Tanay Pattani and his family emigrated to the U.S. from India when he was 13 years old. When he was a junior in high school, Tanay contracted a stomach virus that led him to become bedridden for nearly three years because his family could not afford medical care.

Today, Tanay is a senior at California State University Channel Islands, double majoring in psychology and chemistry, with a minor in music. An emergency medical technician–basic and an American Red Cross-certified lifeguard instructor, he trains lifeguard candidates for the City of Santa Barbara, volunteers at the CSU Channel Islands pantry and local trail events, and he is an active member of numerous campus national honor societies.​

Following graduation, Tanay plans to pursue a medical degree and become a traveling physician with Doctors Without Borders to help underprivileged communities around the world.​