For Arthi Iyer (12), helping others serves as the driving force for many of her actions. From volunteering with the Humane Society for the past four years to tutoring students at Harker or with Kumon, Arthi makes sure that she leaves a positive impact on those surrounding her.

“My philosophy is that I could die penniless and I wouldn’t care—I wouldn’t care what diploma I graduated with or what percentile my ranking was in my class,” Arthi said. “I’d rather be remembered for something good.”

During her junior year, Arthi was the president of the Animal Welfare Club. Although the club soon disbanded, she continued to help animals by volunteering at the Humane Society.

Arthi’s main goal for her future is to spend a year working in the Peace Corps, an item that has been lingering on her bucket list for as long as she can remember.

“I really want to work in a non-profit and live that life where you don’t really get a large paycheck, but you are helping people,” she said.

One piece of advice Arthi follows after reflecting on her time in high school is that staying true to herself and who she is as a person is the most important thing.

“Something I’ve noticed about myself recently, maybe senior year and over the past summer, is that I care a whole heck of a lot more about making other people happy, and therefore making myself happy, than I do about whatever science fair is coming up or whatever research paper I have to write or anything along those lines,” Arthi said. “Sure, they exist in life and to some extent you have to play the game and do them, but I would tell myself not to spend so many hours banging your head against the brick wall, trying to be the stereotypical Harker kid that you’re just not.”

Medha Shah (12), one of Arthi’s friends, likes that Arthi is a person she can always count on.

“Arthi is a very energetic yet loving and caring friend who is always there to listen and help you no matter what hour,” Medha said.

Through all of her activities both in and outside of school and the ways they have shaped her personality, Arthi always strives to be her best and have a positive impact on others.

“If I end up living my life and not having a tangible sense of accomplishment upon someone else, then I wouldn’t really know what I accomplished,” Arthi said.