One of my passions that has greatly influenced my life and allowed me to serve in various capacities is chess. After achieving the Candidate Master title at 11, I have been fortunate enough to achieve the FIDE International Master Title and win 5 national championships. Inspired to share this passion I created the Asaria School of Chess where I teach students ages 5-80 from across the US, UK, and Asia. In addition, in partnership with AKF, I helped create a free camp to teach chess to kids during the pandemic, and we have now taught 200+ Afghan Refugee and Ismaili Muslim youth from 27 states across the country. Aside from chess, I enjoy many other intellectual and creative outlets including music, entrepreneurship, and technology. Whether it is through my youth music instruction group “Bach to Basics,” my desire to create an impact investing firm, or love of neural networks and medicine, I hope to explore as many ideas as possible during my college career and beyond. To prepare, I plan to acquire a BS in economics with a minor in health and medical sciences, and then pursue an MBA. My hope is that these scholarships will help fund my university education and allow me to spend more time focusing on the knowledge I am gaining without the burden of financial stress. Ultimately, I aspire to incorporate continuous education to drive a positive impact on society and bring the best out of those I work with and serve.

• Surgery Intern

  Medicine · Keck Hospital University of Southern California

  Jan 2019 – Jan 2019

• Lead Youth Tennis Coach

  Sports · Deuce Tennis

  Jan 2018 – Jan 2018

• Founder, Lead Chess Instructor- Training 10 students ages 5-80 from across the US, UK, and Dubai - Increased 3 students national ranking to top 100 and one to #13

  Education · Asaria School of Chess

  Jan 2016 – Present

• Advocacy
• Volunteering
• Philanthropy
• Entrepreneurship

• Tennis

  Varsity · 2 awards

  2016 – Present

  Awards:

  Rookie of the Year, Varsit Tennis Team Captain

• Chess

  Club · 5 awards

  2008 – Present

  Awards:

  4 Time National Champion, #1 18 year old on the west coast, Fide Master, National Master, Top 5% Globally

• Surgery Intern/Co-author of Research Paper on Pectus Excavatum

  Keck Hospital · Academic Medicine

  2019 – 2019

  Research topic:

  Pectus Exacatum

• 1st Chair French Horn

  Santa Monica Wind Symphony Band · Music

  2016 – Present

  Productions:

  Bands at the Broad

• Youth Group Leader

  Volunteering · Santa Monica Youth Volunteers

  2016 – Present

  Mission:

  Santa Monica Youth Volunteers is a faith-based volunteer program for Ismaili Muslim youth ages 8-17 that is involved in facilitating communication between generations of individuals from similar cultures, mentoring young adults to make responsible decisions, and encouraging self-confidence in one's identity. The program aims to teach the value of service to the youth of our society and bring together people from around the world to collectively engage in the betterment of our shared community.

• Lead Instructor

  Volunteering · Aga Khan Council

  2017 – Present

  Mission:

  I hold weekly chess classes for seniors at my local community center. My goal is to create a safe environment where they can engage in friendly competition, and learn more about the game. I am trying to promote the idea of learning at any age --especially when they are at higher risk of mental diseases-- so they can continue to be mentally active. Even though it is meant for seniors, often kids will come to learn as well.

• Lead Chess Director/Coach

  Volunteering · Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board

  2017 – Present

  Mission:

  Organized two chess tournaments for youth and adults in the community; coordinated several meetings beginning 1-month prior explaining the rules and proper etiquette to players; arranged for 12 chess sets and clocks to be provided; recruited volunteers to help set up and run the tournament; answered questions and mediated concerns with parents

• Assistant Chess Coach

  Volunteering · Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences

  2016 – 2016

  Mission:

  Instructed 30 students ages 7-13 in the fundamental concepts of chess through custom lectures and interactive puzzles; fostered interest in the game by performing blindfold and simultaneous exhibitions

• President/Founder

  Volunteering · Santa Monica High School Red Cross

  2016 – Present

  Mission:

  Organized weekly meetings educating 15+ students on basic chess strategy and rules; spearheaded and planned chess competitions with Whittier High School; brought in an official tournament director to sanction students’ first ranked tournament officiated by the United States Chess Federation; facilitated bake sales and raffles to raise $200 for tournament fees; created a safe space for a community of individuals with a common interest

• Marketing Manager

  Volunteering · Project READ

  2018 – 2018

  Mission:

  To improve children literacy in underprivileged communities within Los Angeles