Meet Sirasa Shakya, 16 year old junior, tutor for the SAT Club, in Principal’s Advisory (NHS) and performer for Show Choir. We wanted to interview her to learn more about her contributions, and advice to freshmen and anyone who needs a little inspiration on how to start their Bryant journey.
Afride: How did you create your own club?
Sirasa: I realized that a-lot of our students did not have access or couldn’t afford extra help for the SATs, so I wanted to help other students by sharing my own knowledge and skills onto others. I spent a month getting approval to create the club that I tutor every friday.
Afride: Do you get anxious teaching other students, when you’re also one?
Sirasa: So I did feel anxious at first when starting my club, but I started to gain confidence throughout the sessions, realizing I should be assertive with what I teach. but of course, there are moments of self doubt, it’s a human trait. But I don’t feel anxious at all anymore, I’m completely comfortable in what I do and what I teach, knowing I have the knowledge to do what I need to do.
Afride: What motivates you?
Sirasa: What motivated me to be so involved, is to help other students and friends, to make connections and build relationships, and truthfully it’s to make the most of my years in high school. Of course this will always help my resume, but my main motivation is to make the most of every opportunity.
Afride: Who is your biggest inspiration?
Sirasa: My biggest inspiration is my older sister, she’s 22 years old, she’s probably gonna be reading this. I’ve always looked up to her, she is my role model, a best friend, we always give each other advice. I want to be an inspiration for others with everything I do, to let people know they matter, they should love themselves, to be kind, to always work hard.
Afride: How do you deal with stressful situations?
Sirasa: I’m a perfectionist, very on top of everything so I get stressed a-lot. Because of that I remind myself to take a break, breathe, and listen to music.
Afride: What music do you listen to and what’s your favorite album?
Sirasa: I listen to all kinds of music. I like to be very diverse, 2010s, Justin Bieber, SZA, Laufey, but I really like listening to The Army, The Navy. I really like the Gentle Hellraiser, it’s hard to like only one thing, I like to listen to anything, I enjoy music so much, I like everything. I’m always open to recommendations.
Afride: What’s your role as Principal’s Advisory?
Sirasa: My role is to let the Principal know about any concerns that students have, or let her know about anything students are interested in, like more college readiness classes, or STEM classes, like courses related to engineering which I know a lot of people would like to have, including me. My job is to connect the students with the principal to make a better environment for everyone.
Afride: What is it you’re currently doing for Show Choir?
Sirasa: We’re getting ready for the concert near the end of May, a shorter version of Bring It On the musical. I hope everyone goes and watches it.
Afride: What is something you want students to know about you?
Sirasa: I’m very friendly, if you wanna say hi, say hi, I don’t bite. I love fall and spring. My favorite foods are Sushi and Pad Thai. My favorite drink is Boba. I love to draw and paint.
Afride: What’s some advice you would give to new students?
Sirasa: I’m not someone who had everything figured out from the start, I think imperfections are important to mention. but what’s keeping me going is knowing that every challenge shaped me into someone stronger, more curious and more determined. If you’re unsure where you’re headed, it’s ok, just know that your growth doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to be honest.
