The door swings open as he steps into the Democratic Volunteering Center. A quiet air of conversation hovers over the computer-lined office. The sounds of papers rustling and gel-pens clicking fill the air as he is directed to a laptop, preparing to dive into his new venture: phone banking. Quietly, he dials a number from the caller list, carefully reading over the script. A ringtone sounds three times before the receiver picks up. “Hello?” Heart pounding and hands sweating, he smiles in excitement as he prepares himself for a new conversation, a new perspective. This is one of Deven Parikh’s (12) favorite memories.

Learning different perspectives is a first step in understanding others and making a difference, and it is something that Deven finds enjoyment, as well as importance, in. To him, this concept is especially prevalent in political volunteering as well as debate, and always leads to a worthwhile experience. 

“I like to learn different perspectives from other people. I find that in the activities I’m mainly focused in, I get that experience. For example, in debate, I meet thousands of kids from around the country during camp, during competitions. Similarly, with political volunteering, I call thousands of people, [and] not just along one party line. I hear a lot of their perspectives,” Deven said.

One position Deven views as influential and informative is phone banking. He believes that phone banking expands his views and allows him to share his personal perspective while having conversations with many people from around the country and hearing theirs. Despite initially lacking experience, he soon found interest in the uniqueness of sharing personal aspects of himself while understanding the beliefs of others. 

“I initially started reading the script because I was very new to it, but after the first couple of calls, I was like, ‘I know how to do this myself.’ I like how many opinions and thoughts there are, and [through] having these discussions with others, I shared a piece of myself. You’re not just selling a politician. You’re selling a piece of yourself to that person,” Deven said.

For Deven, making a difference in the world around him is very important. Given the resources he has access to, Deven believes aiding underprivileged communities and helping resolve unfair situations is influential and a great action one can take in life. His passion stems from exploring different perspectives on issues and trying to change situations for the better, starting with a middle school debate trip.

“It all started back when I was in middle school, and I first started experiencing debate. I was able to travel across the country to go to competitions. I would go travel to Chile, for example, [where] I saw a lot of the disparities going on,” Deven said. 

At the time of his trip, there had been an ongoing march protesting against the shutdown of resources provided for classes like P.E. and history. Seeing this aspect of society put Deven on a path to try and resolve issues like these back at home and help out those who need it the most. Through all of his experiences, he has achieved something in common: leaving a beneficial and worthwhile influence on the world. 

“One of the most important things that one can do is using what you have to do real good,” Deven said. “In helping [someone] or in achieving X, Y and Z, it’s not about, ‘It’s going to make me more famous or it’s going to make me more money.’ It’s more, ‘Is this going to actually make a difference?’”

In addition to making a positive impact through service and volunteering, Deven also brings a positive mindset into his everyday life, as well as into the lives of others. Many peers of Deven’s notice this aspect of his personality as well, alongside his energetic nature. Anish Kilaru (12), who has known Deven since their childhoods, comments on many of his traits that haven’t changed as he’s grown up.

“He’s great to spend time with, and he’s always fun and always positive and very energetic and caring. His energy hasn’t really changed as he’s grown up, which I think is a very good thing,” Anish said.

Enthusiasm is one aspect of Deven’s personality that shows in activities he cares about, and when he’s among his friends. Krishay Mukhija (12), another one of Deven’s close friends, believes similarly.

“You can tell he truly cares about what he does and what he’s passionate about, and the way he directs his energy towards those things is really inspiring,” Krishay said.

Deven’s determination and passion influences others around him, especially in a classroom setting. History and social science teacher Carol Green, who teaches Deven in many classes, has watched him grow into the person he is today.

“Deven has a lot of enthusiasm for life and is excited and has a lot of energy about taking on new challenges and has a way of motivating and inspiring those around him to also be excited about what they’re doing,” Green said.

The energy Deven brings to the things he loves to do reflects his ability to keep in touch with his emotions. In Deven’s eyes, mental health is one of the most important things one can maintain. Keeping a balance between school and other activities is the key to unlocking all of the opportunities that the world has to offer. Deven’s mindset and spirit reflect an idea that has helped him through all aspects of life.

“It’s important to be happy and be okay with yourself and also spread that positivity to others and brighten the days for those around you,” Deven said. “There’s no need to always worry about things when you could just stay in the moment. You don’t need to worry much about the past when there’s so much ahead. Try to stay positive, [and] be as positive as possible.”