Akshaya | student (sophomore) | founder of She Shines Magazine and Girl Up Janaki| mental health activist | India
Instagram: @akshayapai13 | @sheshinesmag | @girlupjanaki
1) THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
A while after I turned 13, I got accepted into my first extracurricular program. From this program, I was able to recognise my passion for STEAM and I applied and got accepted into a whole series of other programs because of this one.
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2) THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
Every summer, I get to meet my maternal grandparents, aunt and cousin. Unfortunately, because of the lockdown, this year I won't get that chance. That's one of the worst things happening. Not to mention, so many people dying because of the virus, and the people losing family members to it. Us not getting to celebrate birthdays with friends or even hug them is the worst.
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3) YOUR BIGGEST WISH FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
I've changed a LOT this past year and done so much had so many new experiences and I'm only 14. So there are so many more chances to come! My wish is that I can help someone the way so many people helped me. I want to have an impact on the world and help people. That is my biggest wish!
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4) YOUR BIGGEST WORRY FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
My biggest worry for the future is that I will never get the chance to meet my relatives and friends again. I really want someone to find a solution to COVID-19.
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5) A CONTEMPORARY WOMAN YOU CURRENTLY ADMIRE?
I believe in and admire so many SUPERGIRLS!! But, my idol is Kat McNamara because she tries to show people that being a nerd is not a bad thing and being kind is important.
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6) A ONE-SENTENCE MESSAGE TO OTHER WOMEN?
In my opinion, the only reason women were told to be seen and not heard was because they were afraid that if women united, they could never be silenced. So instead of bringing other women down, help them, support them, and see how the world slowly changes.