Your Name
Sanjana Kalia
What High School do you attend?
Brooklin High School
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am fortunate enough to be very close with my family. I live with my mom, Seema; my dad, Munish; and my younger sister, Ameya. My family has a huge influence on me as my parents are incredibly strong, kind, giving, and passionate people which are character traits that I also hope to also exhibit. I have a special relationship with my sister as well, as she is like my best friend. My family makes it a priority to spend time together, as we love to travel (especially to Disney World), and go on day adventures. I learn from and am grateful for my whole family including my grandmother, grandfather, aunts, uncles, and cousins– and I am proud to be apart of such a bonded and loving family.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, my plan is to attend Queen’s University for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Program. I hope to do a medial in English and Political Science– as I am passionate about writing, and learning about how society is constructed. I also hope to travel and see the world a bit before life gets too busy!
What are two of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Two of my favourite restaurants in our community are Corrado’s and Brother’s.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
At this moment since I am aware of the tragedies and injustices that are happening in South Asia and the Middle East, I would not want to travel for enjoyment purposes but rather to go to countries that need any help that they can get. For instance, India is facing a Covid-19 crisis, and Palestine is experiencing a human-rights crisis. It is heartbreaking to see what is happening on the other side of the world but I would want to travel to these places right now to help these families and children in any way that I can. I would want to take part in organizations like ‘Action Against Hunger’, to help deliver food and care packages.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favourite movies is Aladdin; and one of my favourite TV shows is Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
If you were asked to give advice to your senior class and the younger students at your school, what would you say?
If I were asked to give advice to my senior class I would tell them how proud I am of everyone for how hard they have worked to make it to graduation day. Not everyone can say that they have completed their final year of High School during a pandemic– but with that being said, every single one of my classmates have proven to be adaptable, resilient, and strong. I would tell my senior class to keep working towards their goals, never give up on their dreams, and to always be happy. I hope to keep in touch with the relationships that I have made in High School, but I also hope to see all of my friends flourish no matter where they end up. The advice that I would give to the younger students at my school is to not take a single moment for granted. I hope they experience all that High School has to offer and always remember that they are not alone. I understand how the transition to High School is scary but the teachers and students will be there to support you. I would also tell them to get involved. Some of the best memories that one can make is being apart of school spirit. So to my younger students: always wave hi to your teachers, be present in the moment, stay focused, do not be to hard on yourselves, and try to make every single day a memorable one.
If you were able to be cast as yourself into a television show or series, what show would you want to be in?
I would cast myself in the television show, Gilmore Girls. I have grown up watching this show and have always been inspired by the protagonist, Rory Gilmore.
If you could choose anyone to have lunch with, who would you choose? Why? And where, locally, would you meet for this lunch?
If I could choose anyone to have lunch with, it would be an honour to speak with Malala Yousafzai. This is because, as a young woman and feminist, I am inspired by her story and everything that she stands for. Malala spoke up for young girls who had their right to education denied. Her determination to create equality and justice, made her a target where she ended up being shot. Although she experienced such a traumatic event, that did not stop her from continuing to make a difference and ensure that girls receive 12 years of education in countries where this is not the case. I would thank her for her sacrifice for girls everywhere, and ask her to give me advice on how to make a difference like she did. I would have this conversation in an intimate setting over coffee at the Brock St. Expresso.
What is your favorite thing about our community?
My favourite thing about our community is no matter how much the population grows, it continues to be a close-knit and safe community– full of great neighbours and friends.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself being happy and accomplished– as I see myself finishing law school, and starting my career as a human rights lawyer.
What is something on your bucket list?
Follow my favourite band on a tour across the world.
What is your go to band / singer when you can’t decide what to listen to?
My go to singer when I can’t decide what to listen to is Drake.
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favourite month of the year is November because it is the beginning of the holiday season. I find that people are happier and more grateful during this time, and it is when the Christmas festivities commence , leading to my favourite holiday– Christmas! Christmas is an amazing holiday that is full of love and family. However, the best single day on the calendar for me is Christmas Eve, because of the anticipation and excitement I feel for the day to come and being with loved ones!
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
An experience that I would rate a 10 out of 10 is watching the magical firework show over the castle for the first time in Disney World.
What is something you want to do as soon as this pandemic is finished?
As soon as this pandemic is finished something I would want to do is have a sleepover at my Grandma’s house, and go to a concert with my best friend.
Who inspires you to be better?
This question was difficult for me to answer because I am fortunate enough to have so many amazing people in my life who inspire me and makes me want to be better. However, my mom is my role-model. She always pushes me to be the best possible version of myself, and always believes in me, even when I do not. She never lets me forget that I matter and am meant to do big things which makes me want to make her proud. My mom is an amazing person who has a huge heart and is incredibly strong. I hope to be like her someday.
