The final notes of the previous performer’s song close out as chatters of disengaged elders once again fill the room. Arushi Sharma (12) breathes in and out in preparation before she allows a melody to fall from her lips. The chattering begins to fade, as the audience lends Arushi their attention. Their eyes light up with recognition, creating a harmonious connection between the audience and the singer that is its own reward.

Arushi started her singing journey in second grade, focusing on classical opera art songs, as well as Broadway-related performances. She joined the Harker vocal certificate program in her sophomore year and began to participate in the school choirs, Bel Canto and Cantilena. After joining Harker in ninth grade online, Arushi recorded Les Mis with her classmates, making a movie out of the spring musical. She continued participating in the spring musical for the next two years, showcasing her unique vocal talents on the stage and enjoying the acting involved with it.

“Once you get in the rhythm of a song and you get it into your voice, it becomes muscle memory,” Arushi explained. “A lot of the times when I go to perform, I don’t think about what I’m singing. It’s almost like you just hear yourself, and I think that’s a really cool experience when you get to that point.”

Not only does Arushi sing during performances, she also utilizes her voice for volunteer work. Arushi’s volunteering journey started in seventh grade, when she primarily volunteered at senior centers. As a part of the National Junior Honor Society, Arushi discovered a group called Compassion For Seniors. She took a special interest in performing for the elderly in the memory care unit and dedicated much of her time to singing for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. 

“When you sing a song that the patients remember from their childhood, they start singing along with it,” Arushi said. “You can see the change in their behavior and their emotion, and it’s just really special. It’s like the cliche, music touches people, but you can actually see that in real life.” 

Arushi’s compassion is notable among her peers as well. Arushi lends her help to whomever needs it without prying, becoming a person that many students confide with. She channels much of her kindness through her voice, and she never hesitates to extend a helping hand to those in need. 

“It’s no longer just singing, you are singing for somebody else,” Arushi said. “They are now the center of what you’re doing and you’re trying to benefit them rather than just singing into a void. It’s definitely changed my joy around singing and my approach is no longer ‘that note needs to be exactly perfect,’ but it’s more ‘how can you impact others?’”

Arushi carries her mindset to her vision of the future as well. Branching off of the volunteer work she does, Arushi expresses her desire to pursue medicine. Arushi focuses her interest in the medical field on neuroscience. She continues to display her kindness and empathy by aspiring to assist those with neurodegenerative diseases. Close friend Juhi Madala (12) observes Arushi’s positivity and empathy.

“No matter what cards she’s handed, she’ll always find a way to put some positive spin on it,” Juhi said. “I’ve seen many examples of where she can turn a difficult situation into something light hearted and make things easier to manage for herself, and others as well.”

Arushi’s curious nature shines through her various other hobbies. Baking, sewing and crocheting are a few of the hobbies Arushi does for fun. Instead of focusing on competing, Arushi enjoys doing these hobbies for the sake of simply enjoying them. Not only does Arushi find joy in what she does, she also maintains a positive attitude. Fellow classmate and close friend Sasha Masson (12) recalls Arushi pushing her to try different things and be spontaneous.

“I think that positivity really comes through in her voice, just hearing her sing makes you happy,” Sasha said. “And that’s obviously, one, to her great skill, but also having that positive mindset and having people see you sing and be so free. It’s just really inspirational to watch.”

For her senior year, Arushi aims to be someone who inspires people to do their best. Arushi strives to emulate the same energy her upperclassmen gave off when she was in her freshman and sophomore years. Her parents, who always dedicate themselves to their craft and give it their all, inspire Arushi to do the same. She sets goals and works to achieve them, one by one.

“I think it’s easy to get dragged down and focus on the smaller things, like this test is going badly, but I think it’s important to look at the bigger picture of how you want to live your life and make sure that you’re happy with what you’re doing not just be happy with specific moments,” Arushi said.

Arushi’s optimism influences her peers, and she spreads positivity throughout her classes. Upper school mathematics teacher Caren Furtado taught Arushi in precalculus in her sophomore year. Furtado describes Arushi as a hardworking and compassionate student who brings her dedication to class and impacts her peers. Aside from being encouraging, Arushi always finds the bright side of everything and maintains a positive mindset. She focuses on the possibilities of the future, instead of dwelling on regrets of the past. 

“Anyone who works with her can always expect to be pushed a little more,” Furtado said. “They can do a little better than they would have done if they were not working with her.” 

While Arushi encourages others to do their best, she also holds herself to the same high standard. For her, there is value in striving to do her work with passion, so she lives by wholehearted commitment in all her pursuits. 

“When you can walk out of something and say ‘I did my best and I gave it everything I could’, you can kind of be at peace with what you’ve done,” Arushi said. “When you don’t really try or when you have regrets, that’s where you fall into a little bit of stress and you start overthinking it. But once you’ve done your best, then you can let it be.”