As a student, I became interested in leadership through joining student organizations that showed me how students can create an impact outside of our classrooms. Participating in discussions, planning service initiatives and interacting with adults in leadership roles made me want to get more involved in my community.
That interest led me to the Student Leadership North (formerly Student Leadership Johns Creek). This program stood out to me because it offers real-world experiences in civic engagement and leadership seminars with industry experts. Through Student Leadership North, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about my local government firsthand, lead conversations with community leaders and foster skills to further my leadership potential.
Looking ahead 20 years, I hope our community continues to be a place where civic participation is encouraged for everyone. As technology and artificial intelligence become more and more synonymous with our daily lives, it is easy for both students and adults to feel disconnected from their communities. I hope our community encourages and recognizes citizens to get out of their comfort zones and attend civic meetings and forums, advocate in their communities and meet and create connections with others – all experiences that will foster leadership in future generations.
Right now, I hope to make a tangible difference in the community through various service initiatives. For example, in November, I organized a food and donation drive for The Drake House to support homeless single mothers. Additionally, I hope to continue to immerse myself in civic experiences like visiting the Georgia State Capitol and speaking with representatives and senators to learn about their vision for our community.
In the future, I hope to stay involved in community leadership by helping organize civic events, service projects and youth engagement programs. I want to contribute by creating spaces like Student Leadership North did for me, where students feel comfortable learning about themselves as leaders and how to work together to address community issues.
Aanya Shah is a junior at Northview High School in Johns Creek, Georgia, a member of Student Leadership North and a Georgia Secretary of State ambassador. She has a strong interest in public policy and law and is passionate about increasing youth participation in her community.
Aanya (center) completed an internship shadowing a study committee about adolescent artificial intelligence and social media usage.