Gitanjali Rao, a 15-year-old Indian-American, has been announced as TIME magazine’s first-ever ‘Kid of the Year’ for her “astonishing work” using technological skills to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to cyberbullying.

“The world belongs to those who shape it. And however uncertain that world may feel at a given moment, the reassuring reality seems to be that each new generation produces more of what these kids…have already achieved: positive impact, in all sizes,” the magazine said.

The “brilliant” young scientist emerged as the winner from 5,000 nominees. She was interviewed by actor and activist Angelina Jolie for the TIME special.

“If I can do it,” she said in the virtual interview with Jolie, “anybody can do it”. Rao said her generation is facing many problems that they have never seen before.

“But then at the same time, we’re facing old problems that still exist. Like, we’re sitting here in the middle of a new global pandemic, and we’re also like still facing human-rights issues. There are problems that we did not create but that we now have to solve, like climate change and cyberbullying with the introduction of technology,” she added.

When asked about what’s her passion in life, the 15-year-old said that she wants to put smile on people’s faces. 

“My goal has really shifted not only from creating my own devices to solve the world’s problems, but inspiring others to do the same as well. Because, from personal experience, it’s not easy when you don’t see anyone else like you,” she added.

When asked by Jolie if Rao does things that kids her age do, she said “actually I spend more time doing 15-year-old things during the quarantine. I bake an ungodly amount. It’s not good, but it’s baking. And, like, it’s science too.”