Hi everyone! My name is Ishani Balachandran, and I am currently a Grade 12 student at Dr. Charles Best Secondary! I have always been extremely passionate about leadership, staying involved, and working with others to create positive change across my community. Being apart of a diverse and engaging school has allowed me to develop strong interpersonal skills, and become a confident leader. This school year, I hope to take the initiative to bring people together and create opportunities for all students to feel included. My favourite classes are english and history; however, law has been the best class I’ve taken throughout high school. Each class has challenged me to think critically and explore different perspectives.
What am I most passionate about?
I am most passionate about volunteer work and leadership. Working to bring people together, take initiative and create opportunities to make sure people feel supported is something I strive to do. Whether it’s through Student Council, volunteering or working with youth and seniors, I find the most rewarding part is knowing my efforts can make someone else’s experience better. I am especially passionate about building connections with others using my strengths to make a difference, through both strong or big action’s. To me, making a difference does not always require a large action, as I believe small acts of kindness are what have a lasting impact. By using my strengths, I aim to help others by bringing people together and creating positive changes.
What is my strongest attribute?
My strongest attribute is my ability to take initiative and unite those in my community. I enjoy taking the time to care for those around me, while turning ideas into actions. I am organized, responsible and driven to make real change. I am willing to step outside my comfort zone to ensure everyone is heard and understood, allowing me to become a stronger leader. My ability to connect with others and ensure everyone is heard allows me to build new connections and learn from others. I also believe being a strong leader means recognizing everyones unique strengths, ideas, and experiences they contribute. Rather than simply taking charge, I strive to create an environment where others feel comfortable sharing their ideas and are eager to get involved. As a Youth Leadership Coach, and active volunteer, I am also passionate about mentoring younger generations develop confidence, learn new skills, and feel supported as they grow. Through my experiences working with youth, I have learned how important it is to create an environment where people are comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and stepping outside their comfort zones. I find it rewarding to see others become confident in their own abilities and take note that encouragement and support can have a lasting impact on an adolescents life. Overall, I believe my ability to take responsibility, and make an effort to listen to others has led me to become a strong and determined leader.
What do I enjoy doing in my free time?
In my free time, I enjoy balancing time with friends and family, staying active, travelling, listening to music, and giving back to my community. My friends and family play a crucial role in my life because they inspire and support me. Staying active by going to the gym or simply getting outside, keeps my mind occupied while allowing me to maintain a healthy balance in my life. Travelling is another passion of mine because it allows me to experience new places and cultures while broadening my perspective of the world. Music is also something I turn to every day, whether I need motivation, energy, or simply a way to relax. Volunteering continues to be an important role in my life and reflects my values of empathy, leadership, and community. I enjoy having the opportunity to give back, learn from others, and make a positive difference. Overall, the things I enjoy in my free time give me a sense of purpose, connection, and happiness while helping me grow as a person.
Which one of the three categories of butterfly effect am I most interested in (currently), and why?
The aspect of the Butterfly Effect I have always resonate with most is th Inquiry section. I love asking questions, and reflecting on topics that matter to my peers. In the past, I explored inquiry projects that help me to think critically, while sharing my ideas through writing. This year, I am particularly interested in exploring the topic of “broken heart syndrome” an “happy heart syndrome.” Such topics interest me as they impact numerous individuals in my communities. Exploring questions like these excite me as they push me to think deeply and analyze various perspectives. Through inquiry, I hope to continue exploring these topics and share insights that can spark meaningful conversations!
I can’t wait to share more through my blog posts and continue being involved with Social Butterfly Effect for my fourth year of highschool!
