ASSIGNMENT

Achievement in simple terms means accomplishment of an aim or purpose. It involves various success factors such as hard work, determination, dedication, strong passion, genes, environment and luck which varies person-to-person. Among these factors, genes, hard work, intelligence, environment and luck are the most common and major factors which are evident in the lives of successful persons. I feel very privileged to write an essay about the person whom I adore the most, a charismatic, simple, helpful and well qualified professor. Apart from being a good teacher her personality has drawn my attention towards her to consider her as a subject of this essay. In her case all major success factors have played an equal and prominent role for her achievement in academics as well as in grooming her into a better human being. Born and brought up in an educated and religious family in Hyderabad, she completed her Bachelors in Science from Osmania University, Masters in Chemistry from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, and Ph. D from University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. GENES: It is known by research that 40% of genes responsible for intelligence are inherited. In case of my subject, this factor has contributed a lot to her success. From a family of 5 Ph. D holders, including her siblings, father, paternal uncle, she had the intelligence governing genes to complete her Ph.D in Crystallography and Biochemistry. She has been receiving awards since her bachelors and was awarded Poster Prize for her academic achievement, consecutively for 5 years during her Ph.D at University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. Her father is a geophysicist (scientist), a lifetime achievement awardee and her mother is an excellent home maker and a literature enthusiast. They have greatly contributed to her achievement and genetic intelligence. Since it has been observed that all members of family in the current and past few generations have excelled in their chosen fields it signifies the involvement of genes that have contributed to her intelligence. ENVIRONMENT: Environment nurtures intelligence. Environmental enrichment affects cognition and intellectual development from a neurobiological perspective. More stimulating

environments can increase the number of synapses in the brain which increases synaptic activity resulting in intellectual development. According to scientific study environment and its interaction with genes result in 50% intelligence. Though genetic trials are present unless a congenial environment is provided, traits cannot be expressed to fullest. Having home life conducive to learning accompanied by healthy competition among siblings helped her to reach greater heights. Apart from this she also had the opportunity to study at reputed institutions under the guidance of talented teachers and researchers. This positive environment at home and institutions have played a crucial role in shaping her successful career and personality. LUCK: The truth associated with luck is that it only favours a prepared mind and is associated with destiny (Karma). It has also played role in determining her destiny, wherein she was lucky to enroll into reputed PU college which was initially all boys college during her schooling and later got transformed into co-educational system in the year she finished her schooling. She was also lucky enough to be eligible for IIT Exam (an year later the rules for eligibility were changed) and secured 8th rank (AIR) in the IIT entrance. Though contribution of luck factor was low when compared to intelligence and environment, it cannot be neglected. She being a woman has come a very long way to become successful and fulfil her dreams. She has been successful enough to reach the status of being an Assistant Professor in a reputed institution of Bangalore .I have great respect for her and am thankful to her for giving me the opportunity to know about her innumerable contributions to the field of teaching and research. To conclude ,her success was from hard work, genes and sound environment wherein luck factor also played a role in moulding that success and reaching the target. Hence all success factors are important to achieve success in life.