Calmbrace By Anika Arulsingham

Student: Anika Arulsingham

School: Grade 8 Student At Willetton Senior High School

Website: Calmbrace

Anika presenting at the 2024 Next Gen WA Showcase.

Can You Share How You Discovered Your Chosen Pathway And The Steps You’ve Taken To Proactively Pursue It?

I discovered my passion for leadership and business through observing the everyday leaders in my life, such as principals, teachers, managers and doctors. Their ability to make a positive impact in their communities inspired me to pursue a similar path. I realized that businesses could drive meaningful change, which fueled my desire to create a difference in the world.

To proactively pursue this pathway, I began applying for leadership positions from a young age. Each role provided me with valuable experiences that helped me develop my skills and confidence. Serving on the student council allowed me to spearhead initiatives like organizing fundraising events, where I learned about teamwork, decision-making, and project management. At just 10 years old, I started selling bracelets at school, which introduced me to entrepreneurship and customer engagement. Over time, I refined my craft and expanded my offerings, exploring diverse areas.

What Are Some Of The Key Projects You've Worked On That Highlight Your Versatility And Problem-Solving Skills? How Have These Experiences Shaped Your Professional Journey?

Some key projects that highlight my versatility and problem-solving skills include my work with the Interact club, my bracelet business, and initiatives through student council. In Interact, we organize annual fundraisers, and one project was a tree-planting event in collaboration with SERCUL. Since this event was held off-campus, we faced logistical and financial challenges that required extensive planning and troubleshooting to make it successful. My business, which I founded independently, also taught me a lot about problem-solving, from crafting the products to managing finances and customer relations. As a new venture, it pushed me to quickly adapt and overcome unexpected challenges.

Additionally, through student council, I’ve helped coordinated fundraisers for RUOK Day and Zero2Hero Day, both requiring detailed planning to ensure smooth execution and community engagement. These experiences have not only shaped my professional journey but have deepened my ability to lead, adapt, and creatively solve problems in diverse situations.

Balancing Multiple Projects And Interests Can Be Challenging. How Do You Manage Your Time And Focus To Excel In Various Endeavours?

Balancing multiple projects requires strong organisational skills and effective time management. I manage my time by setting clear priorities and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps. For example, I use a planner to allocate time for school work, student council duties, music practice, and my business, ensuring nothing is overlooked. I often create to-do lists and deadlines for myself, which help me stay on track and focused.

Delegating tasks when working with a team also allows me to manage workload efficiently. I’m committed to each project I undertake, ensuring I dedicate the necessary time and energy to succeed. By staying organised, I can shift focus between different responsibilities without losing momentum or compromising quality. This has allowed me to excel in leadership roles, run my business, and stay engaged in other passions.

Can You Talk About A Specific Instance Where Your Ability To Adapt And Learn Quickly Made A Difference In A Project Or Initiative?

During Zero2Hero Day, our student council was tasked with organizing fundraising stalls for the event. Initially, we faced challenges coordinating multiple ideas and ensuring the stalls would appeal to students. My ability to adapt and learn quickly helped streamline the process. I worked with different groups to refine concepts and efficiently allocate tasks.

By adapting to the needs of the event, we successfully planned and executed a variety of stalls, ranging from food to games, that attracted wide participation. Our efforts raised hundreds of dollars for Zero2Hero a mental health based charity, and I learned how crucial adaptability is in organizing large-scale events. This experience highlighted the importance of quick decision-making and teamwork in achieving a shared goal.

What Role Has Your Commitment To Personal And Professional Development Played In Your Achievements, And How Do You Continue To Grow In These Areas? My commitment to leadership has been central to my personal and professional development. Over the past two years, serving on the executive team of Interact and in student council has allowed me to lead initiatives that benefit my school and international causes. These roles have strengthened my leadership, event planning, and teamwork skills, driving real change in my community.

Additionally, running my handmade business has taught me how to manage responsibilities while supporting charitable causes, and I aspire to grow it further to make a larger impact globally. These experiences have fueled my passion for making a difference, and I aim to continue growing as a leader, with future goals of becoming Interact president and Head Girl. By staying dedicated to improving myself, contributing new ideas, and learning from each opportunity, I am committed to creating a positive, lasting impact on the world.

As Someone Who Is Already Making Strides In Your Chosen Field, What Are Your Future Plans? How Do You Intend To Further Enhance Your Skills And Contribute To Meaningful Projects? As someone who is already making strides in my chosen field, my future plans include starting a campaign to empower teens struggling with mental health and school life. This initiative will combine my passion for mental health advocacy with my bracelet business, which was founded to support mental health causes.

To further enhance my skills, I plan to attend workshops that focus on leadership, mental health, and business strategies and to personally reflect on what I can do better to improve my business and make a larger difference. Additionally, I intend to apply for more impactful leadership positions that will allow me to advocate for what I stand for and influence positive change. By continuously developing my skills and engaging in meaningful projects, I hope to inspire others and contribute to a supportive environment for teens facing challenges.

What Advice Would You Give To Other Young People Who Aspire To Be All-Rounders And Take Proactive Steps Toward Their Professional Goals While Still In School?

My advice to young people who aspire to be all-rounders is simple: just go for it. Don’t let anyone or anything hold you back because the only person stopping you is you. Whether it's leadership roles, creative projects, or pursuing a passion, take every opportunity that comes your way and be proactive about creating your own.

Start by setting clear goals, then break them down into manageable steps you can work on while still in school. Stay organised, manage your time well, and always push yourself outside your comfort zone. Surround yourself with positive people who support your ambitions and challenge you to grow. You’ll face setbacks, but it’s important to keep going and learn from those experiences. Every step forward brings you closer to your goals. Remember, you are capable of far more than you think!

Anika participated in our Next Gen Awards 2024 program and was one of our WA Top 10. To find out more about the Next Gen Awards and how your projects and initiatives can be showcased head to: www.nextgenoftheyear.com