Our Newsletter editor Madhav Durbha interviewed Anamika Veeramani on her 2010 Scripps Spelling Bee win, her preparation for the same, and a lot of other topics. Read on:

Madhav: First of all, thanks for taking the time to talk to NSF! Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
Anamika: I would like to start by saying "Thanks" to Regional and National NSF for playing a pivotal role in my life! I am currently a freshman at Laurel school for girls in Cleveland, Ohio and aspire to become a caring healthcare professional. I play golf for my school's junior varsity team and enjoy speaking on international issues for my speech and debate varsity team at school.

Madhav: How did you get introduced to the Spelling Bee competitions? When did you start?
Anamika: As a 6-year old, I attended a regional NSF spelling bee contest to cheer my 7 year old friend who was participating in the bee. I don't remember much about the competition except that the words did not seem too daunting. But I vividly remember the cookies and pretzels that were served for the participants and the stringed placards that the participants got to hang around their neck. Looked real cool, I thought I nagged my mom to enroll me the following year so I could join the 'regal' participants' club and enjoy the special treatment granted to them. My wish was granted and boy was I glad when cookies and pretzels were upgraded to a cool 'snack' bag that year

Madhav: That is an interesting way to get introduced to the Bee contests! Tell us about your experiences preparing for the Spelling Bee. What did you like? What did you not like?
Anamika: I did not start out as a good speller. I am not good at memorizing. I was not one of those elite, exceptionally gifted 'prodigy' kids who shined at the bees at a very young age. I had lost several times before I started winning. I was a very shy girl who never wanted to stand out in a crowd and was very comfortable staying below the radar. But I am a hard worker and never give up easily. The harder something gets, stronger is my determination to overcome it. I do not get discouraged by failures and take both success and failure in stride. I liked the fact that spelling preparation actually helped me excel in other things. I learned a lot through spelling, including valuable soft skills and life lessons. I did not like it when some folks belittled spelling as a rote memorization activity. This characterization of spelling could not have been farther from the truth!

Madhav: Were you preparing throughout the year for the Bee? When did the Bee preparation season begin and end for you in any give year?
Anamika: There was no set beginning or end season for my bee preparation. I prepared for the bee whenever I found the time. I literally mean it. 15 minutes was not too little of a time to review spelling and neither was 8 hours over the weekends, too long a stretch for my spelling preparation. My sponsoring newspaper has a minimum grade restriction and only seventh and eighth graders are eligible to participate in our local bees. I got serious about spelling bee only after my regional win in seventh grade, which gave me about 2 bee seasons for intense preparation.

Madhav: What was your method of preparation? How many hours a day? What kind of materials did you use to help in preparation?
Anamika: I am a context learner. So, I learned by reading books for the most part. I am not good at studying lengthy lists of words. At the very least, I need a sentence that enforces the definition of the word and its context. I learned to spell words by internalizing the sentences and/or context that emphasized on the word usage. I have a passion for the English language, love for exploring language roots and coining my own 'eccentric' words. I enjoy uncovering definitions based on roots and etymology. I did not have a set schedule for spelling preparation.

Madhav: Did you have a coach? What is the role of coach in spelling?
Anamika: My fourth grade English teacher was my coach in school. My mom was my coach at home. Both my coaches were primarily motivational and strategy coaches. They are very knowledgeable on the subject but were also very respectful of my learning method and propensity to dictate my own pace. They fully trusted my capabilities and instincts. They knew when to back off and when to nudge me back on track. They helped me immensely with organizing my priorities and juggling my busy schedule. For the most part, they let me 'own' the study process and that gave me the freedom to drive the effort!

Madhav: What about taking courses in foreign languages such as Spanish, French, etc? Do such courses help with spelling preparation? Did you take any courses / classes in foreign languages to help with your Spelling Bee preparation?
Anamika: I took Spanish in school as part of my curriculum. I do not recall any moment during my study sessions when I felt that not knowing a language was a handicap. But that's not to say, it wouldn't have helped. I did not take on any foreign language course outside of school to help with spelling preparation. I guess it would not hurt to take a foreign language course IF one had more of that precious commodity called 'time' .

Madhav: Any special techniques, tips, or tricks you like to share with our readers?
Anamika: My spelling bee win is an irrefutable testimony for the value of reading. There is no substitute for reading! I did spelling because I really enjoyed it and not so much for winning the Scripps championship or NSF championship. The strong desire to win came only in the last year of my eligibility. So I did not get bogged down by any pressure to perform. Lack of negative stress really helped me focus my efforts efficiently. Choosing your passion and pursuing it without worrying about the outcome is a sure recipe to success, in my opinion.

Madhav: Did spelling ever get monotonous and boring for you? How did you manage to stay focused and motivated?
Anamika: Since I was involved in several activities, I just switched between activities when one of them got monotonous. But I confess that the switch was mostly to spelling rather than away from it. When you love something, motivation and focus follow suit, I think

Madhav: Do you have a role model? Why is this person your role model?
Anamika: I actually have no role model. I don't want to be confined to the abilities and eccentricities of another person. I don't mean this in an arrogant way. But I want to 'trail blaze' and traverse a path no one has taken, drawing from within. Just want to see where it takes me

Madhav: I hear the argument that too much emphasis on Spelling Bee preparation takes time away from other subjects and extra-curricular activities. What is your opinion?
Anamika: Speaking from personal experience, I did not give up any of my other extra curricular activities or subject time for spelling. My parents made it very clear to us that no extracurricular activity including spelling could out-shadow school work and school activities. There can only be one champion (or two) a year at the Scripps and sacrificing other activities for the sole purpose of winning the spelling bee championship is too much of a risk and would put us at a clear disadvantage in high school and beyond, in my humble opinion.

Madhav: What role did your family play in your preparation?
Anamika: My mom, dad and brother were always there for me ever willing to assist me with any tactical need, be it look up a word for me or add color to my study sessions with interesting and creative anecdotes and stories. My parents worked their professional lives and busy schedules around our lives. Education is second only to character integrity and they demonstrated this priority sequence in every decision they made. Every time we strayed away from this 'family code' and tested our limits we were lovingly but very firmly pulled back

Madhav: One comment I heard from many people was about how calm you were when you were declared the spelling bee champ. There wasn't much of an emotion. How did you manage to stay calm? Is that how you are as a person?
Anamika: Several people have asked me this question So I have done some soul searching on this. It is for the most part just my personality. I just am not comfortable wearing my emotions on my sleeve. Also, while it was nice to win, I would not have been very upset if I hadn't. I am pretty even keeled for the most part. There can only be one (or maybe two) champion in a year and it does not mean that the champion is the only person who deserved the win. I strongly believe that while the champion rightfully earned the win, there were several others who worked equally hard and deserved to win, but just didn't get the same break. So, in that sense my win is just a point-in-time triumph, in my opinion. If I had lost, I would have reacted the same way I would have been able to drown my disappointment by making a beeline exit to my room and watching the 'top chef' show recording for a bit and would have moved on. We kids are pretty resilient Successes and failures don't affect me too much.

Madhav: Has life changed any after the Spelling Bee win? In what way?
Anamika: People recognize me after the win. I have to be more careful about what I do and the choices I make because I have a higher responsibility now than before the win. I have the responsibility of serving as a good example to younger kids that may want to look up to me for inspiration and I don't want to take that honor lightly.

Madhav: Is going to the school same after Spelling Bee? Do your classmates, friends, and teachers now treat you any differently than before?
Anamika: I graduated from that 'nerd' kid to the 'cool' kid on our block that was on Jimmy Kimmel show, after the spelling bee . On a serious note, the win has definitely garnered a lot of respect from my friends, classmates and teachers. The whole school rallied and celebrated my win along with friends and family! Spelling bee win has eased my transition into my new high school tremendously. I have been able to gain new friends easily. I have been able to enroll into very challenging courses dear to my heart, in my freshman year without having to do a lot of 'haggling' because my new teachers trust me to handle them well. My Old Catholic school is very appreciative of the fact that I helped put the school on the national map and boosted enrollment visibly.

Madhav: What do you think of the Asian-American, especially Indian-American, winning spree at the bee competitions? Other than getting earlier start on Bee competitions through organizations such as NSF, any other reasons you can think of?
Anamika: One of the very few benefits of being a British colony for a while, maybe?? Coupled with our strong and close family culture … sealing the 'winning streak' deal with a modicum of passion, hard work and discipline, maybe?

Madhav: Do you read books? Who are your favorite authors?
Anamika: I read voraciously. If ever I get locked out in a building I would gladly accept and enjoy being locked up in a library Add a kitchen to the library and I am all set I actually read anything and everything I come across. I confess that includes Harry Potter and Series of unfortunate events alongside poignant ones like 'Flowers for Algernon' penned by Daniel Keyes.

Madhav: I have to ask this question… Do you get TV time? How many minutes/hours a day? What are your favorite shows?
Anamika: I do watch TV quite a bit….. But I am not addicted to it. I watch for the sole purpose of relaxing, unwinding and getting out of the 'blues'. 'Top Chef' and MSNBC's 'Rachel Maddow Show' are my favorite shows. I love Rachel Maddow's delivery style, confidence, cool impertinence, and empathy.

Madhav: What about electronic games? How many minutes/hours a day?
Anamika: I am not a fan of electronic games. Provoking my brother when he plays them is more appealing to me

Madhav: What is your next challenge after the Spelling Bee?
Anamika: Brain Bee; NFL's International Extemp Speech; Golf; Author books…get into Harvard…. traverse a path that nobody has tread on before, with wind packed in my sail…

Madhav: What are your career plans? What do you want to be?
Anamika: I want to become a Cardio vascular surgeon by trade and an author by vocation.

Madhav: What is your goal in life? I mean, not just professionally but at a personal level.
Anamika: I want to wildly explore the world and then come back into the folds of my loving family!

Madhav: What has been your association with NSF so far? Will you continue to stay involved with NSF?
Anamika: I have been a participant thus far. But once I graduate from 'participant' status I would like to get involved with the other side of the bees – with pronouncing, facilitating etc. and watch other kids sweat it out…..just kidding about the sweating part

Madhav: Any advice for our young readers?
Anamika: Enjoy the process! Don't stress over the outcome! Life is a journey not a destination! Really!

Madhav: Anamika! It is a pleasure talking to you. We wish you all the best!
Anamika: Thanks. I truly appreciate the honor! Sincere best wishes for all NSF participants, past and present. Let's conquer, together!

NSF Family needs no special introduction to Mr. Mirle Shivashankar, a very active NSF volunteer and Parent Coach of Spripps Spelling Bee 2009 champion Kavya Shivashankar. Please read the below note by him to the NSF Community.

Kavya and I have been repeatedly asked by several people if we blog, specifically in regards to spelling. Finally, we decided to give it a try and we introduced a blog site (www.shivashankars.com) earlier this year.  We started this blog, with the intention to recall some of the experiences that we have had as a family during this spelling odyssey of ours. Anticipating the readers of this blog to be past spellers, current spellers, future spellers, and/or simply spelling fans, this blog is meant to create a platform for readers to share their spelling bee experiences that will help the next generation of spellers.  We are also pleased to let you know that the blogging team just became stronger – we recently added a four time Scripps National Spelling Bee veteran to the blog team, who has willingly accepted to contribute to this effort. This team will be posting to this blog on a regular basis throughout the spelling season and beyond.  We are urging spelling patrons to subscribe to the blog and read what other spellers have to say and share your own spelling bee experience!   - Mirle Shivashankar

One great resource that was brought to our attention in the recent past is the Khan Academy. This is a not-for-profit with the goal of changing the education for better by providing world-class education to anyone anywhere.

All of the site’s resources are available to anyone. It doesn’t matter if you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20 years, or a friendly alien just trying to get a leg up in earthly biology. The Khan Academy’s materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge. Please take a moment to visit http://www.khanacademy.org/ to familiarize with this great, free educational resource for you and your children.

Online Coaching for MathCounts and Pre-MathCounts was started in 2009. Volunteers hold these coaching sessions online, normally once every week starting from September.  Thanks to the dedicated effort of Mr. Prasad Babu of Cleveland, Ohio and all the MathCounts coaches across USA, this program is successfully entering its second year.
The objective of the MathCounts coaching is to get the children to start working and thinking about MathCounts kind of problems and getting used to homework schedule. You can register for the MathCounts or Pre-MathCounts Coaching class, when the registration opens in August 2011, by logging in to http://www.northsouth.org as a “Parent”.
If you are not a registered “Parent” in NSF, click here to register. The registration donation goes as Scholarship for a needy college student in India.
A brief outline of what to expect once you are registered:

• Schedule for the coaching session from a coach and time of your choice amongst the available options
• Weekly invitation for the online meeting
• Weekly homework (Min 15-20 problems)
• 2 hours/week, about 15 week coaching session
• Children will solve approximately 300 problems throughout the entire coaching session

The above details may change depending on the type of service (MathCounts/Pre-MathCounts), coach, and the registered level of the student.
Please contact nsfcoaching@gmail.com for any further questions

NSF congratulates the following NSF children who qualified for MathCounts nationals. This list is not complete as the qualifiers are ongoing. If a student participated in the MathCounts coaching program, name of the coach is indicated in the parentheses:

• Ashwin Sah, 6th Grader from Oregon (coached by Mahi Akkina)
• Kartik Dhinakaran, 8th Grader from Ohio (coached by Mahi Akkina)
• Gayathri Ganesan, 8th Grader from Puerto Rico (coached by Siva Padisetty)
• Akshya Prabhushankar, 8th Grader from Kansas (coached by Anil Sethi)
• Ankan Bhattacharya, 6th Grader from Michigan

NSF congratulates the following NSF children who qualified for the Scripps Spelling Bee finals. This list is not complete as several states / counties are still holding their Spelling Bee contests. Also included are the press releases:

• Surabhi Iyer, 6th grader from Franklin, MA. http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2011/03/10/after_spelling_ionize_6th_grader_lionized/
• Swetha Jasti, 7th grader from Olathe, KS http://www.kansascity.com/2011/02/10/2646768/thursdays-olathe-district-spelling.html
• Dhivya Senthil Murugan, 5th grader from Denver, CO http://www.denverpost.com/recommended/ci_17655110
• Siddarth Varanasi, 7th grader from Canton, MI http://detnews.com/article/20110226/METRO01/102260366/Canton-student-wins-second-News-spelling-bee--will-compete-in-D.C.
• Mahati Vavilala, 8th grader from Novi, MI http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/03/20/news/local_news/doc4d868c37b22bf412078703.txt
• Snigdha Nandipati, 7th grader from San Diego, CA http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42221722/ns/local_news-san_diego_ca/

Once a year, many corporate employers in the US run United Way campaign as a way to donate to the local charities. During the campaign, each company sends out a request to employees for contribution to United Way.

Some of you may be aware of this United Way campaign with prior experience through your employer. A few chapter coordinators, including Sampath Narayanan and Vengat Sidheswaran (Tampa, FL ), and Bhaskar Rudraraju (Columus, OH) helped with adding NSF to the predefined list of organizations to receive donations through United Way. This paved the way for all NSF parents in Tampa and Columbus to re-direct their United Way donations to NSF.
 
If you have United Way through your employer, you can help with NSF’s mission in helping economically disadvantaged but bright children in India pursue college education. You can also help in getting the valuable donations in your chapter to NSF through United Way.
 
Please contact one of the following with your comments/questions. Thank you and look forward to hearing from all of you.
 
Contact one of the following from Fund Raising Team/United Way Campaign: 
Sampath Narayanan (nsf.tampa@gmail.com) 
Vengat Sidheswaran (vengatesans@hotmail.com)  
Bhaskar Rudraraju (rudrab@gmail.com)
Venkat Gade (venkatgade1@yahoo.com)

The world is turning, fueled by you and you and you. Where would Shakespeare be without you, constructing Romeo, and who else? NASA would be stuck on the ground. We would still be falling off the edge of the world. Mozart and Homer, would they be anything more than just skin cells on paper, dust to be shaken out with the Saturday laundry? Or are they preserved in ink on pages upon crumbling pages? But you—YOU. You put thoughts in our heads, voices in our throats. You spread like wildfire among the masses and now—now ink is flowing, fingers are crafting, events are set in motion, causing tidal waves of invention, inundations of movement, even an apocalypse of progress. And the world keeps turning, just a little faster.