KEISHA DUREJA

I am a student at Northeastern University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) on the Pre-Law track, driven by a strong commitment to an interdisciplinary exploration and critical analysis of governance, ethics and legal frameworks. As an award-winning debater with a highly inquisitive approach, I bring different perspectives into view. I plan to continue pursuing Politics, Philosophy, and Economics to prepare myself for a career in International and Criminal Law as a postgraduate degree.

Debates, 2018 — Present

Winner of the Middle School Winter Tournament held by Speech and Debate India with an undefeated 6-0 record.

Received the individual diamond speaker award ranking among the Winter Tournament's top speakers.

High-performing team award. Recognised for strong and high overall performance in the Winter Tournament.

Tournament leader award.

Awarded for the highest Win-Loss record during the Speech and Debate India Winter Tournament.

Selected to attend the 35th Annual Stanford Invitational

Directly qualified for Nationals. Qualified as the 7th best in the direct qualifiers.

Invited to Join the leader's circle alongside the top debaters in India.

Sports, 2015 — Present

Completed a 5 km swimathon at Khar gymkhana.

1st in 4 x 50-metre freestyle relay at RYP. (2019)1st in 4 x 50-metre medley relay at RYP.

2nd in 50-metre backstroke at Powai fest.

2nd in 50-metre butterfly at Powai fest.

2nd in 50-metre breaststroke at Powai fest.

2nd in the 50-metre freestyle at Powai fest.

2nd overall at Powai fest.

1st in 4 x 50-metre medley relay at acres club.

1st in 4 x 50-metre freestyle relay at acres club.

3rd in 50-metre butterfly at TAISI as a representative for Nahar International School.

3rd in the 50-metre freestyle at TAISI as a representative for Nahar International School.

1st in an Intra-school box cricket tournament (as team captain)

And many more where I was a top performer individually.

Pre-University Summer School at King’s College London, London, July 2024 — July 2024

• Accepted to attend summer school at Kings College London for their Pre-University Law Course.
• Worked on learning different types of law ranging from criminal to corporate by analyzing cases.
• Wrote an essay on the prevalence of the Death Penalty and received one of the highest grades awarded in the cohort

Writing, John Locke Essay Competition

• Awarded high commendation for a well-researched and analytical essay on bedtime authority and enforcement, incorporating psychological theories such as operant conditioning, social learning, and cognitive dissonance.
• Explored legal perspectives by analyzing the effectiveness of bedtime as a rule versus a guideline, applying real-world frameworks including parental authority, moral development, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Participant and Judge, Model United Nations (MUN) Grade 6-Present

• Actively engaged in MUN, recognized at Diplomathon Global (2018, 2019), SISMUN (2021), and GAMA MUN (2022).
• Having displayed exceptional debate and diplomacy skills, judged MUN conferences in Mumbai and Dubai.

Participant and Judge, Speech and Debate India Grade 7-Present

• Won Middle School Winter Tournament (2020-2021); termed Diamond Speaker and High-Performing Team member
• Served as a judge for National Debates, Speech and Debate India, evaluating participants on argumentation and delivery.

Cambridge Legal Conference for Young Lawyers Grade 11

• Gained exposure to British legal systems through interactive mock trials and case analysis workshops, enhancing critical thinking and courtroom skills. Attended specialized sessions on research methods & legal ethics, refining research skills.
• Connected with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a deeper appreciation for international legal practices and perspectives. Gained essential insights into various law specializations, including criminal and constitutional law.

Harvard Young Leaders Program

• Selected to receive certification for high-achieving students and be trained on leadership skills from Harvard faculty. (June 2024)

● IGCSE Distinction: Achieved an overall distinction, demonstrating academic excellence across all subjects. (May, 2023)

● School Achievement Recognition: Accredited for hard work and commitment to the school community. (2023-2024)