Ayesha Sood’s essay submission for the 2024-2025 DiGiovanna Memorial Award Essay Contest begins “Community service has been a huge part of me for as long as I can remember.”

Growing up in the Sikh community Ayesha was taught the concept of selfless service called Sewa in her community. Lifelong service to others brought her to CJSF and its emphasis on community service. “For me, CJSF is not just an extracurricular activity or something to put on my college application. It’s a way to put my values into action.”

Ayesha is a student and CJSF member at Gale Ranch Middle School where she participates in community service projects including passing out blankets to homeless people in San Francisco.