Bright mind with a worldly view

Glen Waverley student Riya Desai is one of the bright minds that has just returned from competing in the Future Problem Solving International (FSPI) competition at Michigan State University in the United States.

Riya was introduced to the program in 2014 and has since expanded her knowledge about global issues and how to solve them, as well as giving students the tools to extend their ability in reading and writing.

Riya’s teacher, Elizabeth Chapman, recognised her strength and ability to compete in the individual Global Issues Problem Solving competition, rather than in the team competition.

Future Problem Solving International competition was founded in 1974 and encourages children to develop a vision for the future and prepares them for leadership roles. The annual event brings together students from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, Japan, Korea, Turkey and Portugal.

“I am very interested in social justice issues in relation to gender and marriage equality, as well as racial and cultural equality. I am also interested in the stigma surrounding mental health.”

Riya’s trip to Michigan State University was the peak in a process for the competition, which required answers to the practice problems to be submitted prior to the event. Riya’s potential to be a future leader looks bright with her involvement in this internationally-renowned event and we look forward to following her progress.