Student Testimonial: BETA Camp

Anagha Hamsala - BETA Camp

Why did you choose to participate in BETA Camp?

I was always interested in both medicine and business; I just didn’t know how I could make use of them together. I had participated in business clubs before, but they were very structured experiences. I was looking for something that would allow me to get more real-world experience, and really open the doors for me creatively. BETA Camp is all about hands-on learning: you learn business and a leadership mindset by creating your own startup. I wanted to see what it was like to create my own business, and explore my passion for business, while also getting the skills and mindset you need as a leader in any field.

How did you decide that BETA Camp was right for you?

When I found BETA Camp, one thing that caught my attention was how I could have a real-world impact in high school, and I didn’t need to wait to graduate college to start my career. At BETA Camp, you're talking to real world experts, getting advice from them, and working alongside them. I think there's nothing more valuable than starting to get that real world experience at a young age.

What was a typical day at BETA Camp?

My typical day at BETA Camp was filled with knowledge-filled workshops conducted by subject-matter experts in technology, business, science and engineering. We also had mentoring sessions on how to tackle challenges that we faced in our startup. Throughout the program, I was able to correlate patterns and solve problems within the real world.

What was the most memorable moment at BETA Camp?

There was a day when I felt as if everything were falling apart and no progress was being made. But I heard myself repeating the wise words of our Program Director: “If you have an idea, launch it. Entrepreneurship is one of those places where if you don’t go after an idea, it’ll wither.” This advice was a turning point in my journey, and many times afterwards.

What advice do you have for teens looking at summer programs?

Often, when looking at programs many teens consider the quality and quantity of a program. But, also consider the quantity and quality of effort you are willing to put into it. When I was searching for programs, I was drawn to BETA Camp because I knew that the amount of effort I put into it would return back to me in so many different ways throughout the course of my career. BETA Camp was the program which allowed me to cultivate a different mindset and another level of experience altogether to pursue the opportunities I have now.