At just 17, senior Sarina Harjani already knew what she wanted to do with her life: make an impact. Whether it was through a career in law or politics, she was determined to use her skills and passion to advocate for justice and equality, Harjani said.
Growing up in a family with both parents who are lawyers, Harjani’s path to law was almost inevitable, she said. Her father, who has worked as a lawyer his entire adult life, first as a prosecutor and then a judge, is a constant source of inspiration to Harjani. Yet, it was not just her family’s influence that shaped her decision. Participating in Debate, Model United Nations, and Mock Trial, Harjani developed a passion for argumentation and advocacy, Harjani said.
“I want to be someone who makes an impact on the world around me, whether that be through politics, or being a lawyer,” Harjani said. “Over the course of high school, I’ve done my best to try and prepare myself to pursue those careers, because I want to help people. Even though it takes up a lot of time, it is worth it because I am really passionate.”
Even as Harjani looks ahead to a new chapter at Harvard University, she is not letting go of what drives her most, Harjani said.
“In both law and politics, you have a lot of people who are not being accurately represented, and who are not experiencing the same equality as a lot of people around the country and around the world,” Harjani said. “That is why I continue to be super involved.”
Through it all—the clubs, competitions, and pressure—Harjani has learned the value of showing up, even when it is hard, she said. While she is known for her confident voice and leadership, there is more beneath the surface than people realize, Harjani said.
“What a lot of people do not realize is that even though I portray myself as super confident on the outside, everyone still has some nervousness on the inside,” Harjani said. “Even when I am speaking at [public speaking events], I still feel nervous while I am delivering the opening line.”
Harjani’s story is not just one of academic rigor and career ambition, it is also about perspective, she said. For her, success is not necessarily about perfection; it is about persistence, Harjani stated.
“My biggest piece of advice [is to not] be afraid to put yourself out there,” Harjani said. “Even if it means you are going to experience some form of rejection, because that is bound to happen, eventually, something is going to go your way.”
