My name is Akshaya Karanam and I am from Woodbridge, New Jersey! I am a rising sophomore at Mount Saint Mary Academy, and I am an Asha for Education Teen Volunteer from the Princeton chapter. I truly believe that education is an absolute right, one that every child deserves, and working with Asha for Education helps me make a difference in the fight for equity. Throughout this year, I have worked on various events, such as the Virtual 5K Running Challenge. I also started and publicized a Birthday Registry as well as a New Year’s Registry, both amounting to donations directly to Asha for Education. This organization has strengthened my digital abilities to make posters and banners, and publicize events through Facebook. Asha for Education has certainly provided opportunities for me to learn how to raise awareness for social justice issues that require immediate action.

In addition to Asha, I am an active member of my school’s Speech and Debate program and placed within the top five in the state in my category. I also took part in the national Euro Challenge, an economics-based competition, and my team was a semifinalist this year. Serving as Director of Activities in Mount’s Junior State of America is another way that I showcase my passion for activism. I take my academics seriously as an honors student, and my favorite subject is history. In my spare time, I enjoy taking ballet classes at American Dance Studios!