Sparks fly and machines roar in the robotics lab as students shout over each other, asking for tools like crimpers and tape. At TALON Yearbook’s deadline night, the air buzzes in a different way; students pass snacks, annotate spreads, pick playlists and overlap in discussion over design choices. In both noisy places, however, senior Alvira Agarwal finds the same quiet comfort of community and joy of shared effort.

Exploring computer science, Alvira joined robotics in her freshman year. As she familiarized herself with the mechanic and electrical work, she discovered not only a space to engage with hands-on building, but also an environment that taught her the value of teamwork.

“I really like to work with people,” Alvira said. “Learning to work in teams outside of academic settings, where it’s learn everything on your own, is really cool. In robotics, you develop your own skills so you can contribute to a bigger goal.”

Over time, Alvira’s collaboration naturally evolved into mentorship. After advancing to electrical lead, she works with the wire components that power the robots and guides others in the process. She wishes to make robotics a space where newer members feel comfortable learning.

“As electrical lead, robotics is centered around teaching underclassmen,” Alvira said. “As a previous underclassman, I saw seniors as really scary and I was too scared to ask questions because they all seemed like they knew so much. Now that I’m in the upperclassmen’s place, it’s not like I know that much more. So I just want people to feel welcome and ask me questions.”

Alvira’s other commitment sits on the opposite end of the spectrum: the TALON Yearbook. She joined Introduction to Journalism in frosh year expecting a simple elective, but she soon discovered a tight community that combined art and teamwork. Over time, Alvira has grown from reporter to now managing editor, ensuring each section runs smoothly and improving her design, leadership and social skills.

“I know I seem like an extrovert, but it’s hard for me to just walk up to people and start talking to them,” Alvira said. “Yearbook has helped me speak up more. I like to become friends with staff so they will feel more comfortable. It’s important to approach people like that.”

Her peers and mentors notice that care. Senior Hannah Jeon, TALON’s Editor-In-Chief and Alvira’s close friend, expressed Alvira’s leadership style as one that prioritizes strong team bonds.

“Since she’s in a leadership position now, she’s very intentional in how she carries herself, especially with new members,” Hannah said. “She’s very community-focused, and she always wants to get along with everyone, even if there’s some differing opinions.”

Even outside of the journalism room or robotics lab, Alvira extends her enthusiasm towards her community. Last year in Alvira’s calculus class, Director of Alumni Relations and former Math teacher Caren Furtado recalled a moment of that kindness firsthand.

“Alvira was sitting next to a very quiet student,” Furtado said. “Later, I realized that student had a lot of emotional turmoil. Alvira changed that for this student. Alvira is driven and never puts anyone down. That was why she was able to connect to this student. Somebody who can make such a big difference for somebody else has to be special.”

Forming bonds with her community has also influenced Alvira’s personal growth. Close friend senior Shimeka Sahu appreciates Alvira’s tendency to balance ambition with empathy through supporting the people around her. 

“She’s definitely grown into someone a lot stronger as a person,” Shimeka said. “She’s put herself out there more. She’s been taking hard courses and also having huge commitments to extracurriculars, but she still has time to push through all of it and still be there for me and all our friends. There’s that sense of genuine warmth in her.”

While the wires and the yearbook spreads may seem worlds apart, for Alvira, both have changed her into the dependable and collaborative person she is today. Whether debugging a robot or managing a deadline, she’s learned that progress happens when people support one another.

“Because all my work is team-oriented, I’m inspired to want to get my part of the work done because I see everyone else trying so hard,” Alvira said. “I want to get my work done, so it’s easier on them. I want to be remembered as the type of person who tried to get to know everyone and get everyone involved.”