Propping his bike on its rear wheel in a move called a manual, then balancing on the front wheel as he executes a nose manual, Shounak Ghosh (12) deftly handles his bike, performing tricks and jumps effortlessly as the golden afternoon California light bathes him. As he bikes across Davis field, Shounak is laser-focused. From water polo to robotics to bicycle motocross (BMX), Shounak dedicates himself to immersing himself in his activities and setting an example along the way.

After joining robotics with his friends, Shounak quickly developed an interest in the technical aspects of it, becoming the electrical lead.

“One thing that drew me to robotics was how hands-on it is,” Shounak said. “Being able to build something with your hands, watching it be modeled and then making the parts yourself and putting them together … seeing that design process come to life, there’s something satisfying about it.”

Besides the technical aspects of robotics, Shounak also enjoys the social aspects. Slowly rising to a leadership position, Shounak flourishes as a mentor and model for other members of the robotics team.

“Initially I joined because of my friends, but then once I became involved with the [robotics] program, I especially liked taking a leadership role,” Shounak said. “I helped train the mechanical and electrical kids and it’s always a good time even if we’re stressed or there’s an upcoming conference because we’ve known each other for the better part of four years. We know that we have that connection.”

Shounak’s drive to excel and to guide others has extended beyond robotics to water polo. Having played water polo from sixth grade to 11th grade,  Shounak returned as the team manager instead of a player for the varsity boys water polo team in his senior year because of his busy schedule.

“Being in practice together, it’s a lot of drills,” Shounak said. “Over the years, I’ve been focused on trying to be more like a role model. Our team as a group right now … we were [Central Coast Section] (CCS) champions [this year] last weekend. We’re a very strong team, but we’re on the younger side, so I try to be like a role model.”

As a manager, Shounak pursues excellence and encourages those around him to push themselves as well, supporting and setting an example for them.

“[Shounak] would always give it his full effort,” upper school math teacher and boys varsity water polo coach Dr. Victor Adler said. “That’s exactly what you want in a student, as a coach, so I appreciate him [for being] that kind of role model.”

Shounak’s friends and fellow teammates recognize his stalwart commitment and effort as well as his growth.

“[Shounak] was always very driven, very motivated to get stuff done,” robotics and water polo teammate Anish Pai (12) said. “Over the past couple of years, I’ve seen him grow not just [as] a teammate, but also [as] a person. He’s very intellectual and helpful … he’ll always be there to help you if you need help.”

Shounak’s desire to support his peers reaches beyond his pursuits in water polo to his other activities, such as BMX.

“[Shounak’s] very dedicated to his hobbies and to his academic pursuits,” friend Dawson Chen (12) said. “For example, because he enjoys [biking] a lot, he makes a lot of videos of himself biking. He wanted to extend that interest to other people so he volunteers a lot. He even taught me how to fix my tire. He likes to share his passions with his friends.”

Shounak enjoys devoting time to BMX. He not only expands his own experience and knowledge through practice but also volunteers for a BMX bike warehouse called the Silicon Valley Bike Exchange, where he repairs donated bikes and mentors new members.

“Even if you’re riding around in your neighborhood, it’s always an adventure,” Shounak said. “There’s an element of thrill or something new, and I wanted to help more people to experience it.”

Ultimately, Shounak aims to help others grow by trying to be a role model for them. His determination has earned him the respect of his peers and friends.

“If I commit to something, I want to see it through; once I become invested in something, I really want to see something wonderful come out of it,” Shounak said. “I feel like I owe it to not only myself, but the people around me; I want to leave a lasting impact.”