My interview with Neelesh began with a simple question: ‘Was I like this at his age?’
His demeanor was striking-calm, poised, open, and curious.
As we discussed life, his desire for self-improvement was evident.
Neelesh, a 16-year-old from California currently in the 11th grade, is an active member of DYC, an organization dedicated to providing resources to youths lacking extracurricular activities, playing a pivotal role in shaping his character. Neelesh’s involvement in DYC is driven by his deep-seated desire to be a part of a community, to be of use, and to provide support to those in need.
Passionate about computer science, his worries relate to the competitive market of his field of choice and his will to find discipline in pursuing his goals.
2024 marked a pivotal year for Neelesh: “I just realized I’m growing older. I need to focus on not just getting my skills intact, but also just being a better person and a plus to society.” As he said this to me, I realized that the pressure we put on ourselves from an early age can be concerning.
It is a drive, but it also takes away the part of life where we exist, breathe, and leave expectations aside. At the same time, it is what pushes us to success.
He explained that his desire for self-improvement stems from his need to feel challenged. In a society full of daily challenges, the goal of a 16-year-old is to be a better version of himself every day. Again: “Was I like this at his age?”
The lesson of Neeleshe’s overall journey is that it’s never too soon or too late to improve.
Join us on our journey.
You can find Neelesh’s episode here:
Inside Out: Gen Z’s Mental Health Journey with Becky Henderson
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation, email us at anais@foundingup.com
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