Honor Society® member
Uma Atri-Benjamin
- music industry
- Class of 2028
- Joshua Tree, California
Member since October 2025
About
I am a junior attending Palm Springs High School, and I partake in multiple programs inside and outside of my school. I am part of our school's orchestra and choir directed by Dr. Jason Powell, as well as the water polo team and swim team, and I have a perfect GPA of 4.0 unweighted and 4.6 weighted. I take all honors and AP classes outside of my electives, and put in my best work for every class. I also take classes with the nearby community college, College of the Desert, and I am on track to complete my IGETC requirements and obtaining in Associates Degree in Spanish when I graduate high school.
Outside of school, I am a part of the MUSYCA Children's Choir and have been since I was 5 years old. I have had wonderful experiences with them, including performing at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion's annual Christmas Celebration, singing on KTLA 5 for the Holiday Season, and performing at Carnegie Hall in New York. I am also a part of the local acapella group for women, called Acoachella, and I participated in the Joshua Tree Philharmonic under the direction of Maestro Jarrod Radnich during the spring of 2025.
I volunteer regularly around my community and work around the neighborhood to help out the elderly in need.
I am very ambitious, and my hard work reflects that. Over time, I have learned how to manage my time properly, a skill I think is very important. I have also learned when to work and when it is time to rest, and to prioritize what is most important, so I still take care of myself mentally and physically.
Honors and awards
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principals honor roll
This award is given by the principal of Palm Springs High School to a student who achieves a 4.0 GPA or higher.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
I would like to become a professional in the music industry whether that be as an artist manager, music publicist, or music producer. As I work in that I would like to study to obtain my law degree in order to become an entertainment lawyer. Once I become an entertainment lawyer I would like to start a music production company or music production office on the side that I can produce music in with and for others, and that other musicians can rent out time in to produce their music.
- Graduate school interests
I am interested in attending USC Thornton School of Music to major in Music Industry and minor in songwriting. Afterward I would like to apply to a renowned entertainment law program at schools such as UCLA, USC Gould School of Law, or Harvard Law School (as I admire their Recording Artist Project) to become an entertainment lawyer.
- Outside the classroom
I enjoy writing songs and listening to music, playing instruments, and singing. I love to read fiction as it allows me to imagine and be immersed in a story, and self-improvement books to improve my mindset and learn something new that can help my life. I enjoy cooking and learning how to make new recipes. My favorite feeling is when I can cook a dish perfectly after making it many, many times; it's evidence that practice makes perfect.
I also like to make bracelets for my friends and family, and I feel so proud when I notice them wearing them. I enjoy doing other functional art projects that can decorate my room or improve my workspace, and making cards for birthdays of different people in my life.
Other fun things I have done and love to do when I get a chance are surf, ride horses, hike, go for a nice drive, grow plants, swim, and go camping with my family.
Experience
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gardening and house work
I worked at the Harrison House to make sure that their plants were watered and chickens were fed. I watered several different beds of plants on the location and maintained their large pile of compost. I also made sure that the chickens were healthy by feeding them, giving them their daily nutrients, cleaning their waterbuckets and refilling them, and collecting their eggs in a carton to put in the house. I did this work for several weeks during the summer when their manager was on a trip, and they were very happy with my work and asked me to return again.
Jun 2025 – Aug 2025
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food service employee
I worked for Elive Food when they had a food 'pop-up' at a local food store, Joshua Tree Health Foods. I took customers' orders, answered their questions, gave the orders to the cook, and gave the packaged food to the customers who ordered. Customers were satisfied with their service, some ordering food on their birthday or for other occasions. This pop-up was a great opportunity because in the desert there isn't much variety in the food you can get, and it provided healthy, vegan food for hungry visitors exploring Joshua Tree National Park.
Sep 2023 – Nov 2023
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babysitting/ house sitting/ pet sitting
I worked at a house in my neighborhood taking care of my neighbor's cat, plants, and house. I ensured that the cat had enough food, drink, and attention and made sure that the plants were healthy and had enough water. I went the extra mile to refill her bird feeders that fed the birds with bird seed, hummingbird nectar, oranges, and grape jelly. I enjoyed working with her and she was satisfied with my work.
Nov 2022
Volunteering
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I am the Palm Springs High School boys' waterpolo manager. At practices I help newer players learn basics of the game, help set up and put equipment away, observe the players and give them tips and make the coach aware of anything I noticed. At games, I manage the clock system, which essentially runs the game. I also pull out and put away equipment and make sure the team has everything they need.
Palm Springs High School Boys' Waterpolo
Aug 2025 – Present
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I am the social media manager for Julie Atri and her real estate business. I create content, manage responses to it, and foster connections with other businesses and real estate agents. I update her routinely and post on a schedule of twice a week.
Julie Atri - Realtor
Aug 2025 – Present
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I am a volunteer at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center. I help them set up for their events, weclome people in, provide flyers, and assist them with anything needed. I also participated in their orchestra from January to May of 2025 as a cellist.
Hi-Desert Cultural Center
Jan 2025 – Present
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I am a cellist in the Palm Springs High School Orchestra, and we do community events at least once a month. Some of these events include playing at the Palm Desert Golf Parade, walking in the Palm Springs Homecoming Parade and Lights Parde, and playing at community centers such as the Four Seasons. I also am a soprano in our Madrigals Choir, and we perform at events such as the Palm Springs Tramway Tree Lighting, different business conferences, and church services at Palm Desert Presbyterian Church. All of these events are not mandatory, and we improve our community by attending them.
Palm Springs High School Orchestra and Choir
Aug 2024 – Present
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I am a volunteer at Joshua Basin Water District. I help them with their annual plant sale, giving away plants and educating people about each one and what needs they have. I also teach young elementary students about the water cycle and how water is gathered and consumed, using books, props, and prizes at events they host.
Joshua Basin Water District
Mar 2023 – Present
Languages
- Spanish Intermediate
- Hindi Intermediate
- English (US) Advanced
Additional information
Organizations
