Akila

Singing is my greatest passion. It is my escape from reality into an alternate universe of peace and serenity. It is the oxygen of my soul. This passion sprouted at a very young age. I started learning Indian classical singing at the age of 4. I have participated in choir throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school choir. This passion has led me to compete in various Indian singing competitions and shows in the Boston area.

In November 2015, I had the honor of winning the title Miss Teen India New England Runner Up. Along with gown rounds and questions round, this pageant consists of a talent round in which I sing in. My talent helped me win this prestigious title and progress to Nationals, Miss Teen India USA.

In December 2015, I won the title Miss Teen India USA 1st Runner Up. Again, my talent helped me win this title. I'm so grateful to my Indian Community for giving young girls like me such a prominant platform to enhance their talents and gain confidence. With this title, I hope to do many fundraisers to help raise money for many significant causes such as the Chennai flooding that has occurred. I would like to sing during these fundraisers to make them entertaining yet productive.

Along with singing, I engage myself in various extracurricular activities in order to mold myself into a confident and responsible individual. Over the past two years, I have taken a class on public speaking and leadership skills called “Toastmasters.” I excelled in this class and I strongly believe that this was a life enhancing course. Also, I am teaching assistant at Kumon math and reading center. I enjoy working with children and guiding them into the stimulating world of math and english.

My hobbies consist of dance and fashion design. I have been learning Indian classical dance from the age of 5 and I took a liking to fashion at a very young age as well. I would like to see people wearing clothes I have designed in the future, which by the way will be void of animal exploitation. One of my recently beloved hobbies is playwriting/directing. I am extremely fond of the idea of using my imagination to write unique stories that will impact my audience’s life and make one think profoundly days or even months after reading/watching my writing.

Speaking of making impacting an individual’s life, it warms my heart to see that I have made a difference in someone's life even in the most minuscule way by volunteering at places such as nursing homes, senior centers and indian religious organizations.

It is my mission to inspire people young and old to follow their passions and make their dreams come true. A saying many people say nowadays is “YOLO” which is an acronym for “You Only Live Once.” Most people who live by this acronym use it as an excuse to be reckless and carefree. I do not believe this saying should be used to be carefree, but instead to be caring toward what you as an individual want to do with your life. I want to convey this saying as a positive reinforcement for people to follow their heart in a rational manner and just live a happy life.