Teen Hall of Fame: Sidra S. Sareshwala, Graduate, Central Catholic High School

E-Mail

Comments (0)

Text Size:

tool goes here

Sidra has been a blessing to her community.

During her four years at Central Catholic High School, she devoted hours to volunteering at multiple places: Doctors Medical Center, Memorial Medical Center, Habitat for Humanity, the Islamic Center of Modesto, Emanuel Lutheran Church and her school, to name a few. She was awarded for having the most community service hours at Central Catholic — 512.

"I wanted to contribute to the community and I enjoy volunteering," she said. "I like seeing peoples' smiles."

CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS

Teen Hall of Fame nomination form

While attending to her desire to help others, Sidra also balanced a 4.02 GPA, sports and several clubs.

She has a passion for academics and took several honors and Advanced Placement classes, as well as CSU Stanislaus courses offered at Central Catholic High. Her love for math and science led her to join the Science Club and earn an award for excellence in her biology class.

"It's really important to learn anything you can," Sidra said. "You can do anything with a degree, an education; without an education, you won't get anywhere."

She sought to involve herself in other aspects of school as well: Sidra was on the school's swim team for two years, winning the award for most improved swimmer during her sophomore year. She also won a Golden Scholar Athlete award for maintaining straight A's and a sport, as well as Block C and WAC Scholar Athlete for earning A's for three consecutive quarters.

"When I first joined the team, I really wasn't a good swimmer," Sidra said. "But my coach was really understanding and helped me. Even when I was tired and sick, I went to all the meetings; it taught me teamwork and participation."

In addition, Sidra was commissioner in her school's Associated Student Body, the National Beta Club, National Honors Society, and California Scholarship Federation; she helped organize events and Central Catholic's homecoming. Sidra participated in 10 different clubs during her time at Central Catholic.

"It was a bit difficult and challenging to manage (all my activities), but I enjoyed it," Sidra said. "If there's something I enjoy doing, I try to aim to do as much of it as possible in life."

Her volunteer work has won her numerous awards. She recently took third place in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas National Education Essay Contest, despite being a Muslim. This after getting first place in California.

She related the importance of volunteering: "I learned teamwork really matters and I got to meet lots of people. I realized volunteering is what I am good at. One act of kindness can spread to a lot of people."

Sidra attends the University of California at Merced, where she plans to study health care management. She hopes to work in a hospital environment, inspired by her experience at Doctors Medical Center.

FAMILY: Parents, Sohel and Asfiya; sisters, Zoya, 16, and Safa, 8

HOBBIES: I enjoy playing badminton, swimming, spending time with family and friends, and shopping.

BIGGEST INFLUENCE: My father. I admire him so much. He is a self-made man; he got a master's degree in industrial engineering at San Jose State University and married my mom. Now he owns a manufacturing business in Oakdale. He believes in helping others; he's always been a doer and a giver. He was a big influence in my volunteering and has helped me achieve my goals.

FAVORITE BOOK: "Pride and Prejudice," by Jane Austen

FAVORITE COLOR: Pink

FAVORITE MUSIC: I like "Down," by Jay Sean (artist), and Black Eyed Peas (band).

FAVORITE TV SHOW: ABC channel.

FAVORITE MOVIE: "Apollo 13"

BIGGEST FEARS: Bugs and snakes

WHAT I'D TELL THE PRESIDENT: Keep up the good work, Mr. President! Do the right things with care, humility and fairness. Try to put in policies so we Americans do not suffer from hard work by bringing back the jobs.

ADVICE FOR KIDS: Work hard, stay in school and help the community, but have fun.

ADVICE FOR ADULTS: Manage your stress well, be efficient and have fun.

WHERE I'LL BE IN 10 YEARS: Getting a respectable job, contributing to the community and having a family.

— ELECTRA CHONG/TEENS IN THE NEWSROOM

The Teen Hall of Fame honoree receives a $100 check from E.&J. Gallo Winery, movie tickets from Dr. Randy Winter with the Modesto Arts Medical Group, a gift card from Yogurt Mill and bowling passes from Yosemite Lanes.