How many people can name the candidates for every election in the last decade and what they stood for? Or explain how one conversation with a friend can influence their whole life? Whether she’s analyzing cognitive biases in AP Psychology or bringing up midterm elections in casual conversation, Ankita Chakravarty (‘26) is constantly searching for a deeper understanding of the world around her, and of herself in it. 

Ankita first became interested in psychology in eighth grade science class during the unit about human anatomy. Despite not having many opportunities in her academics to explore the subject, with her school only teaching three periods worth of the material, she explored it more outside of school.

“Psychology is such a unique way to connect with people when you learn how we can think and process things and are influenced by other people,” Ankita said. “Sometimes we’re very self-centered in a way or egocentric in terms of how we think of ourselves and our lives, so being able to take another perspective by just learning about how and why we do all of that is super fascinating.”

Through exploring psychology, Ankita has become a more thoughtful and introspective person. She understands how she is influencing people and they are influencing her, which has allowed her to grow her empathy. AP Psychology teacher Jeff Sutton notices her thoughtfulness in class, appreciating her willingness to learn and ability to work well with other students.

“She’s patient,” Sutton said. “She waits for things to line up before she jumps in. It’s not cautious, it’s just letting things develop around her. Then when she sees a moment, she’s pretty good at timing delivery. I would tell her to keep doing what she’s doing. Keep on the path, keep being curious, keep being patient.”

Psychology impacts many of Ankita’s hobbies, including art. Having started art in elementary school inspired by her father and sister, she has explored a range of forms including crocheting, drawing and painting. For Ankita, art is more than just creative expression. By analyzing other people’s art, she can understand other people’s personalities from the way they frame their photos to the choices they make in a sketch.

“I like trying to capture the human form,” Ankita said. “It’s interesting to me. When I choose portraits, I like to think of things that are unconventional or diverse in some sort of way. It’s super interesting to see how different people can be different genetically but also how we can deviate from certain norms that have been very pervasive throughout society.”

Her thoughtfulness in class extends to her social life. Close friend Danielle Steinbach (‘26), who shares her interest in psychology, notes Ankita’s ability to understand other people well and empathize with them. 

“When you’re in high school, it’s easy to think solely about yourself and getting to the next day and your immediate environment,” Danielle said. “Ankita very much thinks about the world in general and thinks outside of herself a lot. She’s become a lot more confident naturally.”

Stemming from her fascination with psychology, Ankita’s interest in politics also has a major influence on her life. From discussions with her family about the latest news to bringing up midterms in Sutton’s class when talking about upcoming events, Ankita relates many topics to psychology. Close friend Anika Akkiraju (‘26) admires how informed she is in politics.

“She’s very well aware of politics and what’s going on in the world and was really excited to talk about it during class and had a lot to say,” Anika said. “ Every time she comes to the lunch table, she always has some piece of news.”

Since discovering her interest in politics, Ankita finds it shapes not just her opinions, but also who she is as a person. Through late-night finds, discussions with loved ones and classroom debates, politics challenges her to think more critically about the world and become a more aware person.

“Being into politics has helped me feel more well read and smarter than I would have been without it,” Ankita said. “It’s also made me feel both a little bit cynical because of the state of things today but also hopeful.”

Between psychology and politics, Ankita has learned how to read the room and give her opinion without focusing only on herself. She tries to make everyone in a room feel comfortable and heard. 

“I’d like to be remembered for trying to be positive,” Ankita said. “There’s a lot of times when the day is hard, but I’ll always be trying to search for a funny little joke and a silver lining. I’d also like to be remembered for being a good listener. I’ve helped a lot of people with their problems, and I’d like to think I’m a person people can rely on for advice.”