Student Spotlight: Zara Jamshed
We are pleased to introduce you to one of our students who is participating in a number of Startland programs. Zara Jamshed, a Sophomore at Blue Valley North High School, has been a part of the CommunityAmerica Credit Union Virtual Innovation Internship and COVID-19 Pitch Competition, MECA Explore, the Social Change Internship, and the Remake Learning Days Teen Design Challenge. Zara is continually impressing us with her innovative approach to solving problems in the community. We sat down with Zara to learn more about her interest in Startland programs and how she hopes to apply her learnings in her future endeavors.
How did you first get involved with Startland?
Zara: I first found out about Startland from the Pitch Competition last year that was in collaboration with CommunityAmerica. I really enjoyed the pitch competition, and I really liked that idea that my group came up with because I saw a way we could actually accomplish it and that got me really excited about helping others.
You’ve been a part of so many Startland programs! What keeps you coming back?
Zara: I enjoy these events and I enjoy meeting and working with other people. The main reason why I continue is because of how much you learn. Everything you learn slowly starts building up and it opens the gateway for more opportunities. I also needed more experience for college. I think it's really cool that Startland offers these opportunities, especially since a lot of students need them to pursue a career in business or for college.
What have been your biggest learnings through these programs?
Zara: I learned how to improve my work ethic. I learned the importance of time management and networking. Another thing I've realized is that the only thing that makes an experience or success look scary are fears, and when you finally do achieve what you were afraid of, none of those fears remain.
Do you have a sense of what you want to do for your career or in the community as an adult?
Zara: I’ve always wanted to help others. I grew up in Pakistan so I've seen a lot of the hardships people have had to endure. I'm very determined to do what I can to help fix problems there and in the US, as well. I'm not sure what my exact career path will be. I was thinking of being a journalist, a social entrepreneur, a lawyer or a politician. These programs have definitely helped me because they've taught me how to think of concrete solutions to help others in small and big ways.
Can you tell me about a project you’re most proud of?
Zara: One idea that I'm particularly proud of was Coalition. Coalition was created during Startland's MECA Explore in December 2020. The concept was a TikTok account that could be a support group for people who are struggling with their mental health (or any challenges at all) anywhere in the world. The account is supposed to be fun and uplifting. We could do cook-offs, conversational debates, paint-offs, games with prizes, live games, live board games, testimonials from people who've survived serious mental health issues, encouragement and motivational messages, funny TikToks, and dance-offs. Many of the TikToks could be done by famous TikTokers that the Coalition Team would have partnered up with. Even more importantly, the account would be backed by serious mental health professionals, therapists, school counselors, and doctors, because if anyone needs help or they're in a grave situation, they could reach out to us and our available services. This could really help other people. Coalition was supposed to be a community where people come together.
What would you tell other students who are thinking about participating in a Startland program?
Zara: I think it's a great way for students to get their feet off the ground if they want to pursue a career in business, because it teaches you what you need to know in the real world. I think it's important for people to know these skills, even if they aren't pursuing a career in business, because it teaches us how to work with others and how to think concretely about how to provide others with what they need. Another thing I like about these experiences is that it gives you room to fail. It doesn't make failure seem like a bad thing.
To find out more about Startland educational programming and how to get involved, click here.
