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Publisher’s Note: We do not usually highlight young women who are still in high school. However, Aleesha Bora impressed us so much that we simply needed to share her story! Please learn more about what this extraordinary young woman does and consider donating to her fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!
Aleesha Bora Is a student at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick, Maryland. She is involved in her school’s Student Government Association (SGA), Mock Trial, Sophomore Executive Club, Future Business Leaders of America Club (FBLA), and Key Club. She currently serves on the Student Member Advisory Council (SMAC) as the representative for the Gov. Thomas Johnson High School Feeder Pattern. In addition, she plays for TJ’s Tennis Team and is a manager for TJ’s Varsity Volleyball Team!
Aside from school, Aleesha is a leadership intern for a non-profit organization called Julie Gaver Discovery. She is also involved in Theatre through GTJHS Stage and the Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET). This year she is a part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year Program where she leads a campaign to raise money for the society and its mission to cure blood cancer.
How did you get to where you are today?
From a very young age, I have been passionate about volunteer work both in my school as well as the local community. My passions continue to evolve and as I get older, I am realizing that volunteer work provides me with a deep sense of accomplishment and worth. Whether it’s organizing a fundraiser, attending club meetings, or volunteering at a community event. As I become further involved in various community work, my role to serve has expanded with leadership roles and opportunities to represent fellow students. I aspire to be actively involved with charitable organizations and increase my leadership roles in my community.
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What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome in order to achieve your goals?
The biggest challenge I continue to face is an internal one – finding balance in my life. Balance is not something that comes easy to me. Especially finding a happy medium between my school/work life and my personal health with my hectic schedule! Though it is a challenge I am still overcoming, when I feel unbalanced, I look at the joyful moments of my experiences and the work I have accomplished to keep me motivated and focused on my goals.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my activism and involvement in my school and local community. The incredible exposure to opportunities in school and in my community has given me the chance to support those in need. They have also helped me further immerse myself into my school’s student body to organize fundraisers, volunteer, and use my leadership roles to amplify the voices of my fellow student community.
You inspire us, but what are YOU inspired by?
The people who raised me, the people I continue to surround myself with, the people who have been there for me since day one: my family. My family is my inspiration. They continually provide me with tremendous amounts of love and support. This encourages me to never lose sight of my aspirations and goals. My mom is my biggest motivator. Her wisdom and words of advice push me to be the best version of myself every day. Humble and quiet, my dad is one of the most hardworking people I know. He has shown me what it means to be diligent and relentless.
Lastly, my grandparents are my biggest inspirations. Immigrants from India, my Grandpa (Koka) and Grandma (Aita) moved to this country with meager beginnings. I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for my grandparents. Their tenacity and courage allowed them to move to a foreign country in hopes of creating a new life full of opportunities and new experiences for their children. My grandparents created a legacy for their family. A legacy that lives on in me, in my aspirations and goals. Their story exemplifies the importance of persevering through the challenges you are presented with.
What is one sassy saying or quote that inspires you? Why?
“Happiness is not a place you reach but it is how you get there”. My Grandpa (koka) passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2021. Though he deteriorated and could not remember anything, this is the one phrase he did remember and repeatedly shared. This phrase means that happiness is not a place or final destination, it is rather the journey and how you choose to look at life every single day. It is a way of living it is the attitude you give toward life every day.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
As an active member of my community, I strive to advocate and make a difference for those in need. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) allows me to make a difference in my community through the Student Visionaries of the Year campaign. Currently, my team, led by high school students, will be collecting funds for the society and their mission to cure blood cancers from January 14th, 2023 to March 4th, 2023. What draws us to this amazing program is the inspiring stories that we hear from local patients who are students in high school like us. These students come from local schools such as TJ and Middletown High School.
Representing our schools is something that we are so proud of. But more importantly, we are honored to be advocating for these students as they inspire us to initiate change in our communities and make the voices of others heard. By donating to our campaign, you will be supporting LLS’ worthy cause.
Katy Cawley
Katy is an entrepreneur, a social media know it all, and a lover of all the vintage things. She started Katy's Flower Wagon in 2020, having recently sold that business to pursue other creative endeavors. She has been working with Sass Magazine as well as local businesses as a social media manager. You can catch her around town snapping pictures, collaborating with local businesses, and working on all things Sass!
Fun facts -
1. She went to University of Maryland
2. She has a dog sidekick named Stitch
3. She shares a birthday with Julie Andrew's
4. You should follower her @adventuresinkatyland
What do you think?