Meet Data Intern, Mythri Galpotthawela! [WCA ebulletin #25]

Hi everyone! My name is Mythri Galpotthawela.

I was born and raised in northern Westchester and am a rising junior at Bucknell University. I am majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Children’s Studies while on the pre-health track because I hope to work in the pediatrics field.

During my time at WCA as a Research and Data Intern, I have been able to work under the guidance of Limarie Cabrera on several projects. WCA’s mission to improve the well-being of children in Westchester drew me in. The achievements of WCA are absolutely incredible and I knew I wanted to be a part of the change that they are making. As a data intern, I was given the opportunity to work on the development of a Children’s Budget to track the level of investment in children and youth in Westchester County as well as a fact sheet to be released this fall about mental health concerns.

With this mental fact sheet, WCA aims to use key indicators to portray the struggles of children and youth in Westchester County. These struggles may have unforeseen consequences. The data shows that, even before the pandemic, many children were burdened by mental health concerns. Our analysis has shown high rates of alcohol and drug use, high self-harm, and emergency room visits among youth. With this information, WCA will be able to help guide and inform Westchester families and empower partners to get the resources and support that children need.

I am so incredibly grateful for the experience I have had with WCA. Being able to work on this project with my amazing mentor, Limarie, along with the rest of the wonderful staff at WCA has been such an honor.

 

 

Check out our 2022 Community Snapshots available online at
wca4kids.org/snapshots

 

See other articles in WCA eBulletin #25

 

 

Subscribe to stay updated with WCA
and receive our monthly eBulletin.