Meet Riya Erasani | Student / Vice President of DGB

We had the good fortune of connecting with Riya Erasani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Riya, what principle do you value most?
In response to “What value or principle matters most to you? Why?” I would say kindness and giving back are the principles that guide my actions. As a special needs coach at KineticKids.org, where I’ve worked since October 2022, I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. I coach gymnastics and swimming activities tailored to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), adapting exercises to meet their unique intellectual and physical challenges.

Through this experience, I’ve learned that kindness is not just about being considerate—it’s about actively understanding and meeting others where they are, regardless of their circumstances. Every child is different, and by showing patience and compassion, I can create a supportive environment where they feel empowered to grow.

Giving back is an extension of this kindness. It’s about recognizing that we all have the capacity to contribute positively to our communities. This work has shown me how even small, thoughtful gestures can inspire confidence and joy in others, reinforcing the importance of community and empathy in everything I do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
More about our backgrounds.

Together we have learned about empathy and the importance of giving back to a community that gives so much to us. We both love our town and the people who make it so amazing. We hope to leave a lasting positive impression on our school, as we hope to set a precedent of giving back.

Aimaal:

Community has been a fundamental force in shaping who I am today. Growing up in Oklahoma, I was fortunate to be part of a tight-knit community where we supported one another through thick and thin. One of my fondest memories is our spirit week, where we came together to raise money for various charities and causes. It was a time filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a shared purpose that made me feel valued and connected.

When I moved to Texas in the 8th grade, I felt an immediate void. I missed the sense of belonging and support that my Oklahoma community provided. It was a challenging transition, and I realized that I needed to seek out a new community—a family that I could create in this new place. This realization inspired me to start Dragons Give Back. I wanted to build a club where students could come together to support one another, engage in meaningful service, and foster a sense of belonging.

Through Dragons Give Back, I have been able to channel my passion for helping others and create a supportive network for those who might feel isolated or without a community. I understand that there are many students like me who may be searching for that connection and support. By continuing this legacy in Carroll, I hope to reach out to others who are in need of a community and provide them with the resources and encouragement to thrive. My goal is to ensure that every member feels valued, heard, and supported, just as I once did.

Ultimately, I believe that together we can create a vibrant and compassionate community that empowers individuals to rise above challenges and uplift one another. Through our shared efforts, we can make a lasting impact not only on ourselves but also on those around us, fostering a spirit of kindness and generosity that will resonate for years to come.

Riya:
Growing up in Plano and moving to Southlake, my life has been in constant flux. I channeled my energy into my hobbies: swimming, dance and, water polo. Through swimming, I became part of a family, through dance I found my self-expression and currently in water polo, I found my family. I stumbled on Kinetic Kids, a Texas-based non-profit that provides children the opportunity to participate in sports and recreation that would otherwise be unattainable to them due to factors outside their control. I helped with the gymnastics program and met Daniel. He has severe separation anxiety and ADHD leading him to stick by his mother’s side. Through Kinetic Kids, I was able to connect with him and help him progress not only mentally but physically. In the end, it was Daniel’s growth that grew the passion I had for supporting kinetic kids goals of inclusion for all.

Another significant experience that profoundly impacted my life was my participation in the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI-Y) Scholarship program, where I spent six weeks immersed in Turkish culture and language in Bursa, Turkey, in July and August 2023. This opportunity, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, allowed me to dive deep into the intricacies of Turkish society while honing my language skills.

During my time there, I focused on researching the challenges faced by women in accessing education. This project opened my eyes to the struggles many individuals encounter when they are in the position of the underdog, highlighting the importance of support and resources for anyone who needs help. Presenting my findings in Turkish was a rewarding experience, as it not only tested my language proficiency but also allowed me to communicate my insights effectively to a local audience.

This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of helping others, regardless of their circumstances. It deepened my commitment to empowering those in need, whether through education or other forms of support. My journey in Turkey has become a cornerstone of my personal and academic pursuits, inspiring me to advocate for change and uplift those who may not have the same opportunities as others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d definitely focus on showing them Southlake Town Square. It’s the perfect spot for hanging out, shopping, and enjoying time with friends and family.

We’d start our days wandering around the Square, browsing through local favorites like Impeccable Pig, a boutique that’s always been a huge supporter of our community and charity efforts. It’s got a great selection of clothing and accessories, so we’d definitely spend some time shopping there.

For meals, we’d explore the different places to eat around the Square. Evenings would be spent walking around, people-watching, and maybe grabbing dessert catching a movie nearby. The Town Square really has everything we’d need to make the week special.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a huge shoutout to all the incredible kids who selflessly give their time and energy to help with our cause. Whether you’re out there doing crazy and fun things like BBQ sauce wrestling, belly flop contests, or any other wild challenges, you’re making a real difference. Your dedication and willingness to step out of your comfort zone—just to raise money for charity—is inspiring and deeply appreciated.

Most importantly, A special shoutout to our Principal, Mr. Wilson, for being the glue that holds it all together. Your hard work in organizing the program and keeping everything running smoothly doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for your leadership, your passion, and for always showing up for the cause!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragonsgiveback/

Other: President Aimaal’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aimaalmir7/
Vice President Riya’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riyaerasani/

Image Credits
Cailyn Cashon, and Carroll Dragon Media