HY Class of 2024: Ashwin Suresh

Westridge resident Ashwin Suresh is graduating from Issaquah High School this spring! He has spent the last two years on the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board. While he is still narrowing down his college options, Ashwin plans to study business and learn more about the financial sector.

Here are some of Ashwin’s biggest takeaways from the last two years on the HY Board:

What did you learn from your experience on the HY Board?

I think what I learned most from the HY Board was how to be more active in my own community that I call home. By putting yourself out there and helping with community events, you learn more about your surroundings and how you can contribute in a positive way. One thing that I noticed since COVID-19 was the increased difficulty to make an impact due to a lack of opportunities. But if you look out for them now, you can find fulfilling ways to help your community while giving yourself a sense of purpose.

What did you enjoy?

I think what I enjoyed the most was being able to get myself out of my comfort zone and experience new things. I was able to work with kids and their families in a fun and engaging way through my volunteering at the events and games.

What surprised you about being on the HY Board?

I think what surprised me the most was how much work really went into making sure all the events ran smoothly. So much planning goes into making these events actually happen.

If you were just joining, knowing what you know now, would you have done anything differently as a HY Board member?

I think the one thing I would have done differently was making time for the optional volunteer opportunities. This year, I haven’t been able to volunteer much outside of the scheduled events. If I could go back, I would manage my time better so I could make it to more events.

What is your legacy contribution to the HY Board?

I haven’t been on the HY Board for that long, so I don’t think that I could confidently say that I have a legacy contribution to the board. I think that I have met a lot of great people and I have always tried to contribute as much as possible with ideas to make sure that events run as effectively as possible.

What is your message to the remaining HY Board members? 

Your involvement on the HY Board is more rewarding based on how much effort you put into it. This is a great opportunity that you have been selected for, and if you utilize it as much as possible, you can learn a lot of lifelong skills and make some great friends.

What are your hopes for the future of the HY Board and its impact on neighborhood peers?

I think that even in the very small time that I have been on the HY Board, we have made great improvements with every passing meeting or event. In the future, I hope the HY Board continues to have this commitment to advancement and ensures that youth have a great space to interact with their community.

Did making new friends through HY improve your high school experience?

I think that being on the HY board enables you to share your own thoughts and opinions. The board will always hear you out and provide a welcoming space for anyone who wants to contribute.

What new skills did you learn?

I have always been bad with organization, but I think I really figured it out on the HY Board. The events can get hectic at times, so you need to be able to keep everything in check while multitasking. I think I was able to take those lessons and apply them to other aspects of my life.

Do you feel better prepared for your next life chapter/the college experience because of your HY experience?

At the end of the day, I think moving on to college is a big change because you have to completely rediscover yourself and the people surrounding you. I think the board has given me invaluable skills that will be able to translate and go with me to college—wherever that takes me.

Ashwin is a senior at Issaquah High School and a Westridge resident.