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

So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story began when I started making posters for my school, working on writing assignments that helped me hone my writing voice and passions, competing in writing contests at school, and being elected to my grade’s student council to represent my friends. All these activities helped me see the world differently. I started to look for ways that I could help others and use my voice to make others laugh and see the best in themselves.

My passion for educating and helping others found a home on YouTube. I love learning about new technology and wanted to help others understand. As I learned about more tools, I created videos for school.

My videos received acknowledgment and secured state-level awards at the PTA Reflections program, which lets students express their creativity and artistic talents.  My work won accolades in the film production category for raising awareness about various topics like climate change, spreading kindness, and maintaining ecological diversity around the world.

My passion for writing opened up new avenues for me. Several publications featured my work. When I was in 7th grade,  I was published in the largest book in the world and was among the top 30 finalists for the Editor’s Choice Award.

I recently created an Instagram account about the projects I’m passionate about. Currently, I serve as the Social Media Ambassador and a member of the Philanthropy Committee with the American Red Cross, North Texas. In these roles, I create social media posts to raise awareness about the topics I’m passionate about. My posts promote fundraisers and bring hope for a healthier and brighter tomorrow.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest challenge is when I get “negative blocks,” or times when I don’t know how to move forward on the path toward achieving my goals. However, as I relax and think about the problem, new ideas come to my mind. Then, I feel really happy as I make steps forward. 

When I was in 4th grade, I had a writing assignment. I needed to write a letter to my school’s principal about a problem that needed to be fixed. Thinking about the letter and how I could help my school be a better learning environment really opened my eyes to ways I can spark a positive effect on others around me. That encouraged me to find new ways to help others. 

My next big project was starting to write for the iWriter, a kids magazine. My friends at school told me about the iWrite Youth Club. They encouraged me to try it because they knew I loved writing. When they told me to explore this opportunity, I was interested and nervous. 

Stepping out of my comfort zone as joining the iWrite Youth Club was a huge step. I feel that I’ve really grown because of the group. While writing for the quarterly magazine  as well as in school writing contests, I started to see myself as a creative writer. The more projects I took on, the greater my confidence. 

I’m so glad that I listened to my friends and teachers and took the steps to do more creative writing projects.

What are you most proud of or excited about?
Helping others is my highest value. I feel that giving back to my community shows kindness to others. I feel happy as I see that I’ve brought joy to people. I’m proud that I’ve made seniors smile at the community center, raised funds and awareness about important health topics through my social media posts for the American Red Cross, and organized book drives so that many children will have free books to read. When I see them smile, it makes me want to help others even more. 

Please tell us more about your artistic and creative pursuits.
If I were given a platform to talk more about my artistic and creative pursuits, I would definitely focus on my role as the design and copy editor for the iWriter because I’m able to express my creativity with words and images as I create each issue.

As design editor, I start with a theme and a template and begin to format each iWriter issue that will be published with all of our creative pieces. The issue may include poems, short stories, drawings, and paintings.

I like organizing everyone’s work because I’m passionate about colors and design. I know I love design and writing because I have so many happy and peaceful feelings when I’m working on the new issues. These projects may take hours after I’ve done my homework, but I never complain. I work on them until I’m happy with the result. 

My role as a design editor for the iWriter helped me think of new ways I can work with my friends on writing projects. This year, I co-founded my school’s  newspaper and was responsible for the design of the very first issue. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue designing and making contributions to the upcoming editions of iWriter and my school newspaper.

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others!
I feel that I dream big and am very optimistic that I can achieve my big goals. Many kids my age tend to get overwhelmed about achieving their big dreams, but I like to take things one step at a time. I say nothing is impossible as long as you firmly believe in your goals or are passionate about making an impact. One phrase that I think is very powerful is “I AM POSSIBLE” instead of “IMPOSSIBLE.” With the right planning, mindset, and attitude, you can achieve anything, and I think those three aspects of success really helped me be where I am today.

I start with an idea, then I make SMART specific goals. Then I do it!

What do you want the world to know about you and your story?
My story is mostly about taking each step on my journey to accomplish my big goals. I used my creative skills and experience as a design editor for the iWriter and co-founded my school newspaper – The Knight Times. When I participated in STEM competitions, I had to use reasoning and logic to create solutions with my team. As I help lead the start of the school newspaper this year, I’ll be using my creative and technical skills to communicate with others. 

Being passionate to dream big and achieve big goals empowers me to do more projects and keep my eye on achieving success. Every time I achieve a new goal, I’m more energized to solve more problems and help more people in my community. 

Any advice for others or anything else you’d like to share?
I’d like to encourage others to explore innovative concepts and assist those in need. Additionally, I’m happy to present one of my poems.

I may be one out of seven billion on the planet

But my dreams can fly past the skies

I can shine as bright as the stars

And be the most colorful and unique nebula

As I design robots and write, I soar freely like an eagle

My voice and passions echo through my posters and videos as I roar like a bear

Swimming with creativity, I was published in largest book and became a whale

As a bee creates honey, my creativity flows through my poems

As I write, I may sound as clever as a fox or as humorous as a monkey

From competitions to accomplishments, I’ve learnt that trying is important

When you try and explore, you learn more and achieve more than you can imagine

Reach for your dreams, no matter how big or small,

And sprint like a cheetah till you have achieved them!

Contact information:

Instagram: @tanvipadala

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