day I can really serve the world well.”