As we head towards the end of 2023, I want to share some highlights from the year. I must admit, this year was not easy, especially with new opportunities and challenges. But everything happens for a reason and there’s a learning experience that each day brings. What matters is how you approach the situation and learn from it. The experience varies from trying new things, dealing with changes and breaking the ice on meeting new people. I guess this is the growing up process that shapes your future.
Forensics season
For the second middle school year, I decided to give forensics another try since it was so fun last year. I was really motivated to continue after seeing the significant benefit I could have if I continued to train and practice my public speaking and presentation skills. After numerous hours of writing, and practicing, most of it paid off. I was able to inform and influence numerous people about my topic, inspire many others, and win several medals and place in several rounds. If you ask me, I think most of my favorite middle school memories were from forensics. Finally, I was able to make it to state and I had ranked third in the state. I think that this year was the year my public speaking skills and confidence had improved. Although I am not continuing forensics in the next four years, I will continue to cherish all the memories and support from middle school forensics.
Graduation from the middle school
Everyone says that middle school is tough. Mean teachers, mean people, puberty, hormones, life changing challenges and opportunities. Those three years were absolutely terrifying and tough if you ask me and I would never want to repeat those years. But, I learned how to not give up and that everything happens for a reason. I was grateful I could improve my writing skills and learn more about what I wanted to be as a person. If I didn’t go through middle school, I dont think I would be able to learn about who I was as a person. And yes, some of my phases and memories were quite embarrassing but I am glad it’s over. Overall, I was so excited to start a new chapter in high school and I am loving it so much so far.
School trip to New York
About a week after the eighth grade school year, there was a New York trip organized by a couple of teachers for a few days. It was a really fun experience to travel all the sightseeings of New York with my friends. Although there were a couple of slip ups, I still think it was super fun to bond with my classmates and create new memories.
Receiving the President Volunteer Service Award(PVSA Award)
It was such a wonderful experience to volunteer all of last year and this year. What I learned is that it doesn’t matter what award or recognition you get, but the hard work and dedication you put into it. Getting recognized is a great feeling. Opportunity to volunteer and take different leadership roles has been amazing as I have learned a lot from the experience.
Joining new volunteer group/ organization
As High School was approaching, I realized that I needed a lot of meaningful volunteer work . So I started volunteering in places such as congregational homes, charity houses and local organizations . With the help of the SEWA USA organization I had joined in September, I was able to volunteer and help support several donation drives such as Diwali food and donation drives, Holiday cards for Nursing homes, and a Coat Drive for the needy.
Making new friends
As life goes, friends will also come and go. Some will be there for you even when you don’t recognize it. As I continued to join clubs, groups and teams, I was able to meet and make so many supportive friends. Even if its simply saying hi in the halls, or snapping one another on snapchat, I’ve come to realize how much kindness there is in the world. Although some people might not be the kindest, there’s always someone who is gonna have your back.
High school tennis season
This year, I had to make a tough decision which was either choosing to play golf or tennis during the fall season. As a golfer my dad had gotten me interested in golf last year. I really enjoyed it. I have been playing tennis since elementary school and have taken multiple tennis lessons. When I was little, my mom would always point me to the girls playing tennis at the park and always told me “One day, you will be as confident and athletic as those girls on the court”. And this year, I worked really hard to improve in tennis. I chose to play tennis as it has a special place in my heart. Although I am not the best, it has taught me to show my shine on and off the courts. I was able to meet and make so many friends, and saw a new, supportive environment. Next year, I hope to make the JV team and further boost my confidence in the game.
Becoming a high schooler
I was really excited to start a new school year in a new school. I was able to take a lot of classes that interested me. One of my favorite classes so far is AP World History where we learn about how the world’s culture, economy, and political systems were developed from the 1200s to the 2000s. Although the college board says its a difficult class and several people are going to warn you about how intense the class is, I think it’s worth the hard work. Just be sure to review and take good notes.
First homecoming dance
In elementary school, I had watched several shows with scenes from high school dances and events. So this year, I was really excited for my first homecoming dance. As a part of the Student Council, I was put on the decorations committee so I was able to help create and set up decorations and ideas. Besides that, it was a fun night going with a big group of friends, taking pictures, going out for dinner and having a fun filled night with the whole school.
High school clubs and teams:
Besides volunteering and playing tennis for my school, I decided to join my school’s newspaper called Spartan Banner. Being a part of the team means writing reports on important topics and events to inform and entertain people. With an ambition to pursue a career in healthcare in the future, I have joined HOSA. This club has helped me gain knowledge of psychology and the opportunities to work with others on projects. Another team I have joined is the SMART Team which is a Medical Research team conducted by the Medical College of Wisconsin. As I am writing this, I am looking forward to my regional HOSA competition in a few weeks.