Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanvhi Gandhi
Hi Sanvhi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been to and lived in many houses, and called multiple of them my home. Even when I was younger, I always enjoyed being in as many clubs as my small school could offer, always finding interest in anything around me. As a young, art loving girl, everything surrounding me looked like a canvas I could paint, creating my own picture perfect future.
From Student Council to gardening to even dance, I always loved to do whatever I could to keep myself busy. When I eventually moved to Florida and the Covid pandemic had passed, I found myself not wanting to be as active, rather wanting to watching videos and shows.
In about 7th grade though, that all changed. I feel that the 2 year time gave me a chance to relax and figure out what I want to do and now, I was able to go out and accomplish whatever I had been thinking about. Starting in 7th grade, I began joining clubs and becoming involved in my school. Being my Middle Schools SGA Historian and a volunteer member in numerous clubs all began feeling right. All this continued to my 8th grade year, where I started projects like The Planning Project, becoming the president/founder of some clubs, and the Vice President of the NJHS chapter at my school. I eventually even got a couple awards to command for my efforts, such as the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award!
Doing all this filled the once blank canvases I saw, and I now have the opportunity to eliminate the ones I don’t prefer. As a freshman in High School , I plan to continue my love for leadership, and create as big of an impact on the world as I can! Through my Woman in STEM club, ongoing involvement in SGA, and other outside organizations I plan on creating, I hope to do the best I can to fulfill myself and those around me that need it. Since I have the privilege of a good life, I feel it’s only right to provide the same comfort to others!
Additionally, I can never say I regret my time after covid though, as everything I watched and did gave me and still gives me inspiration to what I do today. Every time I get an idea for something I could do, I think back to my past and embrace what I did to lead me to where I am now! Even though regret is inevitable to have for the past, I always believe its just as important to embrace what has happened, and learn from it!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although I am a big advocate for leadership and being involved, the one part that always made me nervous was public speaking. Now I say nervous, not scared since I was never actually upset about having to do it- in fact, I always volunteered. But, when you go up in front of about 100 plus kids, it’s hard not to feel judged or shaky at what they’re thinking in their heads. “Do I look okay? Is my hair too frizzy – should I wear it up or down? Up? Wait, no, down looks better…” All that when through my head the first year I was put in front of my school to speak at assembly’s and to be honest, those feelings never went away. Those same questions still nag me even today, but since those first couple times I realized one trick to stop – have confidence in myself. Now I’m not saying it is always real confidence, and to be honest most of the time it’s not, but being able to feel good in my skin has helped me so much. Simple thing like waking up a bit early, knowing the information I want to talk about, and having my friends out in the crowd to support me have made such as big difference, and let me do my very best each time!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I guess it depends on who you ask. Some people would say I am an actress or artist from the arts projects I am involved in, or a director/public speaker/leader from the film, club and management projects I do. In my opinion though, I would say I am most known for being a student.
All the different projects I have been involved in are opportunities I have only been given due to the time I still have to learn, and the trust others have in me as an optimistic and hardworking student. From my baking account on social media platforms, to the “Beyond the Spotlight” series I cofounded on my schools YouTube, I have only been able to do so much from what I have learned from others around me, and the connections I have made.
Although I have attempted many things, at the end of the day I am still a student, and have so much time to explore the world around me. Even if I can find the exact word to describe me as of now, I’m sure later on I will. Being a student may not be what other around me would always say, but to me, its what has given me to chance to be myself and continue my journey to who I am!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The people around me have always acted as my guide in what I do. My mom, to be specific has always given me tips on how to be better even if it seemed harsh at the time. The same goes with my friends and even if I might have been a bit hurt in the moment, I loved them so much for telling me afterwards!
If you would like to find someone that you could call a mentor, the best piece of advice I could give is the always make the first step. Emailing, calling, or even messaging a professor, teacher, or classmate of yours can make the world of a difference in your journey. Communication, to me, is the biggest part of trying making a difference since you never know where one conversation can lead you. Don’t be afraid, and just go for it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://binarshah10.wixsite.com/my-site-2
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfood.etc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@myfoodetc
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@myfood.etc
Image Credits
Kimberly Braden
