I started playing guitar at a very early age, and the instrument has been my constant companion ever since. Not only do I think that it developed qualities of perseverance and creativity in me, but also developed my emotional maturity and tolerance to diverse ideas as I was exposed to different genres of music.

The guitar allowed me to find common ground with friends when I first moved to the UK. Some of my most meaningful memories and relationships were formed in a band I was part of with a couple of my friends in my old school, titled “The Black Dogs.” We covered some amazing songs for school performances and charity events. The deep connection I have with music has motivated me to become a member of my current school’s “Tri M-Music Honor Society.” I have recently formed a Band here in India with my friends from AES called the “Indian Chilli Peppers.”

As an Indian, I naturally picked up the cricket fever at a very early age and spent my early years devoting a lot of time to it. Whether it was feeling the thrill of fast bowling or gritting my teeth through red ball fielding sessions, cricket was a sport that resonated with me deeply.

My passion for cricket continued even after I move to UK. I represented the local cricket club there every summer and developed a competitive side to myself. Moving to the UK also developed my love for football. I played for my middle school teams and actively followed football leagues around the world. At my current high school AES, I am on the Varsity Baseball team and have represented my school in an international tournament in Dubai. It felt great to receive the Most Improved Player Award as a sophomore.

Sport has shaped my personality by developing traits of perseverance and competitiveness. These traits now extend to academics and other aspects of my life. Every tough game I was part of taught me something and I hope to live by the learnings of sportsmanship throughout my life.