Senior Darshana Shah has committed to Harvard University as a government major. During her four years at John F. Kennedy Memorial High School, Darshana has been an active member of the JFK community. She is captain of the Girls Volleyball team as well as captain of the Girls Track & Field team. She’s also involved in National Honor Society, English Honor Society, FBLA and more.
As varsity captain of the girls volleyball team, what’s been your proudest moment on the court?
Darshana: Honestly, it was our senior night. That game meant everything. It wasn’t just our last home game, it felt like a goodbye, a celebration, and a reflection of how far we’d come. You could really feel the emotion and energy from the entire team. Everyone showed up, gave their all, and put aside any differences. It was so powerful to see us come together one final time, especially knowing Misha and I were leading that team. It felt like everything we worked for all season was coming full circle in that one game.
What do you plan to study at Harvard, and what inspired that path?
I’m currently majoring in government, and I’m planning to add economics as a second major. I didn’t always know this was what I wanted to do. I thought about medicine, architecture, even law in a more traditional sense. But through high school, I tried out different classes and joined clubs that challenged me in new ways. I loved public speaking, especially debate, and I found myself drawn to anything related to policy and current events.
When I took law and society, something clicked. I realized I want to work in spaces where I can understand systems of power, advocate for others, and make an impact.
What’s your secret to staying motivated and organized?
I don’t depend on motivation, I rely on discipline. Motivation comes and goes, but discipline keeps you going no matter how you feel. I learned to manage my time and stay consistent, even when things got overwhelming. I also had to learn my limits. Just because someone else is doing ten things doesn’t mean I have to do the same. I stayed in my own lane and made sure I didn’t burn out. That mindset helped me keep everything balanced while still giving my best to each thing I committed to.
What will you miss most about high school?
Definitely the people. I’ve made such close connections with friends, teachers, classmates that it honestly made the college decision hard. I still talk to teachers I had as a freshman or sophomore. I’ve built this support system over four years, and now that it’s time to leave, it’s bittersweet. High school felt like a second home to me. It’s hard to imagine not seeing these people every day.
If you could relive one moment from high school, what would it be and why?
The football games I loved going to. I went to almost all the home games for football, and it was one of my favorite moments, because obviously the football games are fun to watch, but also because everybody would be there and the different themes made it really fun to dress up and come out. But also because it would be a time where all of our friends would be there together and just like that feeling of community.
What’s been your favorite class or teacher, and why?
APUSH and SUPA History with Mr. Hill. He’s hands-down my favorite teacher. His classes weren’t just lectures, they were conversations. He made history exciting and relatable, and he always treated us like we had a voice.
Since I’m majoring in government, his classes had a big influence on me. I felt inspired in his classroom, and some of my best academic memories come from there.
Who in your life has supported you the most in high school?
My parents, no question. They’ve supported me emotionally, mentally, and physically driving me to events, adjusting their schedules to fit mine, and always making sure I felt encouraged. Before I could drive, they made sure I never missed out on anything, even when they were busy. Whenever I doubted myself or felt overwhelmed, they were the first people I turned to. Their guidance and support never wavered, and I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without them.
What’s one thing you’re glad you tried during high school?
Dance Exchange. I’ve always loved dancing casually, but I never had a space to explore it seriously until high school. I joined during freshman year and instantly fell in love with the culture and energy of it. It was amazing seeing how people shared their heritage through choreography.
Eventually, I co-choreographed a piece with a friend, and we did it for two years. Being on stage, expressing myself through movement, and leading something creative like that was one of the most rewarding parts of my high school experience.
What advice would you give to freshmen?
Don’t take school as a joke. It matters more than you think. Building good habits early sets the tone for the rest of high school. It’s easier to maintain a strong start than to play catch-up later.
Also, be open. Try new things, talk to new people, and don’t box yourself in. High school is what you make it. There’s so much to explore, and you’ll grow the most when you let yourself be uncomfortable and take chances.
