Click here to meet Kavitha in video!
What does Kavitha think of the World Trek? (video)

Who did you grow up with?
My parents were divorced, so I mostly grew up with my moman artist and a great cook, and anything but conventional. To balance things out I spent weekends with my traditional Indian father, who is a meteorologist and oceanographer, and my stepmom who is the only one in my family who has retained the Hindu practices of our roots. And finally, there's my older sister Pramila. She's six years older than me and we spent most of our time 'growing up' fighting and telling on each other, but we're finally over that and are actually good friends now.

Do you have any pets?
Unfortunately I was cursed with what must be one of the worst allergies known to man and I'm allergic to most pets - the fun ones at least! I used to have fish.

What do you like to do with your friends?
EAT! We love going out or cooking big meals together. We also love music.live music, stuff that makes you boogey preferably, although sitting around listening to some good jazz is nice too.

What things are you afraid of?
I'm afraid of violence.

What is your favorite food?
This could be a long one! I love Thai food, yams, good guacamole, pumpkin pie, spicy Indian food (but I've got high standards), dark chocolate, and pretty much anything with a lot of garlic!

What is your advice to young people today?
Turn off the TV!!!

Who or what has had an especially strong influence on the direction of your life?
My sister. She was the first person in my life to introduce me to< service, travel, and activism three things which I would say pretty much define my life now. I remember going to volunteer at a soup kitchen in D.C. with her and how proud I was of her friendships and familiarity with the homeless who came to eat there. Then there was always the postcard from some remote part of the world from riding buses in Malaysia, to climbing up Machu Pechu in Peru I couldn't wait to see what my adventurous sister was up to. Oh yes, I also could never forget when my crazy sister took me with her to stand outside the Pentagon holding up a peace banner. Who would have thought that one day I'd be motivating others to make their own banners and march out in the streets when they see something that is unjust.