Passions with Purpose

Chess

Chess has been my favorite hobby for as long as I can remember. I grew up playing with my dad and my two older brothers. It is always a fun way to compete and spend quality time together in the evenings after dinner. At first, my family taught me. It became routine to play at least a game before bed, and eventually I became very familiar with the 8 x 8 grid and the 64 black and white squares. Over time, I improved significantly and developed a desire to play competitively. That's when my parents signed me up for chess lessons, and I joined the chess club in high school. Since then, I've competed in numerous local tournaments across New York City, including at prestigious clubs like The Chess Forum and The Marshall Chess Club. Apart from local competitions, I've traveled with my team to many different states, with the highlight being when we placed at Nationals in Florida. The best part about the game for me is the unique people you get to meet; everyone has such different stories. Playing chess for many years has brought me some of my closest friendships, unforgettable trips, and incredible memories.

Accolades

Chess Nationals – Orlando, Florida (2023): 4th Place (Team - EHS)
New York State Championship – Saratoga Springs (2023): 2nd Place (Team – EHS)
New York State Championship – Saratoga Springs (March 2024): 4th Place (Team – EHS)
Connecticut State Championship (2025): 1st Place (Team – EHS)
Earned over 3 figures from various local competitions.
Co-President of the Edgemont High School Chess Club

Key Highlights

Sept 2023 - Present
300+ hours of community service
Initiated the First Lego League at P.S.108 in Harlem

Robotics

My journey with robotics began in elementary school through FIRST Lego League, where I discovered the thrill of building and programming machines that could move and react. That early spark grew into a real passion. In high school, I joined Robotics Club where I worked on the engineering side but also focused on raising funds for the school club. More than anything, robotics taught me how to problem solve creatively and work with others under pressure, skills I was eager to share. In 10th grade, a friend and I reached out to Frederick Douglass Academy (P.S. 108) in Harlem, a public school without a robotics program. What started as a single visit became a weekly commitment, every Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. I enjoyed it so much that I continued to go through 10th, 11th, and now 12th grade. We launched an official FLL team at the school, mentoring students as they built their first robots, learned to code, and learned to work with other students. Many had never touched a robot before. Over time, I saw their confidence grow, along with their interest in engineering and STEM. I've spent dozens of afternoons guiding their progress, answering questions, offering support, and helping students problem-solve just like I once did. Helping start something from the ground up and watching it take root in others has been one of the most rewarding parts of my robotics experience.

Extracurricular Hobbies

Cricket Club

Cricket has always been more than just a game for me. It's a connection to culture, community, and years of personal passion. I founded the Cricket Club in high school after realizing that while there were plenty of sports teams on campus, there was nothing for cricket: a sport I've always loved and one that's rapidly growing in popularity across the U.S. I wanted to create a space for students who shared that interest, even if they'd never had the chance to play formally. We started small, holding games in the school gymnasium after hours, often improvising equipment and teams. Over time, we raised money for gear, grew our community, and hosted regular matches that drew students from all backgrounds. Building the club from scratch taught me how to lead with both patience and purpose, and showed me the power of community built through shared passion. Apart from my own high school, I've played in the DCPL Cricket League over the past 10 years, and have grown very fond of the sport. I love to go for cricket matches when the opportunity arises and there are matches held in the tri-state area.

Soccer

I would like to consider myself athletic and that I always love to compete, but more so with friends and siblings. The only sport I truly play and love is Soccer. My interest started from a young age as the only video game I played was FIFA. Playing FIFA meant learning the lineup of many teams, strategies, and common terminology. This quickly transitioned into buying a soccer goal for the backyard and I started playing travel soccer in elementary school. I've played every year for Edgemont HS since I joined at the Junior Varsity and Varsity Level, each for 2 years. It is the best way to push myself in the most intense moments while also celebrating victories with my teammates. I hope to continue playing soccer when I get older.

Cars

I absolutely admire cars. The absolute speed, roar from the engine, and incredible detail in specs make me think that anything is possible. I think cars represent freedom of transport, but also freedom of design which is what I look at most. Which company is releasing a new model, and why? What are the changes? I look up to Mate Rimac as I think he’s the best automobile inventor and makes the most incredible cars. I’ve been to all the local car shows near home, and am excited to go to the Monterey Car Week next summer!

Chorus

I started singing when I was 10 years old. I did private vocal lessons in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade as I enjoyed singing and found joy in it. Eventually, with support and encouragement, I auditioned for All County Choir and was selected. Unfortunately, though, due to COVID-19, we never got the opportunity to perform. I wish to continue this hobby in the future!

Work Experience

Indigo Internship - Summer 2024 / Midtown Manhattan / 6 Weeks

I interned at Indigo Jewellery which is a B2B digital marketing agency who focuses on mined as well as lab grown diamonds. While I was there, we worked on developing a new user interface for their clients and a "ring builder" which lets clients customize products in real-time. This brings efficiency and growth to an incredibly transparent industry. I also enjoyed being in a fast moving and collaborative environment. I was able to work with high level executives on financial transactions and learned the art of selling.

Math Tutoring - Grade 10-11 / Taught over 12 different students

I taught math to multiple 6th and 7th graders students in my neighborhood, and this was something I enjoyed. I learned that one concept can be taught in so many ways, and realized how this applies in the real world as well. This opportunity allowed me to grow confident and taught me patience.

Kumon - Grade 9-10 / 5 hours a week

I learned Math and ELA at Kumon growing up and did this for over 7 years. In 9th grade, I worked there for just under a year and that was my first paid job. Even though it was only once a week after school, it was a great way to learn how to take responsibility and how to communicate in a new environment.

Yash Shah