Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and what hobbies/sports you do.

A: “My name is Paavani. I love to read and solve puzzles. I also enjoy baking cookies, although I can’t tell if it’s for baking or eating them.”

Q: What is one class/club you would recommend to underclassmen? Why?

A: “Any class that you’re genuinely interested in! For me that was AP Chemistry. I know a lot of people talk about how it’s a hard class, and it is a lot of work. But it was one of my favorite classes last year, and getting to see reactions through demos and labs rather than videos and textbooks was really nice.”

Q: What’s an interesting/unique fact about yourself?

A: “I took my very first airplane ride when I was only three months old.”

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

A: “Hopefully done with school and actually working! And perhaps a bit optimistically, with enough money to live in an apartment in downtown Chicago (but at the very least making frequent visits there).”

Q: How do you feel about starting junior year and why?

A: “Stressed and excited. There’s obviously a lot to do with college applications creeping up but I also have been able to take a lot more classes because I want to and not because they are required. And I’m excited to graduate in just a bit over a year!”

Q: Who is your idol and why?

A: “I think there’s something to be learned from every single person, so it’s hard for me to pick just one person.”

Q: What is one lesson high school has taught you?

A: “Being meaningful with my time and actions. Often there’s a lot more to be done than there is time, so it’s really important to pick what I do or do not focus on. The same also applies to the people I surround myself with. I might only be around many of the people here for another year, so I try to make the most of it with people I genuinely enjoy being around.”