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Saanvi Chigurupati

1x

Finalist

General information

US Citizenship
US Citizen

Hobbies & Interests

  • Singing
  • Writing
  • Psychology
  • Business And Entrepreneurship
  • Acting And Theater
  • Politics and Political Science
  • Philosophy
  • Science
  • Research
  • Graphic Design
  • Theater
  • Social Media
  • Mock Trial

Reading

  • Adventure
  • Chick Lit
  • Classics
  • Contemporary
  • Fantasy
  • Realistic Fiction
  • Cultural
  • Literature
  • Politics
  • Psychology

I read books daily.

Bio

Hey! I'm Saanvi, and my story starts like this. In October 2021, I found a new family at LINK, a secret retreat teaching high schoolers to become positive influences in their community. This experience changed my life. If I was sure of one thing when I got home, it was that I wanted that feeling to keep going. My experience was an anomaly—most students never felt valued in a school setting the way I did, which is the greatest failure of our education system. I knew that had to change. Currently, I'm a sophomore at the University of Michigan in their first-ever cohort of students studying Learning, Equity, and Problem Solving for the Public Good, interested in education design and policy. Over the past year, I’ve lived in Detroit neighborhoods, spending three days a week working directly in the community. I’ve lived alongside the School at Marygrove, a groundbreaking school that graduates community leaders and critical thinkers. I’ve connected with local entrepreneurs, activists, and storytellers to understand how systems impact people’s lives on the ground, and taken design classes to improve those lives. This experience shaped my perspective on education: it must be human-centered, driven by equity, and responsive to real community needs. I'm excited to spend the next three years continuing to work towards making sure my dream is every student's reality.

Education

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Bachelor's degree program

2024 – 2028

Majors:
  • Educational/Instructional Media Design
  • Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
  • Educational Administration and Supervision
  • Education, General
Minors:
  • Urban Studies/Affairs

Downingtown Stem Academy

High School

2020 – 2024

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
Political Science and Government, Education, General, Law

Career

  • Design Intern

    Civic & Social Organization · Cities Reimagined

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

  • Intern

    Education · Umoja Debate League

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

  • Sales Associate

    Apparel & Fashion · Pitaya

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Teaching Assistant

    Education · IntoPrep

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2024

  • Snack Bar Manager/Catering Assistant

    Food & Beverages · Applecross Country Club

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2023

  • Kid's Show Counselor

    Performing Arts · SALT Community Theater

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2021

  • Production Assistant, Costumer, and Backstage Manager

    Performing Arts · The Barley Sheaf Players

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2021

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Education
Dream career goals:
Work in educational policy and consulting
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
Live From Snack Time Scholarship
The first thing I remember about my LINK trip is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” I loved her in an instant. When you get invited to go on LINK, people tell you it’s about to change your life, but not much else. It is a secret weekend retreat for high school students in order to teach them to become positive influences in their community. On these annual trips, students discover their families. The people there were like a permanent safety net—so much so that, despite being terrified of heights, I scaled a 26-foot pole and jumped off it with ease at the cheers of my fellow Creamsicles. I spent much of the weekend in shock at the ease with which we all became incredibly close. I barely knew these people, yet at the same time, I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know their favorite colors or their comfort movie or their siblings’ names, but I knew that someone was scared of secondhand grief. I knew that someone’s biggest priority was being the parent that they never had. I knew that someone would save everyone they possibly could from addiction if they had the chance. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and pursuing a degree in education to make the lives of young children better is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. My dream is to take the spirit of LINK national. From early childhood, I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place. That's how kids learn not just how to be students, but how to be real, good humans.
Marie Humphries Memorial Scholarship
The first thing I remember about LINK is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and, as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” Someone so willing to give and receive endless love; someone who talked to me like she had cared about me for ages instead of all of five seconds. I loved her in an instant. LINK is a secret weekend retreat for high school students created by a Pennsylvania guidance counselor to teach them how to become positive influences in their community. On these annual weekends, students discover their families. The people at LINK were like a permanent safety net—despite being terrified of heights, I quad-jumped off a 26-foot pole with the encouragement of my peers. I barely knew these people, and yet I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know their favorite colors or their comfort movie or their siblings’ names, but I knew that someone was scared of secondhand grief. I knew that someone’s biggest priority was being the parent that they never had. I knew that someone would save everyone they possibly could from addiction if they had the chance. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and being a teacher is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. My dream is to take the spirit of LINK national. I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place. Throughout my time in the school system, I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know and love the greatest people on Earth. My teachers, my friends, and my mentors. Downingtown saved my life, in more ways than one. It would be a blessing to return the favor.
Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship
The first thing I remember about my LINK trip is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” I loved her in an instant. When you get invited to go on LINK, people tell you it’s about to change your life, but not much else. It is a secret weekend retreat for high school students in order to teach them to become positive influences in their community. On these annual trips, students discover their families. The people there were a permanent safety net—so much so that, despite being terrified of heights, I quad-jumped off a 26-foot pole to the cheers of my fellow campers. I spent much of the weekend in shock at the ease with which we all became incredibly close. I barely knew these people, yet at the same time, I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know their favorite colors or their comfort movie or their siblings’ names, but I knew that someone was scared of secondhand grief. I knew that someone’s biggest priority was being the parent that they never had. I knew that someone would save everyone they possibly could from addiction if they had the chance. Maybe I didn’t know the minute details of their lives, but I knew their greatest fears and their wildest dreams. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and pursuing a degree in educational policy to make the lives of young children better is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. This scholarship would help me achieve my dream: finishing my education debt-free so I can start my own educational consulting company to take the spirit of LINK national. I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place.
Dr. Tien Vo Federal Agents To-Be and Public Service Scholarship
The first thing I remember about my LINK trip is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” I loved her in an instant. When you get invited to go on LINK, people tell you it’s about to change your life, but not much else. It is a secret weekend retreat for high school students in order to teach them to become positive influences in their community. On these annual trips, students discover their families. The people there were a permanent safety net—so much so that, despite being terrified of heights, I quad-jumped off a 26-foot pole to the cheers of my fellow campers. I spent much of the weekend in shock at the ease with which we all became incredibly close. I barely knew these people, yet at the same time, I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know their favorite colors or their comfort movie or their siblings’ names, but I knew that someone was scared of secondhand grief. I knew that someone’s biggest priority was being the parent that they never had. I knew that someone would save everyone they possibly could from addiction if they had the chance. Maybe I didn’t know the minute details of their lives, but I knew their greatest fears and their wildest dreams. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and pursuing a degree in educational policy to make the lives of young children better is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. This scholarship would help me achieve my dream: finishing my education debt-free so I can start my own educational consulting company to take the spirit of LINK national. I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place.
From Anna & Ava Scholarship
The first thing I remember about my LINK trip is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” I loved her in an instant. When you get invited to go on LINK, people tell you it’s about to change your life, but not much else. It is a secret weekend retreat for high school students in order to teach them to become positive influences in their community. On these annual trips, students discover their families. The people there were a permanent safety net—so much so that, despite being terrified of heights, I quad-jumped off a 26-foot pole to the cheers of my fellow campers. I spent much of the weekend in shock at the ease with which we all became incredibly close. I barely knew these people, yet at the same time, I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know their favorite colors or their comfort movie or their siblings’ names, but I knew that someone was scared of secondhand grief. I knew that someone’s biggest priority was being the parent that they never had. I knew that someone would save everyone they possibly could from addiction if they had the chance. Maybe I didn’t know the minute details of their lives, but I knew their greatest fears and their wildest dreams. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and pursuing a degree in educational policy to make the lives of young children better is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. This scholarship would help me achieve my dream: finishing my education debt-free so I can start my own educational consulting company to take the spirit of LINK national. I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place.
Ken Larson Memorial Scholarship
The first thing I remember about my LINK trip is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” I loved her in an instant. When you get invited to go on LINK, people tell you it’s about to change your life, but not much else. It is a secret weekend retreat for high school students in order to teach them to become positive influences in their community. On these annual trips, students discover their families. The people there were like a permanent safety net—so much so that, despite being terrified of heights, I scaled a 26-foot pole and jumped off it with ease at the cheers of my fellow Creamsicles. I spent much of the weekend in shock at the ease with which we all became incredibly close. I barely knew these people, yet at the same time, I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know their favorite colors or their comfort movie or their siblings’ names, but I knew that someone was scared of secondhand grief. I knew that someone’s biggest priority was being the parent that they never had. I knew that someone would save everyone they possibly could from addiction if they had the chance. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and pursuing a degree in educational policy to make the lives of young children better is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. My dream is to take the spirit of LINK national. I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place.
From Anna & Ava Scholarship
The first thing I remember about my LINK trip is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” I loved her in an instant. When you get invited to go on LINK, people tell you it’s about to change your life, but not much else. It is a secret weekend retreat for high school students in order to teach them to become positive influences in their community. On these annual trips, students discover their families. The people there were a permanent safety net—so much so that, despite being terrified of heights, I quad-jumped off a 26-foot pole to the cheers of my fellow campers. I spent much of the weekend in shock at the ease with which we all became incredibly close. I barely knew these people, yet at the same time, I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know their favorite colors or their comfort movie or their siblings’ names, but I knew that someone was scared of secondhand grief. I knew that someone’s biggest priority was being the parent that they never had. I knew that someone would save everyone they possibly could from addiction if they had the chance. Maybe I didn’t know the minute details of their lives, but I knew their greatest fears and their wildest dreams. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and pursuing a degree in educational policy to make the lives of young children better is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. This scholarship would help me achieve my dream: finishing my education debt-free so I can start my own educational consulting company to take the spirit of LINK national. I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place.
North Star Dreamers Memorial Scholarship
The first thing I remember about my LINK trip is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” I loved her in an instant. When you get invited to go on LINK, people tell you it’s about to change your life, but not much else. It is a secret weekend retreat for high school students in order to teach them to become positive influences in their community. On these annual trips, students discover their families. The people there were a permanent safety net—so much so that, despite being terrified of heights, I quad-jumped off a 26-foot pole at the cheers of my fellow campers. I spent much of the weekend in shock at the ease with which we all became incredibly close. I barely knew these people, yet at the same time, I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know the minute details of their lives, but I knew their greatest fears and their wildest dreams. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and pursuing a degree in educational policy to make the lives of young children better is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. This scholarship would help me achieve my dream: finishing my education debt-free so I can start my own educational consulting company to take the spirit of LINK national. I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place.
Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship
The first thing I remember about my LINK trip is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” I loved her in an instant. When you get invited to go on LINK, people tell you it’s about to change your life, but not much else. It is a secret weekend retreat for high school students in order to teach them to become positive influences in their community. On these annual trips, students discover their families. The people there were a permanent safety net—so much so that, despite being terrified of heights, I quad-jumped off a 26-foot pole at the cheers of my fellow campers. I spent much of the weekend in shock at the ease with which we all became incredibly close. I barely knew these people, yet at the same time, I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know the minute details of their lives, but I knew their greatest fears and their wildest dreams. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and pursuing a degree in educational policy to make the lives of young children better is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. My dream is to start my own educational consulting company to take the spirit of LINK national. I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place.
Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship
The first thing I remember about my LINK trip is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” I loved her in an instant. When you get invited to go on LINK, people tell you it’s about to change your life, but not much else. It is a secret weekend retreat for high school students in order to teach them to become positive influences in their community. On these annual trips, students discover their families. The people there were a permanent safety net—so much so that, despite being terrified of heights, I quad-jumped off a 26-foot pole at the cheers of my fellow campers. I spent much of the weekend in shock at the ease with which we all became incredibly close. I barely knew these people, yet at the same time, I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know the minute details of their lives, but I knew their greatest fears and their wildest dreams. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and pursuing a degree in educational policy to make the lives of young children better is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. This scholarship would help me achieve my dream: finishing my education debt-free so I can start my own educational consulting company to take the spirit of LINK national. I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place.
Schmid Memorial Scholarship
The first thing I remember about my LINK trip is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” I loved her in an instant. When you get invited to go on LINK, people tell you it’s about to change your life, but not much else. It is a secret weekend retreat for high school students in order to teach them to become positive influences in their community. On these annual trips, students discover their families. The people there were a permanent safety net—so much so that, despite being terrified of heights, I quad-jumped off a 26-foot pole at the cheers of my fellow campers. I spent much of the weekend in shock at the ease with which we all became incredibly close. I barely knew these people, yet at the same time, I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know the minute details of their lives, but I knew their greatest fears and their wildest dreams. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and pursuing a degree in educational policy to make the lives of young children better is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. This scholarship would help me achieve my dream: finishing my education debt-free so I can start my own educational consulting company to take the spirit of LINK national. I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place.
Gussie Lynn Scholarship
The first thing I remember about my LINK trip is a tin of Vaseline. I heard a voice calling out for Chapstick, and as girl code dictates, I rushed up with my miracle product. The voice turned out to be my senior leader Lucy, who was effusive in her gratitude. I thought, “I’ve never met someone like her.” I loved her in an instant. When you get invited to go on LINK, people tell you it’s about to change your life, but not much else. It is a secret weekend retreat for high school students in order to teach them to become positive influences in their community. On these annual trips, students discover their families. The people there were like a permanent safety net—so much so that, despite being terrified of heights, I scaled a 26-foot pole and jumped off it with ease at the cheers of my fellow Creamsicles. I spent much of the weekend in shock at the ease with which we all became incredibly close. I barely knew these people, yet at the same time, I knew everything about them. Maybe I didn’t know the minute details of their lives, but I knew their greatest fears and their wildest dreams. These people were so strong and real and compelling and, my god, did that make me feel like I could do anything. LINK brought me so much joy for people, joy for watching them grow and learn to care about themselves and others, and pursuing a degree in educational policy to make the lives of young children better is an opportunity for me to nurture that excitement for building relationships. My goals are broader than just education—they center around fostering the innate empathy that we have as humans when creating systems and organizations in which children spend the majority of their lives. At LINK, I found peacekeepers. I found students who were willing to be vulnerable and teachers who were willing to listen. I found a group of people with genuine care and passion for bettering the student experience. Every student deserves to feel supported and wanted beyond what they can contribute academically, and every teacher deserves the resources to make that happen. There needs to be a seismic shift in how we as a country treat the education system—our goal should be community, not caliber. My dream is to take the spirit of LINK national. I want to give every school a concrete place for open and honest dialogue between all those impacted by any major decision: students, parents, teachers, and administrators. I want to place the reins in the hands of the students and teachers to advocate for their needs that aren’t being filled and build curriculums with a focus on growth and collaboration. I want to put people and their love for each other back into the heart of schools because that is truly what education is about in the first place.
#Back2SchoolBold Scholarship
My #Back2SchoolBold moment is my logo mockup for the business I'm planning on launching this month! I want to help all the young girls in my community go #Back2SchoolBold by reframing the shame surrounding period and puberty education. In my school district especially, it is viewed as this secretive thing that girls should not inconvenience others with by talking about it. I am going to sell "The Wingwoman", a curated kit with products to help girls ages 9-14 deal with puberty in a fresh, new way, with things like organic pads, glycolic acid, and a razor. They'll also include a self-designed and self-written book teaching them about different age-appropriate topics in a way that empowers them, not grosses them out. I've spent hours researching and budgeting and designing and surveying, and it is so cool to see my dreams almost coming to fruition but even cooler to think about the impact it will have on my community!
Saanvi Chigurupati Student Profile | Bold.org