Introduction

My name is Bhumika Prem, I’m 17 years old, and I’m a part of the class of 2026 at Phillips Exeter Academy. In my free time, I enjoy making art, reading, volunteering, and doing research projects. My favorite book genres are mysteries and classics.

Background

As a legal immgrant, I moved to the United States when I was less than a year old, where I’ve grown into a passionate advocate for legal dreamers like myself. In the spring of 9th grade, I had the opportunity to give a talk at TEDxPortsmouth, one of the largest TEDx events in the country. In my talk, I spoke about my experience as a teenage legal dreamer in order to spread awareness about the hundreds of thousands kids of legal immigrants who are at risk of aging out of the system.

At Phillips Exeter, I founded A(rt): More Possibilities in STEM, the Academy STEAM club, where our primary goal as a club is to explore the fascinating relationship between the arts and STEM. In addition to this, I am involved in various other organizations on campus. As the President of Harkness Meets Health, a peer education group, I lead our mission to promote holistic well-being through peer-led programs, events, and workshops. I also cohead the Exeter Research Club, Exeter Nails, and serve as a cohead of ESSO Robotics and ESSO Junior Computer Programming within the Exeter Student Service Organization (ESSO). And, as a day student representative, I represent the voices of day students in Student Council meetings and during council votes . Additionally, I hold a student-worker role as a Library Proctor in the Special Collections and Archives at the Phillips Exeter Library.

Interests and Passions

As an artist (you can check my art portfolio out in the tab in the toolbar titled: “Art Portfolio”) and someone who loves anything STEM-related, I combine the two to create STEAM. I also believe in closing the gender gap in STEM careers by implementing STEAM ideologies, which is a cause very close to my heart. By integrating arts and creativity into traditionally technical subjects, STEAM makes STEM more accessible. It promotes interdisciplinary approaches that blend innovation, design, and problem-solving, encouraging more diverse ways of thinking. Through early exposure, inclusive curriculums, visible female role models, and supportive networks, STEAM empowers girls to confidently explore STEM fields, fostering a sense of belonging and bridging the gender gap.

I’m also very passionate about encouraging and uplifitng youth voices. As youth, oftentimes, it’s difficult for our voices to be heard because we just don’t have a platform just made for us. After having the opportunity to speak at TEDxPortsmouth, I made it my goal to change this.