Meet Student State Representative Esha, Be Strong’s March 2022 Student of the Month!
“I really believe that the world is so much better when kindness becomes a lifestyle rather than a one-time action, and there are so many acts of kindness people can do every day! According to me, kindness is truly a superpower that everyone has.”
It’s not uncommon for kids to be busy these days, but Be Strong State Student Representative Esha takes community involvement to a whole new level! Her resume is an impressive catalog of volunteer experiences, awards, and accomplishments — including her work as co-founder and COO of NEST4US, her own 501(c)3 nonprofit, which helps to organize and mobilize volunteers around the globe.
This trailblazer from Virginia has been part of Be Strong since the spring of 2020, helping to foster resilience and strength in her peers and local community.
“Be Strong is a nonprofit organization that helps people all across the country and cares about everyone – their Student Representatives, people struggling with their mental health, and the community as a whole,” Esha said. “I love how they offer an abundance of resources for people struggling through the Be Strong App and learning opportunities for us Student Reps. I love getting to meet new people and connect with other youth changemakers across the country! I am so grateful for their support and encouragement, as well as the chance to showcase kindness on such an awesome platform!”
Esha utilizes the Be Strong App to help connect friends with help when they need it most. When a friend from school was going through a tough time during COVID-19, Esha directed her to it.
“I knew that the crisis hotlines, food and housing support, and so many more resources within the Be Strong App would help her out and provide a safe space to find support,” Esha said. “I was so thankful to have been able to help a friend, and recommend anyone and everyone out there to download the app to help a family member, friend, or neighbor in need.”
Esha’s changing the world in a major way through her work and her everyday kindness. Whether it’s mobilizing global volunteers or just a smile in the hallway, Esha’s impact is felt deeply.
“It is important to be a source of light and positivity in others’ lives because you never know what someone else is going through and what invisible battles they are fighting,” Esha said. “That’s why we need to show more kindness and compassion toward others around us and lift each other up instead of tearing each other down!”
Her kindness takes many forms, and she never turns down an opportunity to help others. Through writing notes of encouragement, making care packages, and small acts, she does her best to support the unsung heroes in her community.
Through her nonprofit, Esha helps provide essential resources like food, toiletries, and education to people in need. “Most importantly, we foster a sense of community fueled by love and compassion that offers an overarching support system for each and every individual we come across,” Esha said. “That’s how I choose to Be Strong in my everyday life — by cultivating a community of kindness and inclusivity however, whenever, and wherever I can!”
People wonder how Esha manages to do it all. From schoolwork to volunteering to leading others, how can one teenager find the time? For Esha, community activism is a regular part of her daily life.
“Think of it this way — what do people enjoy doing in their free time?” Esha asked. “Maybe they watch a movie or hang out with friends. We all block out time in our schedules to do these things, so why can’t we do that with community service as well? It’s easy, fun, and you get to meet and connect with new people while helping those in need.”
Esha encourages others to follow in her footsteps and make time for volunteerism. It’s not about having the time, she says, it’s about making the time.
“I strongly believe that you don’t need to have time,” Esha said. “You should make the time to do things you truly enjoy so you can put 100% into everything you do!”
It’s clear that Esha has a bright future ahead of her. After graduating high school, she plans on pursuing health informatics. “Personally, I want to work in the neuroscience and technology field in a few years, because I am interested in the brain and all things STEM!” Esha said.
Esha’s message is one of unity. She believes that together, we can solve many of the world’s problems. Esha is just one of countless changemakers who are part of Be Strong, and we can’t wait to see how Esha and others continue to change the world.
“There are so many problems in the world,” Esha said. “But if we work together as one human family to fix these issues rather than fight against our own brothers and sisters, we can move towards a better, kinder future for all.”
To learn more about Be Strong’s free programs, email getstarted@bestrong.global. To nominate your inspiring student to lead inclusive change, visit nominate.bestrong.global today.
