"Madeira Has Always Been a Part of Me;" Siyana Rao '26

For more than half a century, our Co-Curriculum internship program has immersed students in meaningful, hands-on professional environments. Madeira proudly remains the only school in the country that ensures all of its students gain experience through three remarkable five-week internships before finishing high school. Today we're thrilled to hear from senior Siyana Rao as she reflects on her internships and Madeira experience as a whole.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Siyana Rao, and I am a four-year senior Day student from McLean, Virginia. This year, I serve as Senior Day Co-Class President and Captain of the Madeira varsity soccer team. During my junior year, I was Co-Head of the Outreach Committee and a STAR (Student Admissions Representative). Outside of academics and leadership, dance has always been a huge part of my life, and I love being able to stay connected to it alongside everything else I do at Madeira.

What brought you to Madeira as a prospective student and what made you want to stay?

I remember attending the “Chat with the Madeira Snails,” an online meeting for prospective students, in December of eighth grade and immediately feeling a sense of belonging. Listening to students talk about how much they loved the school, describing traditions they looked forward to each year, wearing their Madeira sweatshirts, and laughing together, made the community feel so genuine and close-knit. I felt that same feeling when I came for revisit day and saw everyone waving signs. Madeira felt warm and welcoming, like people truly wanted you to succeed and become your best self.

Madeira also felt like home long before I officially became a student. My mom and my aunt both graduated from Madeira, and through their stories and experiences, I have felt connected to the community for most of my life. Choosing Madeira felt like continuing something that has always been a part of me, and I hope to someday carry this legacy forward.

How has Madeira supported your interests, in the classroom and out?

Madeira has supported my interests in so many ways, both in and out of the classroom. My teachers and advisor are always genuinely interested in my ideas and ready to help me explore them. In the spring of my junior year, I wrote a legislative proposal on menstrual equity in my History class. I was able to get it published on my own over the summer and my teachers were so encouraging. Outside the classroom, Madeira has given me space to grow in ways I never expected. Being a Student Admissions Representative, my junior year felt full circle. It reminded me why I first chose Madeira and gave me the chance to share that same welcoming experience with other students. I never imagined I’d have the confidence to be class president, and now serving as senior Day Co-Class President has taught me so much about leadership and public speaking. Even trying lacrosse for the first time as a junior pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover new interests. This year, I appreciated that the Madeira Co-Curriculum department supported my decision to choose a Co-Curriculum placement that aligns more closely with what I hope to pursue in the future. 

^{Siyana and Representative Marc Veasey}

Could you speak more about your Co-Curriculum experience? Where did you spend your placements, and what did you do? How did those experiences impact your plans for the future?

Through the Co-Curriculum program, I’ve been able to explore my interests in real, hands-on ways. During my sophomore year, I worked as a teacher’s assistant in a preschool classroom at Garfield Elementary School. Being in an elementary classroom at a Title I school showed me the importance of early education and how much I love working with children. I learned so much about patience and communication, and I gained a deeper appreciation for the vital role educators play in students’ lives.

The winter of my junior year, I interned on Capitol Hill with Representative Marc Veasey for Texas’ 33rd district. This experience was one of the most eye-opening and transformative 5 weeks of my life. I answered phone calls, networked with staffers, attended hearings, and worked at the front desk. I also helped the office prepare for the Presidential Inauguration, which gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how much coordination and collaboration it takes for the government to function. Being on the Hill allowed me to see policy and advocacy work together and talk about issues like menstrual equity, that I'm very passionate about.

^{Siyana and Desai Foundation Operations Manager Abhinab Shakya Pradhan}

This year, as a senior, I interned with The Desai Foundation, where I focused on global health, women’s empowerment, and access to resources for marginalized communities in India. I worked with the operations manager and learned about logistics and the behind the scenes of a non-profit. I managed CRM platforms and fundraising sheets, updated standard operating procedures, and wrote a research paper on their Asani Sanitary Napkin Program. It was 100% virtual, but I took time to visit one of their offices in Boston to meet and work with my supervisor and one of my mentors there. Because it was a virtual job, I was initially unsure whether or not I would have enough of a work experience since I wouldn’t be working in an actual office, but by the end of the five weeks I had acclimated so well that I felt as if I had been a part of their organization for a long time.

What's a moment that stands out to you from each year here at Madeira?

Freshman year: I met some of my best friends through soccer, and they quickly became the people I spent most of my time with at school. Being around such smart and motivated classmates pushed me to challenge myself academically. At the same time, getting close with my advisory made school feel a lot less overwhelming, and I knew I’d have an amazing support system for the next four years.

Sophomore year: Having the same physics class with Dr Guzman for Mods 1, 4, and 7 gave me the chance to make so many new friends. Working at an elementary school made me feel older and taught me a lot about patience, responsibility, and the importance of community. I also got a glimpse of what having a real job is really like.

Junior year: Ms. Pollard and Ms. Felmus’ history classes quickly became two of my favorite classes at Madeira because they were so fun and energetic. Interning on Capitol Hill and meeting other interns as an upperclassman gave me a huge boost in confidence and independence. In the spring, I decided to try lacrosse for the first time. I loved the team and coach, Mr. Pratt, so much that even though I didn’t make the official roster, I became a team manager just so I could practice with them during D-Block and help out at games. 

Senior year: Being class president has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at Madeira. Speaking regularly at school assemblies and class meetings has given me more confidence, and this leadership role has given me valuable experience collaborating closely with students, faculty, and the Associate Dean of Student Life and Culture, Ms. Zeavin. Some of my favorite senior-year memories are the traditions I’ve loved, like wearing white for the first time and ringing the senior bell on the first day of school. AP Calculus has been challenging, but it taught me a lot about balance and not giving up. I’ve also really enjoyed simple perks like having first lunch every Mod and the privilege of Senior Clubhouse. 

Could you describe your Madeira experience in three words?

Impactful, empowering, and memorable.

So, what does the next chapter look like for you?

I’m planning to study Public Policy on a pre-health track in college while staying connected to dance and sports!

Thank you for sharing, Siyana! We're sure that you'll continue to thrive as you complete senior year and launch to the next chapter. To read more reflections, please visit our Co-Curriculum wall.

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