Today we’d like to introduce you to Aneesha Varkey.
Hi Aneesha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I was a mix of a lot of things. The people around me would classify me as the “curious kid”, who would ask a million questions, or the “social butterfly”, wanting to meet as many people as I could. However, the numerous people I met coincided with the countless unique stories I was introduced to. This led my intrigued self into asking persistent questions, one after the other, to help educate myself on what’s happening to the people in my community. Later on, this impacted me to become more involved at my school specifically. I became an active member in various leading organizations such as Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY), Business Professionals of America (BPA), and UNICEF. Through these various leadership seminars, competitions, and meetings, I learned to become a voice which changed my “I want to…” spirit into “I will…”.
Through these eye-opening experiences, I began my first approach to advocacy by becoming a team member for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society also known as, LLS. This is a society where volunteers and advocators all over the world fight, for one thing, to bring down cancer. As someone who has read stories after stories over people’s impact from cancer itself, I felt the constant urge to make a change. As I shared awareness of blood cancer through self-created flyers, presentations, and one-on-one conversations, I knew the effort being made would create a ripple. After the 7-weeks of advocacy, I was able to raise hundreds of dollars towards the LLS cause. This was a remarkable experience for me since it showed me how efficient society can be when we work together as a team.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In all honesty, it has not been a smooth road from the start, as one would expect. When I first began my advocacy, I had little to none of an audience, so I knew I had to rely on a new tactic. I reached out to my school which led me to grasp the attention of more people through the school’s newspaper, clubs/organizations, and home page. Additionally, I contacted loved ones and encouraged them to share the information with their peers, creating that desired ripple effect. Although the initial goal was to earn as much money as possible for the cause, I soon learned that the most important part was to spread awareness. So, if I didn’t earn a single penny, I would’ve been okay since I had the opportunity to spread a greater gift, awareness as well as education. Nevertheless, I had to take into consideration the current pandemic and the priorities of others. To my surprise, people started to donate around the second week, and it felt incredible. That was when I saw my struggles transform into positive footprints, helping take down cancer one step at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well, I am currently a dual-credit student at Clear Horizons Early College High School who works part-time as a cashier and bagger at HEB. Apart from my education and workplace, I thrive in volunteering and taking part in numerous leadership conferences/seminars as well as organizations. My main focus is to help build a better tomorrow by making a change today. According to my peers, I am motivational and to the community I’m viewed as a student leader, working to serve my society and peers as best I can. Personally, my proudest accomplishment would be the completion of my 7-weeks of advocacy for blood cancer. I believe my strong passion for change and justice as well as, interest in psychology helps set me apart from others. Not everyone will project their voice, but I am more than willing to help or assist in any way I can. To make a difference, you have to start from somewhere.
What matters most to you? Why?
Personally, being able to give my all, especially if it is something I care deeply about. Time may feel endless but is quite limited, which is why it is so crucial to take action now, whether that is for a new job, one’s personal life, or even the community. Although many may believe they don’t have a voice, they’re wrong. If you truly want something, then you have to put in the effort because regardless, it will leave an imprint. You live once, so make your mark now. This was one of the biggest lessons I learned my sophomore year in high school as a 2020 ambassador for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://events.lls.org/sfl/miamisoy21/avarkey
- Email: aneeshavarkey@gmail.com
Image Credits
Happy Snaps Photography
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
