Youth Advisory Commission Applications — Fremont City Council, October 6, 2026 (part 1 of 2)

Submission # 4935962
IP Address 2601:646:8601:84b0:a572:ea88:3ec2:695e
Submission Recorded On 07/08/2026 1:50 PM
Time to Take Survey 40 minutes, 58 seconds

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

This process allows the Mayor to review applications already on file if a vacancy comes up. A vacancy may occur if someone resigns, is no longer eligible to serve, or their term ends.
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Adyah Addagulla
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Questionnaire
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I would like to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I feel the need to give back to the community and the city of Fremont for helping me grow. The Youth Advisory Committee gives me the option to find issues of problems within the city and address them through the council and get the problems resolved. I have seen how the Youth Commission has created programs that has helped the whole community and I would like to be part of things like that. *
One problem Fremont teens face is social media/doomscrolling. Many teens in and around Fremont spend the majority of their time doomscrolling on social media. One issue is that many high schools do most of their communication through social media such as Instagram. This means students must have an Instagram account by the time high school starts, which can lead to students getting distracted because of other influences. I would organize an event of sorts to show what doomscrolling does to children, and the school would try to reduce the need for harmful social media. I would organize the event by creating a presentation with science to back me up to show the effects of social media, and I would publicize this by sending emails or messages to all of the teachers, principals, vice principals, and superintendents to try and convince them to reduce or limit the social media use in school.
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3 aspects of my identity that shape my outlook on life include science/scientific approaches, goals, and my parents. I love science and thinking, and every decision that I make includes some sort of scientific or analytical approach to it, using data and numbers to figure out the best option. My goals are what drive me, and I don't mean just daily goals but life goals for myself. As a child, I wanted to get into MIT, and every decision I make when it comes to internships or spending time with friends is shaped by my goals. Depending on the goal, I can make many different decisions because my goals drive me to keep on moving. Finally, my last aspect is my parents. They keep on encouraging me to work harder and smarter every day to make them and myself happy. *
Q: If you could pass any law for the whole world, what law would you get passed and why? A: If I could pass any law, I would pass a law to get fully solar by 2036, and this is because Earth is not going to be sustainable if humanity continues on the path that it is on. An effort to make Earth sustainable would be better for future generations, because the current generation is not focused enough, so all of the problems are getting piled on our generation. Going fully solar would remove the burden from the next generation to make sure Earth can continue to be sustainable.

Additional Information ?
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Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated. ?
Submission # 5048978
IP Address 73.241.4.43
Submission Recorded On 08/05/2026 12:49 PM
Time to Take Survey 4 days, 8 minutes, 21 seconds

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Aahana Agarwal
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I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I've seen up close what happens when teens and families in Fremont don't have a voice in decisions that affect their health and well-being — and I want to be part of changing that. My aunt is a single mom living in Fremont, and when she had her newborn son, she was low-income and wasn't able to get proper health coverage. That meant her son missed the regular check-ups and immunizations that babies are supposed to get in their first year. When he eventually got sick, she had no choice but to pay out of pocket, which was incredibly hard for her financially. Watching her go through that made me realize that "healthcare access" isn't just a policy term; it's something that decides whether a baby gets the care he needs, and whether a parent has to choose between paying rent and paying a doctor. It's not rare, either. I think there are other families across Fremont quietly going through the same thing, and I don't think that struggle always reaches the people who could actually do something about it, like the City Council. This is also personal to me because I want to go into medicine, specifically pediatrics. Kids are something I find real joy in, and I want a career where I get to help them grow up healthy. But I've learned that being a good doctor someday isn't only about medical knowledge; it's about understanding the systems, like healthcare access and affordability, that decide whether a child even makes it into a doctor's office in the first place.

Serving on this commission would let me start engaging with that side of it now, while also representing other teens in Fremont who care about these issues. I've also tried to show up for my community already. I've volunteered at a few organizations in Fremont packing meals for people experiencing homelessness, which taught me a lot about consistency. Showing up isn't a one-time thing, it's something you commit to. I want to bring that same commitment to this commission: not just attending meetings, but actually researching issues like healthcare access, bringing them into public discussion through workshops and forums, and helping make sure Fremont's City Council hears from teens who notice these gaps and actually want to help close them. *
One problem Fremont teens face is that there aren't enough places to just go and hang out. Fremont already promotes community events on social media, but teens still don't show up in large numbers, which tells me the problem isn't awareness, it's that events ask for a specific time commitment, while teens actually need a place that's simply there whenever they want it. Downtown Fremont is technically open to the public, but "open" isn't the same as having a reason to go. Right now, downtown's few businesses require spending money, and there's nothing free to just sit near or use. To address this, I would propose a "Teen Hangout" space in the Downtown Plaza combining a free, extended-hours study lounge and a small gaming and photo corner. The lounge would offer seating, WiFi, and outlets into the evening, since teens need somewhere to study after school that isn't home or the library, which closes early. Next to it, I'd add low-cost gaming and social spots — Switch consoles or board games, plus a well-designed mural or photo backdrop. Gaming gives teens something to do together, and a photo-worthy spot means teens post about it themselves, solving publicity better than any official account could. To organize this, I'd work with the Youth Advisory Commission and City recreation staff to identify space, keep costs low with simple, durable equipment, and partner with high schools for student input. I'd also reach out to student artists to help design the mural, so the space feels created by teens, not just Email
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Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? for them. I also want to plan for how this could go wrong, not just how it could go right. An unsupervised space could attract vandalism, unsafe behavior, or people from outside Fremont treating it as a free-for-all instead of a space for local teens. To manage that, I'd set limited operating hours instead of leaving it open all day, so there's a defined, monitored window. I'd work with police who already patrol Downtown Fremont to make check-ins part of their existing route, and set up a parent volunteer rotation, similar to school event chaperones, so a trusted adult is present during open hours. For publicity, I'd rely less on the city's Instagram and more on word of mouth: recruiting teen ambassadors from different high schools to share it themselves, and letting the space generate content once people start visiting and posting. Teens are more likely to trust something a friend shows them than something posted by the city. *
Three parts of my identity shape how I see the world: being on my swim team, being outgoing, and my family's experience with healthcare. I've been swimming for years, and it's taught me that showing up consistently matters way more than being naturally good at something. There's no shortcut in swim practice — you can't fake your way through a set, you just have to keep showing up and doing the work, even on days you don't feel like it. So now, with pretty much anything in my life, I don't expect to be good at something right away. I just trust that if I keep putting in the effort, I'll get there eventually. I've also always been someone who loves talking to people and making friends easily. On the first day of school last year, there was a new girl sitting at my table who didn't know anyone yet. I just went up and introduced myself, and we ended up talking for the whole class. We got close after that, and she's actually one of my best friends now. She still brings up how comfortable I made her feel that day. Later that year during Spirit Week, this big hype event our whole grade does, she was hesitant to join in, but I convinced her to do it with me anyway, and she ended up loving it. She thanked me for that too. Being outgoing isn't really just about talking a lot to me, it's more about making sure people feel like they belong, especially if they're new or a little unsure. Lastly, my household has shaped a lot of how I see things, especially when it comes to respect. My family has always shown respect and kindness to everyone around them, no matter who it is or what's going on. I've seen my parents and grandparents treat people like that my whole life, not just family, but neighbors and even strangers.

Nobody ever sat me down and explained it to me, it was just how they acted, so I ended up picking it up without really thinking about it. Because of that, my first instinct with people is to just be respectful, no matter what. I think that's shaped the way I try to treat people, whether it's a new student at school or someone I'm meeting for the first time, like on this commission.
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Question: If you were given $500 and total creative freedom to improve one small thing in Fremont, no approval needed, what would you do? I'd use it to set up a free, teenled "Skill Share" event in Downtown Fremont, where teens teach useful skills to anyone in the community who wants to learn, no cost, no sign-up needed. There's stuff teens already know how to do that a lot of adults or younger kids in Fremont don't really have access to learning, like how to write a resume, use Canva or Google Sheets, tutor a subject, or help someone figure out an app they're confused by. At the same time, there are people in Fremont who could use that, like an adult trying to get back into the job market, a parent helping their kid with homework in a subject they forgot, or an older neighbor who just wants to figure out how to video call their grandkids. Most help like that costs money or you have to already know where to find it, which is kind of the same problem I keep noticing: help exists in Fremont, it just doesn't always reach the people who actually need it. With $500, I'd rent a couple tables and a canopy for a Saturday at the Downtown Plaza, print simple signs showing what "stations" are set up, and get classmates who are good at different things to help out, like one doing resume help, another doing tech stuff, another helping with homework. People could walk up to whatever table matches what they need, no appointment, no cost, no pressure to stay long. I'd keep it simple on purpose so it's easy to do again. I like this because it's small enough to actually do with $500 and one weekend, but it still does something I care about, it shows teens have stuff to offer the community right now, not just that we're people who need to be given programs. It also builds the kind of connection I feel like Fremont is missing, teens and adults actually talking to and teaching each other instead of just living in separate parts of the same city. This could also happen again every few months, with the Commission having different teens lead new stations each time. And down the line, local businesses could maybe sponsor it, covering stuff like tables or printing, so it's not relying on the city to keep paying for it every time. **SKIPPED**
Attachment
Aahana's Resume (2).pdf
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Create and answer your own question.

Additional Information ?
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Aahana Agarwal
Education
; US Citizen
Fremont, CA
GPA: 4.0 Unweighted
Most rigorous course of study taken at school
Extracurricular Activities & Achievements
Bioengineering Club
Member
High School,
Fremont, CA
November 2025–Present
▪ Meet with professionals from different biomedical engineering firms ▪ Engage with group presentations on current topics in biology and engineering ▪ Collaborate with peers to research emerging innovations in biology and engineering Inspirit AI
Student
Online
February - March 2026
▪ Completed a rigorous introduction to Python, machine learning, and AI concepts ▪ Worked under mentorship from instructors affiliated with Stanford, Harvard, and MIT ▪ Built an AI-powered website prototype that streamlines personal organization and task management High school Swim team
Athlete
High School,
Fremont, CA
January 2026–Present
▪ Ranked among the Top 5 highest-scoring girls at my swim team’s latest meet (10 points) ▪ Achieved one of the largest time drops in the 100 free, improving by 5 seconds ▪ Contribute to team relays and meet scoring through consistent performance Dance Academy
Competitive Dancer
Fremont, CA
November 2024–Present
▪ Training 4+ hours weekly in competitive Indian classical dance ▪ Won a regional competition and qualified for Nationals in Lake Tahoe ▪ Selected to represent Indian classical dance internationally during a cultural dance program in Greece Swim Team College,
Coach Fremont, CA
▪ Worked with my peers and other coaches to help each individual excel in their swim skills. June 2026 - Present ▪ Analyzed individual stroke techniques and provided constructive feedback to improve efficiency, speed, and form. ▪ Helped ensure a secure environment for all participants.

Interests
Traveling, Baking & Volunteering (especially at the Alameda County Food Bank) Submission # 4970339
IP Address 2601:646:a280:48a0:4de5:ae43:bd9e:7f4c
Submission Recorded On 07/26/2026 12:40 AM
Time to Take Survey 30 minutes, 37 seconds

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Kanya D. Annamalai
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(510) 945-8401
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Questionnaire
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Throughout high school, I have always looked for ways to make a meaningful impact on my community. Whether leading engineering teams through MESA, rebuilding my school's Speech & Debate program, teaching debate to younger students, or co-founding Bay Youth Rising, I have learned that leadership is about listening first and then taking action. I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because it provides a direct opportunity for me to represent the voices of Fremont teenagers and help shape programs that truly reflect our real needs. As students, we experience the pressures of academics, extracurriculars, mental health, and preparing for our futures every day. I want to ensure all those perspectives are heard when decisions are made. I also enjoy bringing people together. Many of the projects I have been involved in required coordinating with schools, nonprofit organizations, city staff, and community members. Those experiences taught me how to organize events, communicate with diverse groups, and transform ideas into real results. Serving on the Commission would let me continue giving back to the city that has provided me with so many incredible opportunities. I hope to contribute new ideas, encourage greater youth participation in civic life, and help make every Fremont teen feel supported. *
One of the biggest challenges facing Fremont teens is balancing all the demanding academic expectations with extracurricular activities, jobs, family responsibilities, and mental health. Many students constantly feel pressure to succeed but rarely ever have opportunities to learn usable, practical strategies for managing stress and burnout. To address this issue, I would organize a Youth Wellness and Success Summit. Instead of focusing only on mental health, the event would provide practical tools that students can immediately apply in their daily lives. The event could include workshops on time management, study strategies, stress management, financial literacy, career exploration, and ways to maintain healthy habits. Student leaders, local professionals, teachers, counselors, and college students could share their experiences and practical advice. Clubs and community organizations could host resource booths, allowing students to discover opportunities they may not have known existed. To publicize the event, I would partner with Fremont Unified schools, ASBs, school clubs, and youth organizations. Promotion would include Instagram and TikTok content, school announcements, digital flyers, classroom presentations, newsletters, and outreach through city recreation programs. I would also encourage student ambassadors from each high school to help advertise the event, which would further increase participation. *
Three aspects of my identity that have shaped my outlook on life are being an engineer, an educator, and an advocate for others. 1. As an engineer, I naturally see challenges as opportunities to create solutions. Through a program called MESA, I have learned to approach problems with creativity and persistence. It has also helped me approach every situation by first understanding all perspectives and sides. 2. As an educator, I have learned the value of empowering others and enriching them with education.

Teaching debate, mentoring younger students, and helping classmates succeed have taught me that leadership is more than just having all the answers. It is about helping Email
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Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? other people succeed and build confidence in themselves. Watching those students grow more comfortable speaking up has been one of my most rewarding experiences. 3.

Finally, I see myself as an advocate for others. As a Certified Peer Advocate through Kennedy's Peer Resources program, I have been trained to support students who may be struggling and connect them with resources. Through personal experiences, I have also come to understand how difficult it can feel when you don't know who to talk to or feel unsupported during difficult times. That perspective has increased my empathy and really reinforced the importance of creating spaces where every student feels heard and valued. It motivates me to be someone others can rely on and to work toward building a more supportive community for all Fremont teens. *
Question: What leadership quality do you believe is most important, and how have you demonstrated that? I believe the most important leadership quality is initiative. Strong leaders do not wait for someone else to solve a problem. They take the first step while guiding others along with them. I have demonstrated this by helping rebuild my school's Speech & Debate program, co-founding Bay Youth Rising to educate younger students about current events, mentoring engineering teams through MESA, and teaching debate to elementary and middle school students. If I was selected for the Youth Advisory Commission, I would bring that same initiative by listening carefully to all Fremont teens, collaborating with fellow commissioners, and working to create programs that have a lasting impact on our community.

In addition to the experiences listed above, I have managed rigorous academics with leadership roles, engineering competitions, athletics, paid employment, and community service. I have won national competitions, serve in multiple leadership positions at John F. Kennedy High School, teach debate to younger students, and work for the City of Newark in two paid recreation positions. These experiences have strengthened my communication, organization, teamwork, and problem-solving skills and reinforce my commitment to serve our community. I am extremely excited about the opportunity to contribute these experiences to the Fremont Youth Advisory Commission and to represent the diverse perspectives of students throughout our city.

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Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Create and answer your own question.

Additional Information ?
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Submission # 5040411
IP Address 73.63.238.116
Submission Recorded On 08/05/2026 9:27 AM
Time to Take Survey 20 minutes, 20 seconds

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
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You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Ira Bhatt
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I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I want to help make Fremont a better place for young people. I believe students should have a voice in decisions that affect their education, safety, mental well-being, recreation, and future opportunities. I enjoy learning about business, leadership, and community issues, and I would like to use those interests to develop practical ideas and programs for Fremont’s youth. Serving on the commission would also allow me to listen to students from different backgrounds, represent their concerns, and work with other motivated young people and city leaders. I hope to contribute my ideas, strengthen my leadership skills, and make a meaningful difference in the community where I live. *
One major problem Fremont teens face is academic burnout and difficulty focusing. Many students feel pressure to earn high grades, join extracurricular activities, prepare for college, and choose a career at a young age. The rise of artificial intelligence has created even more uncertainty about future jobs and valuable skills. At the same time, social media and constant notifications can affect students’ concentration, sleep, and confidence. I would organize an event called Reset and Recharge: Teen Success Without Burnout. It would include workshops on study strategies, time management, healthy social-media habits, different learning styles, and responsible use of AI. Counselors, college students, and local professionals could also discuss stress, careers, and available academic resources. I would survey Fremont students to understand their biggest concerns and partner with schools, libraries, counselors, and youth organizations to organize the event. I would publicize it through school announcements, newsletters, posters, parent groups, and short Instagram or TikTok videos. The goal would be to help teens feel more focused, supported, and confident about their future. *
Three aspects of my identity that shape my outlook on life are being a student, an aspiring entrepreneur, and a member of Fremont’s diverse community. As a student, I understand the pressure young people face with grades, social media, and uncertainty about the future. My interest in entrepreneurship has taught me to look for solutions, take initiative, and see challenges as opportunities to improve something. Finally, growing up in a diverse community has helped me appreciate different perspectives and understand the importance of making sure everyone feels heard and included. Together, these parts of my identity encourage me to work hard, stay open-minded, and help others.
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What is something you do in your free time that shapes how you interact with others? In my free time, I enjoy reading. Reading has taught me that most situations have more than two perspectives and that the truth is often more complicated than choosing one side. It has helped me understand that people are not simply good or bad, their Email
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Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Create and answer your own question.
beliefs and actions are shaped by their experiences. Even when I disagree with someone, I try to listen, understand where they are coming from, and remember that everyone has both strengths and qualities others may dislike. This has made me more open minded, empathetic, and willing to consider different viewpoints. **SKIPPED**
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Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Additional Information ?
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Submission # 4737266
IP Address 73.93.181.230
Submission Recorded On 04/01/2026 10:14 PM
Time to Take Survey 17 minutes, 21 seconds

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Shaurya Chaudhary
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I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission so I can help connect students with the law. It has always been like this, but the distrust of law enforcement has gotten bigger within teens. I believe that if I am a part of the commission, I can help teenagers get comfortable with the law. *
I think teenagers in Fremont struggle with being social because of how advanced technology has gotten. People don't have to talk to each other anymore since they believe they can get all the interaction they need through their phones. I would hold an event specifically so people could meet each other. I think if the awkwardness is erased, and it is clear that everyone there is open to socialize, people would be more willing to talk. I would publicize this through my own social media platform and try to use some resources from the City of Fremont. It would be very important that everyone at the event are teenagers to make sure there isn't any reason to be uncomfortable. *
I am observant, honest, and understanding. I like to analyze people by focusing on things they aren't directly showing so I can really understand them. If I have a conflict with someone, I try to think exactly how they would think even if that requires me to believe they are correct. This is also an example of how understanding I am. I wasn't always like this, but throughout life I believe that even if someone disagrees with you, if you show them you understand, they are more likely to try and understand you. I make sure I am as honest as I can be. This way people have a reason to try to understand me and don't easily disregard what I have to say. *
What are your flaws? Sometimes I have trouble working with people after I fail to understand them. I still give my full effort in whatever the task is, but I have issues with collaborating with people that are crude. However, I understand that I can also be in the wrong and be perceived the same way I perceive them. Another flaw I have is with my time management skills. I have trouble setting aside enough time to complete things. I still get it done but I know that if I planned the work load out, it would be of better quality. I have gotten better at this by using agendas and calendar reminders, but sometimes I still have issues with this. **SKIPPED**
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Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Create and answer your own question.

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Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Vivien Chen
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* Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? My dad walked into the room after he heard crying. Tears streamed down my face as I tried to translate the Algebra 2 word problem in front of me. I didn’t know how to translate “polynomial” into Mandarin, but he listened carefully and patiently. I switched between Mandarin, English, and Cantonese, mixing the distinct grammar rules and conversational nuances. Eventually, my dad was able to unravel the meaning of the complex word problem and help me find the solution. That moment taught me that when trying to solve problems, the solution does not always come up, but the first step is communicating. Everyone speaks different “languages”— through different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. To work together, individuals must translate ideas so people can understand one another. Just as I had to translate between languages to help my dad and me understand one another, I believe our community also needs people who can bridge different perspectives. Teens and adults may not speak the same “language” when discussing the issues that affect our city, causing valuable youth insights to be overlooked or misunderstood. Young people experience Fremont's schools, parks, libraries, and community spaces every day. We notice the small details of daily life in Fremont, from how teens use public spaces to where opportunities exist to improve our community. Yet despite these firsthand experiences, teens often do not have a voice to create change. If selected to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission, I hope to help bridge that gap by serving as a translator between Fremont's youth and city leaders. I want to listen to the experiences and concerns of young people across Fremont and communicate those perspectives to the City Council, where people from different backgrounds, experiences, and generations work toward the same goals. By helping represent Fremont's 30,000+ youth, I hope to voice their ideas to city leaders and contribute to solutions that strengthen our community. * What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? Although Fremont is known for its strong academics and STEM community, many students lack opportunities for hands-on experience. Robotics programs like FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) offer valuable experiences and skill sets. Still, students may be intimidated by STEM because they feel a need for prior knowledge, discouraging them from engaging with STEM-related spaces. For others from lower-income households, costs such as equipment, classes, and competition fees can bar them from exploring robots. Without exposure, students may never discover their passion for STEM. To address this issue, I propose an event called Fremont Robo Rally, a free robot showcase.

Heavily inspired by car meets, local FTC high school robotics teams will bring in their robots to demonstrate, interact with attendees, and share their personal experiences.

By having high school robotics team members teach peers, the event would create a more relatable environment where participants feel comfortable exploring STEM without pressure. The event would also highlight free or affordable STEM programs, school clubs, and community resources so students can continue exploring beyond the event. I will organize this event by partnering with local FTC teams, the Fremont Main Library, and the Fremont Unified School District. Each robotics team would lead interactive workshops where attendees can drive robots, learn basic programming concepts, examine engineering designs, and ask questions about getting involved. The Page | 1
showcase will take place in the Fukaya Room B at the Fremont Main Library. By hosting the event at the library and making it free, students from different schools and backgrounds can be introduced to STEM opportunities. To publicize the event, I will collaborate with middle and high schools in FUSD to announce the event through newsletters, announcements, and STEM clubs. I would also distribute flyers with event information at schools, local libraries, and community centers. I will also use social media by promoting through clubs, student organizations, and participating FTC teams to reach students across Fremont who may not already be involved in STEM.

Through Fremont Robot Rally, I hope to show students that STEM is not limited to those who already have experience. By creating opportunities for teens to teach and inspire other teens, this event can create a welcoming first exposure to robotics, spark curiosity, and encourage students to pursue future STEM opportunities. * What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life?

1. Child of Immigrants: Wǒ aì nǐ. Though fluent in Mandarin, these three words were foreign to my ears. Translating to “I love you,” I never once heard my mother utter these words. The Chen family communicates differently without relying on words of affirmation. Even after the worst screaming matches, even fruitpologies– plates of cut apples to persimmon– create the most intimate moments. Our daily messages are short and sweet: “Where are you?”, “What are you doing?”, and our phone calls always start with “Have you eaten yet?”, asking again and again. No matter what time of day from breakfast to lunch to dinner- there will always be a fresh bowl of congee waiting for me in the microwave. Growing up taught me that love does not always need to be spoken. In my family, care is communicated through actions: a bowl of congee, a plate of freshly sliced fruit, or a simple reminder to eat. To me, these small gestures carry more weight than any “I love you.” Through this, I learned to value actions over words and effort over intention. This perspective has shaped how I approach the world. I try to let my actions speak before my words do, whether it is showing up for someone, going the extra mile, or lending a helping hand. My family showed how expressions of love are not always heard, but are felt through the actions people choose to take. 2. Learner: I love failing like I love my friends and family. To many people, the word failure has a negative connotation, but I see it as one of the best ways to grow.

Whether I am training to run a mile under ten minutes, airballing on the basketball court, or attempting to write a new rap verse that does not rhyme, every mistake teaches me something new. The hobbies that I once struggled with became skills I gradually developed because I was willing to push through each setback. I learned to embrace being a beginner and accept that growth comes from mistake after mistake. From correcting my poor running technique, practicing shooting the basketball, or finding new ways to have my words flow, every challenge brought me surprises and unexpected miracles. Being a learner influences the way I approach new experiences.

Instead of avoiding situations where instant success is not confirmed, I choose to face challenges head-on, ask questions, and continue improving myself. To me, failure is not a sign of incompetence, but a necessity to becoming your best self. 3. See attachment below! * Create and answer your own question.

What makes Fremont so happy? Every morning, I eat a bowl of plain congee. Before taking my first bite, I almost always add toppings such as steamed eggs, pork floss, Chinese kale, or preserved vegetables. I carefully mix everything, trying to create the perfect combination of flavors. Over time, I realized I had become so focused on enhancing the flavors that I overlooked what made it comforting in the first place. The plainness was not meant to be fixed, but it was what allowed each topping to stand out. The toppings are like the highlights of life, the things that we look forward to, from birthday celebrations and family vacations to special milestones. The plain congee represents the ordinary moments that fill most of our days, like a random Wednesday from when I was twelve. Without the ordinary Wednesdays in between, the toppings would no longer feel special. As a Fremonter, I have come to realize that my city’s status as the happiest city in America does not come from extraordinary experiences alone. Instead, happiness is built through the ordinary Wednesdays in between, from conversations with neighbors and the routines we rarely think twice about. What makes Fremont special is our ability to appreciate the small, everyday moments that are so easy to overlook. Just like a bowl of congee, life doesn't always need more toppings to be meaningful. Sometimes, its greatest value is the plainness of the status quo, because that is what makes the flavorful moments shine.

Additional Information
One quality I hope to bring to Fremont’s Youth Advisory Commission is that I am a people person. I enjoy meeting new people, building friendships, and learning about others. Through my experiences mentoring peers and younger athletes, and participating in community outreach with my robotics team (donating six thousand dollars for lab equipment in Uganda!), I have learned the first step is to understand and collaborate with the people around me. My outgoing personality allows me to create spaces where others feel comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives.

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3. Trailblazer.pdf
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Page | 2

3. Trailblazer:

For me, being a trailblazer means creating opportunities for others to discover their own passions.

Being a leader is not only about achieving personal goals, but also about creating paths to allow others to pursue their own.

In Citizens for Better Community (CBC) Toastmasters Gavel Club, I mentor over 30 peers while they develop their public speaking skills. By providing constructive feedback and tracking each member’s progress in a spreadsheet, I encourage hesitant members to step outside their comfort zone, gain the confidence to find their own voices, and become confident communicators.

As an assistant coach for the Fremont Youth Ball Club (FYBC) fifth-grade girls’ basketball team, I assist over 18 young athletes both on and off the court. I help plan weekly practices, organize drills, track attendance, and demonstrate fundamentals to set an example for my players. Beyond teaching the game, I encourage them to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, become team players, and help build friendships that will last for years to come.

Growing up witnessing loved ones suffer from period poverty, I saw how something as basic as menstrual products could become a financial burden. Wanting to help others facing serious challenges, I started a small project this summer to donate 20 reusable sanitary pads– an eco-friendly option for women with sensitive skin– to a local food pantry. Although my contribution was small, it showed me that even a small-scale action can help my community. My goal was to help girls and women maintain their dignity and ensure that even something as natural as menstruation would not become a barrier to attending school, going to work, or participating in everyday activities. This experience inspired me to continue expanding my project in the future to reach more women in my community.

Submission # 4789358
IP Address 64.190.226.64
Submission Recorded On 04/27/2026 8:38 PM
Time to Take Survey 27 minutes, 10 seconds

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Micah C. Chiang
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Questionnaire
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I am curious about the role state and local governments play in enacting policies that directly affect community development and respond to key challenges at the local level.

By serving on the Youth Commission, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the role state and local governments play in the development and implementation of policy and create consensus among competing partisan interests. I also seek to gain experiential exposure to the policy development cycle. Long-term, I will seek a career in public policy/policymaking, either through public administration or in formal elected office. As a high school junior, I want to cultivate practical experience and depth of knowledge early on to prepare me for a career that will meet these unprecedented challenges. I hope to improve my understanding and develop my professional experience in policy research, public relations and policy implementation at the state and local level. Beyond the practical exposure to develop my understanding of formal policymaking at the state level, I would like to practice and further my professional skills in analytical thinking, communication and project mangement. I am aware of the vital role these skills play into policymaking, and I hope to build upon them through the Fremont Youth Commission. *
I am passionate about the physical infrastructure of our communities, specifically regarding affordable housing. Housing is becoming increasingly inaccessible for middle- to low-income earners in the Bay Area. In 2020, Fremont experienced a $40 million scandal in my neighborhood involving a mixed-use development that was abandoned due to fraudulent activity. The unfinished project, now a “ghost building,” has sat incomplete for six years. The failure to expand and properly implement affordable housing is an issue my generation will have to combat. Having heard the concerns of young adults at my church, I am determined to explore legislative avenues that allow families of all income levels to thrive. While this issue is not solely a Fremont teen issue, it affects every teen's family, and their future after graduation. To address this problem, my idea is to arrange a youth policy forum town hall. This event would invite policymakers including California State Assembly members and city council members to speak on the current housing situation. They would also inform teens of any legislation that is happening at the state and local level that is targeting housing affordability. To make this event interactive, I propose a workshop where teens would be grouped together and given a map of a hypothetical city space to house a certain population. To make the activity realistic, I would introduce real-world constraints and sudden changes that would affect their plan - required them to adapt. This workshop would aim to expose Fremont teens to the housing affordability issue in a way that would spur civic engagement. *
The first aspect of my identity that shapes my outlook is my name. From a young age, my parents explained to me way they had chosen the name "Micah." Micah was a prophet in the Old Testament in the Bible, and there is a famous verse in the book of Micah which calls people to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” (Micah 6:8). I made it a mission to memorize that verse, but more than that, I wanted to exhibit these three qualities. I especially took the “walk humbly” part to heart. Furthermore, to me, Email
Birthdate
Age
Gender
School
Grade
Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? "acting justly" in my community means advocating and instilling true change in sectors that affect Fremont residents every day. Second, I’m Cantonese - both of my parents are from Hong Kong and immigrated to the US at a young age. The Cantonese language for non-speakers is extremely hard to learn, but there is a significant Cantonese community in Fremont - I am constantly seeking fellow Cantonese-speaking teens. It’s taught me a lot about why people learn things that might seem unnecessary - the ultimate mission is to preserve and remember things that have been passed on to us. Thirdly, I would say that being the older sibling of two has taught me a lot. Having both single-child friends as well as friends that are younger siblings instead, I’ve learned to put myself in other people’s shoes much more than I used to. Being the first child to go to university, I seek to carve a path so that my younger sister is equipped with information to inform her future plans. *
Question: how do you, “walk humbly?” Walking humbly isn’t about being introverted, shy, and opportunity-refusing. You can still be ambitious, confident, and out-spoken.

What really matters is the attitude and heart you have in your everyday life. The desire to attain credit is overpowering, at times. Usually, accomplishments come with the intent to be recognized; that shouldn't be the case. Being humble in this case means accomplishing that thing anyway because it is truly beneficial. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter where the credit goes to, just see it through and that is fulfilling enough. Being humble also has to do with pride - some pride is healthy, but it is easy to take pride a step too far and be condescending. A humble leader doesn’t go above everyone - they serve them.

I am deeply interested in public policy surrounding technology, housing, and juvenile justice. First, due to the rapid acceleration of AI, the next generation of policymakers must be well-informed to put the needs of Californians first while promoting the ethical diffusion of advanced technology. Having been exposed to the forefront of the emerging artificial general intelligence industry through my research at the Aspiring Scholars Research Program, I have a strong desire to learn how legislators at the state level can hold tech companies accountable. Artificial intelligence systems permeate countless aspects of everyday life: autonomous vehicles utilize visual language models, the education system is being reshaped by large language models, and the job market is rapidly reflecting AI advancement across countless industries. Currently, the ability to develop agentic systems and generate synthetic content is readily accessible; Californians need to be educated on the dangers and benefits of these tools. I hope to learn more about current legislation involving these emerging technologies to better understand how policy can be used to safeguard citizens’ digital welfare and improve their way of life. Beyond digital welfare, I am equally passionate about the physical infrastructure of our communities, specifically regarding affordable housing. Housing is becoming increasingly inaccessible for middle- to low-income earners in the Bay Area. In 2020, Fremont experienced a $40 million scandal in my neighborhood involving a mixed-use development that was abandoned due to fraudulent activity. The unfinished project, now a “ghost building,” has sat incomplete for six years. The failure to expand and properly implement affordable housing is an issue my generation will have to combat. Having heard the concerns of young adults at my church, I am determined to explore legislative avenues that allow families of all income levels to thrive. Finally, my commitment to community well-being extends to our justice system. My involvement with the San Leandro Youth Court has sparked a deep interest in juvenile justice and crime prevention. Through my work there, I have seen firsthand how many cases stem from complex underlying struggles, particularly youth substance abuse. The widespread accessibility of drugs has played a major role in impacting students’ welfare - I hope to take steps towards combating drug abuse as a Youth Commissioner.

Attachment
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Create and answer your own question.

Additional Information ?
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Micah Chiang

Education

- Junior, Class of 2027
GPA: 4.63/5.00 (Highest Honors Student)
AP Courses Completed: AP Stats, AP Human Geography
AP/H Courses In Progress: Advanced Data Analysis H, AP US History, AP English Language & Composition, AP Physics 1, AP Calculus AB
UCLA - Management (5 Credits) from the Anderson School
Research & Experience
Research Assistant (Summer 2024)
● Conducted research on AI Policy in the music production industry under a former Yale Professor. Published in the Scholarly Review Spring 2025 Issue.

Research Scholar, Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) (10th Grade - Present)
● Utilized agent-based modeling in social dilemma simulations including the Prisoner’s Dilemma, Diner’s Dilemma and the Tragedy of the Commons under the guidance of a Senior Vice President of Salesforce.
● Presented at the 2025 Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research.

Extracurriculars
Co- President, School Newspaper (Skyway Press) (9th Grade - Present) ● Revived school newspaper in 2023 after multiple years of inactivity with the aim to publish district wide, increase digital platform, and develop a sustainable legacy framework for continued publications post-graduation.
● Conducted external outreach with news/media industry professionals including journalists, editors, and publishers to hold training seminars for Skyway Press staff. ● Publish seasonal releases containing faculty member interviews, student spotlights and Op-Ed articles, working towards monthly publication frequency by 2027.

Defense Team Captain, Mock Trial (9th Grade - Present)
● One of the original members of the club, helped to initiate and develop the mock trial program at to participate in county competitions in the Santa Clara County division for the first time after a decade-long hiatus. Seeking to compete at the state, regional and national level.
● Competed on the competition team as an attorney for the prosecution and defense. ● Received MVP award for best attorney during the 2023-2024 competition season. ● Petitioned the school’s Business Entrepreneurship Innovation (BEI) executive leadership to incorporate Mock Trial into an official BEI program, securing consistent funding, publicity and coaching for the first time.
● Promoted to Defense Team Captain in Junior year, delivered lectures and organized training workshops for new and existing members. Held office hours and served as an understudy for the competition team.
● Led defense competition team to go undefeated at the 2026 Santa Clara County Mock Trial Competition.

Representative, Student Government (10th Grade - Present) ● Advised the Principal and School Board on the application process and curriculum for new UC-Approved Student Government class starting with the 2025-2026 school year.
● Selected as one of five students out of forty applicants representing the ‘27 student class. ● Revised policy by refining the VCHS Code of Conduct to address political advocacy and civic communication between students and faculty.

Cellphone Policy Advisory Committee (11th Grade)
● Petitioned VCHS administration and school-board for increased student participation in developing school-based policies, and was selected as one of four high school students out of 1,600 applicants in first ever advisory committee.
● Designed a policy survey issued to parents, teachers, students, and faculty to gather feedback on cellphone usage in school to meet benchmarks for data-driven policy development goals.
● Organized a collaboration with the Advanced Data Analysis Honors class to design data-based conclusions on the survey results. Presented findings to administration, faculty, parents, and school board officials, moderated open forum discussions, and helped finalize a school-wide phone policy that took effect in January 2026.

Golf Team (9th & 10th Grade)
● Starter on Junior Varsity Golf team.

Co-Principal, Honors String Ensemble
● Co-Principal violinist in the school's audition-based honors string ensemble selected to play in the 2026 American Strings Teachers Association National Orchestra Festival.

Summer Programs
Columbia CSPA Summer Journalism Workshop (Summer 2024)
● Participated in a virtual workshop intensive that focused on editorial leadership. ● Studied organizational structure, interview skills and reporting strategies.

UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute (Summer 2024)
● Attended residential Mock Trial intensive at the UCLA Anderson School, studied mock trial & public speaking skills, worked in a group to develop arguments centered around a robbery case.
● Crafting an opening statement, direct and cross examinations as an opening prosecution attorney.

California Boys State (Summer 2026)
● Selected as a delegate and sponsored by the American Legion to participate in the 2026 California Boys State Program.

Service
Arise Church Fremont Youth Worship Team (9th Grade - Present) ● 4 hrs/week, every other week.
● Plays violin in the youth worship team.

Jenny Lin Summer Music Program (Summer 2023)
● Intensive music training and development program for 6 hrs/week over one month including rehearsals
● Performed at a charity concert in August dedicated to raising child safety awareness.

Orchestra Volunteering (9th Grade)
● Supervised and assisted my middle school’s orchestra (consisted of both elementary & middle schoolers) during rehearsals and concerts.

Cambodia Mission Trip (Summer 2025)
● Served in a one-week service trip in Cambodia, teaching classes to elementary and kindergarten students.
● Plan to return for Summer 2026 to continue teaching obligations Awards
● UCLA Mock Trial Team Competition 3rd Place. (9th Grade) ● Principle’s Award in Modern World History Honors (9th Grade) ● Scholar Athlete Award (Men’s JV Golf) (9th Grade)
● Mock Trial MVP Attorney Award (9th Grade)
Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
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You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

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Vinidhra Dinesh
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Questionnaire
* Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? The possibility for change in the way youth look at themselves and the community around them inspires me to want to serve on this commission. In a diverse city like Fremont, teens are constantly being introduced to new perspectives and influences, which play a big part in our self-confidence and the way we interact with others. By joining the Youth Advisory Commission, I hope to introduce innovative ideas that help youth feel more welcomed and connected to their community. As a teen who has previously experienced the pressures of fitting in a growing society wearing a scoliosis brace, our generation faces an ongoing struggle of having positive body connotations.

These negative thoughts often sprout from online and in-person influences that surround us, which can affect the way we look at and interpret our body image. Without a safe space for youth to express the way we feel about ourselves, our level of self-concern will continue growing. By creating a positive and uplifting support group for teens, I believe we can encourage confidence and self-growth on a larger scale. Along with maintaining our self love and confidence, creating a bond with community is essential to keeping lasting relations with those around us. Through my volunteering experience with the elderly at Masonic Homes of California, I learned the true importance of supporting my community. It meant listening to and acknowledging different points of view while creating efficient solutions to issues that affected others. As part of this Commission, I am eager to continue these connections with the youth residents of Fremont on a city-wide level. As a member of the Youth Advisory Commission, I aspire to contribute my creativity, collaboration, and positivity in a meaningful and lasting way. To me, sharing these values means instilling a sense of belonging, trust, and selfconfidence in our youth. * What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? A problem Fremont teens face is being themselves, mostly because they fear being judged by those around them. This is a problem I certainly struggled with, having to wear a scoliosis brace for 18 hours a day often made me feel singled out, I wasn’t confident wearing certain clothing, I feared those that saw the brace would make me feel vulnerable. Some of my classmates asked me why I had an excuse to run the weekly mile slower and why I had an odd shape poking out from my oversized clothes.

These questions led to my feelings of resentment. I hated the way my brace raised one shoulder higher than the other and the red and purple bruises I got from wearing the brace all day. I tried to hide my embarrassment but it quickly became unavoidable once it felt like I was constantly met with judgement surrounding me. I was overwhelmed by all the comments and thoughts floating in my head, I felt like I had no choice but to request an alternative option. During my appointment however, my doctor told me that my classmates were only curious, they hadn’t seen me in a brace so asking questions was their way of getting used to it. These words and tough moments continue to stay with me, reminding me that my uniqueness is what shapes me, and nothing should change that. To encourage self positivity and provide support to those who have trouble embracing themselves, I would organize an event called “UNIQUE YOU”, where teens from all backgrounds can meet together and share their Page | 1
personal experiences facing hardship without the worry of getting criticized. In this event we would discuss ways teens can feel more open and confident about themselves as well as hold activities that encourage other teens to embrace their differences. During the event, a support wall could be used to allow students to write words of hope on sticky notes and post them on the wall. I would also bring in a guest speaker that can talk about personal love, confidence, and being yourself. To spread the word about my event, I would make lots of posters, share about it online and work with Fremont schools, community centers, and school clubs to organize this event. * What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? My identity is framed by three core values that define my principles: integrity, passion, and empathy. As the vice president of the Energy and Sustainability club at my school, repairing the untouched school garden became a real test of my integrity. After meticulously planning all year, we began pulling out the weeds that crowded the garden beds every Wednesday during our flex period. As the school year was coming to an end, there wasn’t a way we could fully repair the garden. I was conflicted between telling the members that we couldn’t finish our project or making excuses that provided them with a false sense of hope. I made the decision to tell the members the truth. Although there were some initial frowns, we came to agreement that the garden bed project would be continued in the following school year. From this experience and others, my integrity places a big part on the decisions I make, reminding me to lead with honesty rather than convenience. Although my integrity helps me make decisions that feel right, my passion guides me to continue doing the things I love, despite the challenges I face along the way. My drive to learn a creative skill I could build upon led me to crochet. However, with no one to teach me, I resorted to watching YouTube videos that could guide me step by step. After watching countless videos, the concept of even creating one stitch seemed out of reach. My fingers fumbled on the yarn and I couldn’t get the hand placement right. Yet, giving up still wasn’t an option. I began to find tutorials that felt right for my skill level and remained patient, trying the stitches over and over again until they engraved themselves in my mind.

Initially, my creations came out lopsided, with loose stitches and holes that peaked out but through continuous practice I gradually improved my crocheting abilities. Lastly, my empathy, which pushes me to step into someone else's perspective and have a deeper understanding of their emotions before explaining my own. As a member of Citizens Climate Lobby, during my time tabling at events, I came across many visitors that were opposed to our motives. Instead of speaking against the visitor, I was driven by curiosity, I wanted to learn the why factor behind their opinion. By stepping into their point of view, I was able to tie my reasoning and relate our goals to adapt to the visitor’s disagreement while also taking note of how we could improve the way we conveyed our objectives. * Create and answer your own question.

If there is one initiative you could work on expanding in the city of Fremont what would it be? If I could choose one thing I would work on increasing in the city of Fremont, it would be pushing for more youth involvement in the local government and community. We are the voices that implement the most change, and the way we choose to carry this torch from the previous generations will affect the future. During my weekly volunteering shifts at Masonic Homes of California, I saw firsthand just how important it was that youth were involved with the community. Thinking I was just going to be interacting with the elderly proved to be much more. I was introduced to so many different perspectives that I hadn’t thought about before. Whether it was having chats with residents or assisting them with their day-to-day activities, there was always so much to learn. To encourage more positive and healthy relations in Fremont, I would organize events where everyone would be welcome to explore more service-learning opportunities centered around helping the community. Volunteer areas from around the city could put up booths explaining the purpose behind their organization and the reason residents should get involved as well. Through these experiences, youth would be able to build on their communication skills while also serving the community around them. While strong connections to the Fremont community is essential, by expanding our generation’s participation in the local government, we are creating space for the future policy makers of this world. As the driving forces of change, youth can introduce fresh perspectives and issues that should be accounted for. By taking part in the local government, our generation can learn about law-making processes and how these laws influence our society. As an advocate for the Fix Our Forests Act, which is designed to reduce the threat wildfires pose on our forests by increasing the amount of time we use to manage our forests, I learned the power of having youth voices involved in the government. Lawmakers were realizing that youth were the ones fighting for a future that was wildfire free and brought justice to a healthy planet. By incorporating youth in the local government, I hope to introduce a new kind of energy, one that is driven by the need for change and possibility.

Additional Information
Link to Energy and Sustainability club website: https://www.thorntoneands.org/home/our-team Link to my member profile at Citizens Climate Lobby:
https://community.citizensclimate.org/profile/383032
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Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Page | 2
Submission # 4800967
IP Address 73.63.233.53
Submission Recorded On 05/03/2026 9:52 AM
Time to Take Survey 43 minutes

Page 1 ends

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You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Zian Ding
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
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Questionnaire
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I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I want to be a part of Fremont Youth Community. I want to help address some of the problems Fremont Youth face. I also want to learn how to organize events and be a good leader. *
One problem Fremont teens face is not having enough freedom when choosing classes in school. Fremont schools have strict requirements that can stop students from taking classes they are interested in. Many of my friends have also talked about this issue. If I wanted to change this, I would first create a survey at school to ask students what classes they want to take and what is stopping them from taking those classes. After collecting the answers, I would organize the results to show the main problems students are facing. Then, I would share this information with school staff and the school board. I would also suggest possible solutions, like adding more flexible class options or offering ways for students to meet requirements faster. This would help make class choices more open and better match what students are interested in. *
Three aspects of my identity that shape my outlook on life are my cultural background, being a student, and having supportive parents. My cultural background taught me to value education and respect others. Being a student, I learned how to manage time and balancing school work and outside activities. My parents also gave me many useful advices while becoming an adult.
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What is one challenge Fremont youth face? Many Fremont youth face academic pressure from their peers and parents. This forced them to take more outside classes and try to have a higher achievement in school.
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Email
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Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Create and answer your own question.

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
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Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Isabella Estrada
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Questionnaire
* Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission to speak on issues that negatively impact Fremont teens and partake in a group to pursue and execute workshop and event ideas to engage with my community. I believe that serving on the Youth Advisory Commission will provide me with valuable skills that will set me up for success while simultaneously creating an impact on the community.
* What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? This is an issue that is not limited to our community or age range, but instead universal, which is why I care about these topics so much. I know I won’t be able to completely defeat these issues, but I believe tackling them at a community level is worth something. I firmly believe that we need to provide a variety of resources, such as hygienic care and educational tools, to the youth who need it most. Yes, food and water are vital for keeping our bodies running, but books and sanitary pads keep our dignity intact. I would tackle these issues by creating an event that will occur monthly that gives out sanitary pads, dental care, a variety of school supplies, and more. We would obtain these supplies by partnering up with several organizations, which simultaneously creates a larger platform that will enable us to reach more people. I will find and gather volunteers who will assist with the events. We can visit several homeless shelters, create social media posts, send out emails, and put up flyers in local libraries, cafes, bookshops, and more to advertise!
* What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? There are small parts of my life that reveal larger components of me that shape my outlook on life. These smaller parts include visits to the library, my curly hair, and trips to my mother’s favorite nail spa. The library embodies a treasure trove of digital and physical information that allows me to discover worlds beyond my own. I have the opportunity to read about a society that burns books through a turn of a page, or learn about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs through a click of a button. My trips to the library enable me to have something to seek—something to be excited for. It allows me to keep going because I must continue to do what I love most: learn. The most significant thing I learned while visiting libraries is that I have found something to constantly look forward to. Learning is something that I have long admired, but that is not the case for my appearance. I believe that my Achilles’ Heel is my love for perfection. My idea of perfection was not what my appearance embodied. I am imperfect, therefore hideous. Many didn’t see that, though. I would often go to the nail salon with my mother, where we would escape the exhaustion that the day provided. One day, the Nail Lady commented, “Wow, your skin is so beautiful, your hair too! My daughter is always tanning so she can have skin just like yours! If anyone tells you to straighten your Page | 1
hair, don’t! It is beautiful just the way it is.” The realization that my insecurity is other people’s goals gave me the epiphany that I should accept the fact that my “imperfection” was beautiful. Ever since that day, I have held this saying with me: “I am imperfect, therefore I am.” I have discovered through these moments that discovery, acceptance, and self-contentment shaped my realization that I am worth something in this world, and that I should keep on going. * Create and answer your own question.

What is something that people often see as insignificant that you care deeply about? I really hate when people say, “If it makes you feel any better, there are so many people going through this same thing,” whenever I’m confessing sensitive events that are occurring in my life. I know this is a common method of comforting someone, as it is in practice often effective. When we are going through deeply traumatic events, we may feel alienated and misunderstood. The act of assuring someone that what they are going through is universal can be comforting because it reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. This is what I hate about this: there are so many people struggling with the same thing as me. No one should have to undergo these struggles. This only shows how rampant these issues are without confrontation. Nonetheless, I still greatly appreciate the effort of attempting to comfort someone, even if I dislike the method. I prefer to be assured through validation of emotions, rather than a situation. I want to be reminded that what I am feeling is completely justified and that it will get better.

Additional Information
**SKIPPED**
Attachment
Isabellas Resume (as of June 24, 2026) 1.pdf
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Keya R. Gadiya
* Home Address:

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* Email
* Birthdate
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Questionnaire
* Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? Growing up in Fremont and attending has shown me just how vibrant, diverse, and driven our local youth community is, but it has also made me realize how important it is for students to have a direct channel to city leadership. Through my leadership work with organizations like STEMist Education and Art4Hearts, as well as managing team logistics in VEX Robotics and DECA, I have learned how to turn student-led ideas into organized, community-wide impact. I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I want to bridge the gap between Fremont's youth and local government, helping to design inclusive civic programs, address the real needs of teenagers, and ensure our voices shape the city's decisions. * What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? A big problem for teens in Fremont is academic pressure. The competition here is intense, and a lot of students end up burned out, stressed, and honestly kind of isolated because everything revolves around grades and college prep. To address this, I want to organize "Mind & Motion," a community hobby and wellness fair where students can take a break and do things that have nothing to do with school, like art stations, a chess corner, music, and maybe a short guided meditation session. I would organize it by booking a room at the Fremont Main Library, asking student clubs to each run an activity table, and scheduling it for a weekend early in the semester before exam season hits. To publicize it, I'd hand out flyers with QR codes through club networks, partner with student organizations that already have an audience, and get it posted on school Instagram accounts and class group chats.
* What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Growing up in Fremont right in the heart of Silicon Valley meant that technology and innovation were just part of the background noise of everyday life. Being surrounded by tech culture, combined with having an entire family completely immersed in STEM, turned dinner table conversations into practical tech briefings and naturally pushed me to dive headfirst into robotics, coding, and building things myself. Seeing how technology could actually solve real problems inspired me to stop watching from the sidelines and start creating my own impact, whether that meant building competition robots, researching AI, or running non-profit tutoring programs to share that same passion with younger kids right here in our community.
* Create and answer your own question.

Growing up in Fremont right in the heart of Silicon Valley meant that tech and innovation were just baked into everyday life, but having a family completely immersed in Page | 1
STEM took it to another level. Dinner table talk was practically a rotation of tech briefs and engineering breakdowns, which completely rubbed off on me and turned curiosity into a real obsession with building things. Instead of just hearing about breakthroughs second-hand, I wanted to actually get my hands dirty—whether that meant spending hours troubleshooting VEX robots, diving into AI research, or starting my own non-profit to teach kids coding and math. Growing up surrounded by that energy taught me that tech isn't just about abstract code or gadgets; it's a tool to actually solve problems, connect with people, and build stuff that matters right here in our backyard.

Additional Information
**SKIPPED**
Attachment
Resume_ Keya Gadiya.pdf
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Page | 2
Keya Gadiya
Skills
● Robotics: VEX Robotics design, building, testing, was captain of Home Team and former member of Robolabs
● Education & Tutoring: Teaching K-8 students in math, science, and STEM concepts
● Web Development: Basic HTML, CSS, and Javascript
● Leadership & Communication: Team management, event coordination ● DECA: Part of an entrepreneurship club called DECA for School. Former apprentice and competitor for the club. Won Top 10 finalist for business operations research and top 10 overall for an individual finance category.
● Model UN: Part of Model UN club and
participated and gave a speech in a conference at the University of Berkeley as well as UCLA.
● Art4Hearts: Treasurer for the Fremont chapter of Art4Hearts where I have helped with fundraisers such as bake sales to raise money to make kits to give to hospital patients and senior centers.
● Stemist: President Intern of STEMist Education, Bay Area’s largest student-run STEM nonprofit, which has raised over $10,000 for charity, and has students from 40+ countries and where I help teach STEM to the next generation, helped organize and judge community events such as Bridge Building Competition, Mathathon and Build Off
● Care Circle: Events director at Care Circle, an organization where we create packages through fundraising and sponsorships. Over 1,000 packages delivered at 4 different hospitals.
● GPA: unweighted: 3.88
Experience
Former Captain – CosmoBots (VEX Robotics Team)
San Francisco Bay Area | May 2022 – Present
● Led the design and build of competition-ready robots
● Coordinated team meetings, build sessions, and competition logistics ● Mentored new team members in engineering and problem-solving ● Now part of RoboLabs working with a new team and continuing at VEX competitions
President & Tutor – Tutor2Aid.com (Non-Profit Organization) Fremont, CA | June 2022 – Present
● Currently leading a student-run non-profit that has donated over $2000 by providing tutoring in Math Science English, and Spanish to donate to charity 2 ● Teach elementary and middle school students in math, science, and general studies along with coding
● Organize virtual and sessions, recruit volunteers, and manage outreach Science Night Volunteer – Parkmont Elementary
Fremont, CA | March 2024
● Supported TinkerOn at a school STEM event
● Directed guests at the welcome table and assisted with science activity stations
Extracurriculars
● Karate: 2nd-degree black belt
● Swimming: Former competitive swimmer
● Dance: Former competitive dancer part of multiple dance schools including RAPA
● Badminton: Varsity team member and club player
● Research Project: Working on a research project on Bio/Cs ● Summer program: Teaching kids how to do IOS coding over the course of a couple months and leading sessions with them.
● College Course: Completed a college course on C++ at DeAnza community college with an A
● College Course: Completed a college course on Python at DeAnza community college with an A
● College Course: Enrolled in a college course on Java at DeAnza ● Extending your horizons at Berkley : Attended a program at the University Of Berkeley California for science where I attended classes at the University and toured the campus.
● Attended UC Berkeley Splash 2026: Learned about computer science, data science, and proofs
● Accepted into TKS In person San Francisco program: An elite Silicon Valley accelerator embedding ambitious high schoolers into cutting-edge tech like AI and biotech to solve real-world challenges for companies like Google and the UN.
● Attended Globe BeSmart Program: Selected as one of only 20 students for the UC Berkeley Engineering Summer Machine-learning & AI Research Training (BeSMART) program, focusing on machine learning, data manipulation, and Python-driven research. Worked with professors in the IEOR department and created a website with an open-ai chatbox for fire fighting detection relying on datasets and ai prediction.

Submission # 4936397
IP Address 2601:646:8f80:9830:9fe:4c83:7ace:dc44
Submission Recorded On 07/08/2026 4:43 PM
Time to Take Survey 31 minutes, 51 seconds

Page 1 ends

Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

ROHAN GANDHI
* Home Address:

Home Phone:
**SKIPPED**
Cell Phone:
**SKIPPED**
*
*
*
*
*
*
Questionnaire
*
I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I want to help make sure the issues teens actually care about reach the City Council, not just get talked about among ourselves. Working as a camp instructor for the City of Fremont has shown me how much staff and city leaders want to serve young people well, but I have also seen how disconnected that effort can be from what teens are actually experiencing day to day, since most teens never get asked directly. Starting my own childcare business in ninth grade taught me that I do not have to wait for someone else to notice a problem and fix it. When I saw families in my community struggling to find childcare providers they trusted, I built something to address it myself. I want to bring that same initiative to the Commission, not just showing up to meetings but actively helping identify what is going on with Fremont teens and pushing those concerns forward. I also think leadership matters more when it comes with responsibility attached. Between running a business, working for the city, and carrying a full load of AP classes, I am used to following through on commitments, and I would take a seat on this Commission seriously. *
One problem Fremont teens face is that we often do not have a real channel to make our concerns heard by the people who make decisions about our city. Issues like the lack of things to do outside of school, stress around school and college pressure, or gaps in transportation get talked about between friends, but rarely reach City Council in an organized way. To address this, I would organize a Fremont Teen Town Hall, a forum held twice a year where teens from across the city can show up, or submit input beforehand online, to raise concerns and ask questions directly to city staff and, when possible, City Council members. Each Town Hall would focus on two or three specific topics chosen ahead of time based on a short survey sent out to high schools, so the conversation stays focused instead of turning into a general complaint session. After each Town Hall, the Commission would put together a short summary of the top concerns and share it with the City Council, so there is a clear paper trail from teen voices to city decisions. To organize it, I would work with Parks and Recreation, since I already have a working relationship with staff there through my camp instructor job, to secure a space like the library or a community center and help with logistics. I would also reach out to ASB and Key Club at each high school to help spread the word and encourage students to attend or submit input. For publicity, I would use Instagram and other platforms teens actually check, post flyers at libraries, rec centers, and schools, and ask ASB to make announcements. I would also use my connections from camp to help spread the word to younger teens and their families before they reach high school. *
The first is growing up in a Punjabi and Gujarati household. My parents come from two different regions of India, with different languages, food, and traditions, so even within my own house I grew up navigating more than one culture at once. I am also fluent in Hindi, which has let me connect with an even wider range of people in my community beyond just my own family's two backgrounds. That experience taught me to notice gaps that other people might not see, like when I started my childcare business after noticing how hard it was for families in my community to find childcare providers who understood the specific cultural expectations different Indian families Email
Birthdate
Age
Gender
School
Grade
Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? have around raising kids. It also taught me to move comfortably between different groups of people and to look for common ground instead of getting stuck on differences.

The second is being a young entrepreneur. Running my own small business since ninth grade, while keeping up with a demanding course load, has shaped how I see problems. I do not just complain about something that is broken, I think about how I could actually build a fix for it, even on a small scale. The third is being a mentor to younger kids. Between my childcare business and my job as a camp instructor with the City of Fremont, I spend a lot of my time around kids much younger than me. That has made me more patient, more aware of how my actions affect people who look up to me, and more invested in making sure the younger generation in Fremont has good role models, good opportunities, and a voice in decisions that affect them. *
My question: What is one change you would like to see in how the City of Fremont involves teens in decisions that affect them, and why? I would like to see the city build more consistent ways for teens to give input before decisions are made, not just react to them afterward. Right now, a lot of city programs and policies that affect teens, like park hours, event planning, or school related services, are decided without much direct input from the teens who will actually use them. A simple way to start would be regular short surveys sent through high schools a few times a year, asking teens about specific upcoming decisions, paired with occasional in person forums like town halls where teens can speak directly to staff or Council members. This would not need to be complicated or expensive, and it would give the city a clearer, more current picture of what teens actually think instead of relying on assumptions. Since one of the Youth Advisory Commission's main roles is creating forums for teen issues and bringing those issues to City Council, I see this as something the Commission itself is well positioned to help build and run on an ongoing basis.

I currently work as a camp instructor for the City of Fremont, so I already have hands on experience with the city's youth programs and a working relationship with Parks and Recreation staff, which I think would help me connect the Commission's work to what is already happening on the ground. I am also balancing a full course load, including multiple AP classes, with running my own small business and my camp job, so I am used to managing my time carefully, communicating clearly, and following through on commitments. I would take a seat on the Youth Advisory Commission seriously and would show up prepared, ready to listen to other teens, and ready to help make sure their concerns are heard by the City Council.

Attachment
Rohan_Gandhi_Resume_2026.pdf
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Create and answer your own question.

Additional Information ?
?

ROHAN GANDHI

EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE
Founder & Childcare Provider | Safe & Fun Babysitting by Rohan, Fremont, CA June 2023 – Present • Founded and operate a babysitting service providing safe, reliable, and engaging care for local families • Supervise children of various ages, plan age-appropriate activities, and assist with homework • Maintain household routines, communicate with parents on needs and behavior, and handle minor first aid calmly Sports Instructor | City of Fremont Recreation Services Nov. 2025 – Present • Instruct children ages 5–12 in beginning to intermediate sports camps, including badminton, basketball, baseball, cricket, football, softball, soccer, and tennis
• Set up equipment and facilities, maintain rosters, and enforce City policies while keeping score of games • Provide encouragement and a positive atmosphere for all participants Camp Counselor | India Community Center (ICC) Summer Camps, Milpitas, CA Summers 2024 – 2025 • Senior Camp Counselor (2025): supervised children ages 5–15, managed check-ins and meals, and prepared rosters and props for daily activities
• Junior Camp Counselor (2024): supported instructors with arts & crafts, extended care, and recreational games

LEADERSHIP & SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT
Student Board Representative | Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), Aug. 2023 – Present • Elected for three consecutive years (Freshman–Junior) to represent students at PTSA board meetings • Led membership drives at Maze Days and Open House, reaching a record 577 members in 2026; ranked 2nd in Fremont Council and earned a $100 incentive award
• Managed flyers and social media, supported fundraising events, and produced the PTSA year-end video showcase Link Leader, Upperclassmen Leadership Program | 2025 – Present • Mentor incoming freshmen (avg. class of 750) on adjusting to campus, navigating academics, and connecting with upperclassmen support
• Lead team-building activities on orientation days to encourage peer connection Publicist | AHS Film Club, Aug. 2025 – Present
• Manage club promotions, social media, and outreach campaigns • Collaborate on film production, cinematography, editing, and storytelling projects

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING
• Badminton Instructor, neighborhood youth program: teaching badminton to children ages 5–12 (2026 – Present) • India Community Center: assisted with youth and cultural events (2023 – 2025) • Warwick Elementary Math Night: guided children in math games and learning activities (Nov. 2023) • Warwick Elementary Trunk-or-Treat: helped organize family participation and event setup (Oct. 2023)

CERTIFICATIONS & HONORS
• Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award (2024): recognized for 120+ volunteer hours at ICC Summer Camps • American Red Cross – Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED (Oct. 2025 – Oct. 2027) • American Red Cross – Babysitting Basics (Completed Aug. 2024) • Junior Achievement: completed coursework in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship (2022)

SKILLS & LANGUAGES
Technical: Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Canva, video editing, social media, data entry Interpersonal: Leadership, teamwork, public speaking, communication, event planning Languages: Fluent in English and Hindi; working knowledge of Spanish

ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS
Sports: Badminton ( Team, 2023), volleyball, swimming, biking, hiking Creative: Film production, graphic design, event planning Submission # 4804386
IP Address 69.209.18.186
Submission Recorded On 05/03/2026 11:56 AM
Time to Take Survey 1 day, 8 minutes, 24 seconds

Page 1 ends

Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Anya Gote
* Home Address:

Home Phone:
**SKIPPED**
Cell Phone:
**SKIPPED**
*
*
*
*
*
*
Questionnaire
*
I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission for a variety of reasons. Living in Fremont my whole life has not only shaped the person I’ve become, but my perspective of my environment. The city has introduced me to a variety of peers from different backgrounds with different experiences, and getting to know each personality has taught me the importance of diverse opinions and people in a community, because collaboration only takes place when varying input is present. I believe that my generation has been heavily underrepresented, and taking part in the commission would not only change how my voice is heard, but the action taken for numerous others in the community. Those around me know me as a deeply passionate person about the issues that bother me most, whether it be current administrations taking advantage of their power or the mistreatment of others. Being on the Youth Commission would give me the opportunity to actually make change and express beliefs both from myself and others whose voices are underrepresented. I’ve seen the community of Fremont change throughout my years living here; a personal example of this would be where a meeting was held in my garage to add a stop sign near the entrance of my community due to my dad raising the issue with neighbors. Being around people who act on their problems has influenced me heavily and taught me that problems are best solved when you take matters into your own hands. Granted the opportunity to join the Fremont Youth Advisory Commission, I would not only communicate the wishes of locals, but take direct responsibility for meeting their needs through collaboration with my peers and higher-ups, because a city is only as great as its residents’ happiness. *
One problem Fremont teens face is the rigorous pressure to do well academically, not only from their parental figures, but their environment. Bay Area high schoolers are pretty much infamous for their meticulous academics & time-consuming extracurriculars, often just to gain admissions into a prestigious college. This has become the norm in the area; having an unweighted 4.0 is just the base line for students here. However, the impact of surrounding yourself with exhausting responsibilities is not properly recognized by families or staff at schools, and measures are not taken to protect the mental health of those who are stressing themselves over their future, no matter how stable. One event I would propose to normalize mental health days & breaks for students would be a schedule of themed night markets at high schools in Fremont that align with the theme of raising awareness and looking after one’s wellbeing. Inviting different nonprofits and other organizations that surround mental health & collaborating with high school clubs would not only raise interest, but make the market an engaging way to not only spend time with friends but learn about the importance of keeping yourself mentally stable. Booths would have different, inviting items such as food, accessories, etc. and also would provide information & resources to avoid academic burnout.

Students would be able to avoid or at the very least, reduce, their experience of ‘sophomore slump’ and ‘senioritis’ among all grades. Families attending would also benefit as they would be increasingly educated about the impact of pressure on their child & how to balance both work and life. Publicizing would come majorly from social media as it is the easiest way to reach the target audience of high school students, and posts would be made on a scheduled basis beginning a few weeks before and leading up to the event(s). They would be both on the collaborating nonprofits’ accounts and the high school and/or the high school’s mental health club’s (if present) account. The city would Email
Birthdate
Age
Gender
School
Grade
Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? also publish the event on social media and flyers would be put up along public spaces and school hallways. Overall, the series of night markets around different Fremont high schools would combine a fun night out with educational information about an immensely common issue in Fremont, therefore reducing intense burden on the student and allowing them to live out their high school years with both academic success & memorable experiences. *
My identity is almost like a mosaic; it's shaped by my experiences and traits that include my cultural background, natural empathy, and the people I surround myself with.

Through the idea of intersectionality, these characteristics form a personalized perspective through which I view the world. My parents immigrated from India in 2001 and have since educated my brother and I on our culture even while living in the United States, whether that be through holidays such as Holi or participating in the Indian spirituality practice of Swadhyay every Sunday. Through embracing my background and ethnicity, I’m not only allowed to partake in societal traditions, but look at the world from the perspective of a person of color. When actively participating in Western culture, it’s necessary for me to keep in mind the systemic nuances and narratives that came from marginalized communities like mine. Along with this, my natural empathy is a leading factor in my interest towards social justice and work surrounding underprivileged communities. Growing up I came to realize that empathy without action is useless; therefore I began acting on my beliefs from a young age. This is shown through different activities; my family and I have donated towards orphanages in India, built neighborhood libraries through the nonprofit we own and distribute them across the Bay Area, and I partake in a leadership team surrounding social justice workshops and advocacy at my school. Being aware of my privilege as someone who was lucky enough to come from a relatively wealthy family allows me to support those who were not as fortunate. Another piece of who I am greatly comes from those around me, whether it be my family, friends, or mentors. I’ve learned from different situations that my values and beliefs are heavily influenced by the people around me, and almost like a sponge, I soak up the energy around me, whether positive or negative. Through varying experiences, I was able to understand the impact of the words that I hear and choose the proper people to befriend. The specific curation of my environment has led me to find life-long peers who have not only seen me grow, but also introduced me to different hobbies that I now enjoy greatly, including volleyball, piano, and art, among others. Through the intersection of these traits, I see the world through a selective lens that is shaped because of my past, present, and hopes of the future.
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As of recently, the method on how to tackle AI’s impact on education has shifted from preventing all use to managing how AI is used and prioritizing the skills that are retained from maintaining important capabilities such as critical thinking and cognitive abilities. I believe that in a time where people have only gotten more compliant, it is necessary to continue teaching the importance of coming up with your own thoughts and values instead of them being decided by an online persona. While all usage of AI is not inherently bad, the crucial threat to the future of our society is students graduating without naturally human traits that AI is not able to recreate. To promote these skills in the city of Fremont, there are a variety of ideas that are implementable across high schools. I would begin with making it mandatory for students to attend workshops or labs that educate about the importance of digital ethics and individual mental processes, along with the history behind AI so that they are able to be in control of the tools accessible to them. Along with these kinds of workshops, another would be available for workplace culture and professional development. These would be impactful as students would be able to understand how to behave when in workplace situations, whether it be collaborating with clashing personalities or presenting findings to a group of higher-ups. While using AI can be more efficient and even encouraged today, we shouldn’t allow it to replace the very traits that allow for innovation. Through spreading the knowledge necessary to preserve crucial human characteristics, we are able to sustain the future of our society and not allow for AI to metaphorically take over our collective thought processes.
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Submission # 4731775
IP Address 73.63.234.7
Submission Recorded On 03/30/2026 4:01 PM
Time to Take Survey 45 minutes, 28 seconds

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
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Eckam S. Grewal, N/A
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I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I want to give a voice to the voiceless, people who don't get the same opportunities as I did to speak out for others. I'm especially politically passionate, allowing me to find interest in helping the youth. When it comes to my future, politics comes first, hence being on Youth Commission Boards is especially important to me. The Youth Advisory Commission will help me learn about local government and how advocating for the youth can make a large impact on their lives. Diving deeper, most applicants find interest in applying to more and more commissions as another thing on college applications, but for me, it's more than that. I want to take action, solving problems and issues in Fremont that no one has even heard about. Already being a part of a speech and debate team, I can uphold myself in large public discussions. Overall, being on the Youth Advisory Commission can assist me in taking my political dream to the next step by educating me on pubic discussions and how the local government works.
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Stress is something known to play a factor in adults' lives when it comes to juggling work and taking care of kids, but in reality, it can be a significant factor for the youth when it comes to dealing with school, extracurricular activities, and the constant pressure of college. This is why mental health, something that is greatly overlooked, can be a huge problem in Fremont, and an event to address this issue is crucial. Diving deeper, an event like this could be held at school, where most students gather after the bell.

Looking closer, we could set up games and activities that help teens learn about mental health and what to do if their friend is struggling with it. Instead of an assembly that we are used to, which isn't engaging and thoughtful at all. These types of events could be organized with schools across FUSD, with teachers, parents, and board members volunteering. These events would be publicized to the youth in school with posters and morning announcements, which are able to remind students. Furthermore, mental health is something that needs to be addressed, and a school wide event is key to heal the problem. *
Three aspects of my identity that shape my life are religion, sports, and a challenge I faced, which helped me grow stronger. Diving deeper, Sikhism identifies one large principle of selfless work, better known as "seva," which is a clear definition of helping others without pay; it is something that comes from the heart, something that people today don't have. Moving on, sports, which have been a large part of my identity since I was little as shaped me and my outlook on life in several ways. But most importantly, leadership: as a captain of my field hockey team (one of them being Hayward Hawks), I take great pride in leading and administering my teammates. Though it isn't easy, I've persevered and grown my leadership skills, guiding my team to many golds. Lastly, at the age of nine, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, which turned my whole family into a panic, including me. With my dad researching this sickness, and him being in the hospital with my mom all the time, now me being nine, I was forced to become more independent. During this time, I was dealing with sports, debate, and a handful of other extracurriculars, and I still had to persist. Times like these shaped my Email
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Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? outlook on life from a young age, helping me develop stronger and more perseverant. *
Question: Why is civic engagement important in Fremont, and how can we boost it? We don't know? In densely populated cities like Fremont, problems arise, such as public transportation or public health, and we wouldn't know without civic engagement. In addition, civic engagement gives a voice to the youth, something that is mostly overlooked. Moreover, civic engagement builds community trust, allowing people to rely on the Fremont government. Thus, it is a must in society, but how will we increase it, especially for the youth? Firstly, events or advertising that give reason to speak up about issues that are faced in Fremont, we could also implement technology allowing for surveys or polls, which may allow for higher voting rates. Wrapping up, civic engagement opens doors for opinions and lost opportunities to be heard, growing Fremont as a whole.
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Submission # 4925679
IP Address 73.252.182.4
Submission Recorded On 07/02/2026 10:46 PM
Time to Take Survey 15 minutes, 2 seconds

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Cindy Gu
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By serving on the Youth Advisory Commission, I want to make sure that the voices of young people are heard in our community. As a high school student, I have seen how decisions made by adults have affected teens in their education, mental health, and community involvement; however, teens are often not given a chance to share their perspectives. Therefore, I want to be on the Commission to advocate for students’ needs and further develop my leadership. My interest in youth advocacy stems from years of working with students of different ages and backgrounds. Since seventh grade, I have taught weekly robotics classes, mentored younger students, and helped lead FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge clubs to International Worlds competitions. Outside of teaching, I also spread the word about robotics through activities such as hosting an exhibit at the Tech Museum, demonstrating our robot at the Newark library workshop, and presenting at the Earth Day Fair in Hayward, which, in total, captivated over 1,000 people to understand more about FIRST and STEM. Volunteering with Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) to teach robotics also shaped my perspective on advocacy. When working with a student on fixing her robot, she told me about how her voice was often overlooked since she worked more slowly than her peers, and others thought she was incapable of speaking up for herself. Therefore, I dedicated more hours into helping create a specialized learning curriculum for students of all capabilities to be comfortable with learning and sharing their own ideas. Through this effort, my team received the FCSN volunteer award. Beyond robotics, I have worked with TurnUp, a youth-led civic engagement organization focused on increasing voter participation among young people. Through this internship, I actively participated in grassroots advocacy by phone banking, text banking, and conducting voter outreach campaigns to encourage all voters to vote regardless of their ages. These experiences strengthened my communication skills and reinforced my belief that civic engagement starts with helping young people recognize that their perspectives matter and that they have the ability to create meaningful change. These moments reinforced my belief that leadership is not just about organizing events or leading teams, but about making sure everyone has the opportunity to be heard and represented. *
One issue that many Fremont teens face is the intense academic pressure that comes with attending highly competitive schools. Many private and public schools in the area expect students to be high achievers, constantly giving their students the pressure to get into top colleges. According to the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) in the Fremont Union School District, when asked about adult expectations about grades, 74% of 7th graders, 65% of 9th graders, and 63% of 11th graders reported that adults have high expectations for students in school. In addition, between 20% and 30% of students in grades 7, 9, and 11 reported experiencing chronic sadness at school over the past 12 months, and approximately 11% reported seriously considering attempting suicide. These findings highlight the presence of high academic expectations and mental health challenges among high-school students across multiple grade levels. The City of Fremont also recognized youth mental health as an important issue by creating the Youth Mental Health & Wellness Forum in 2020, which included presentations by mental health doctors, the Department of Mental Health and Wellness, and the City of Fremont’s Youth Wellness Ambassadors, highlighting the importance of youth mental health. To address this challenge, I would organize a Student Wellness event that Email
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Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? focuses on promoting mental health challenges and ways to alleviate stress. It would begin with interactive stress-management workshops led by mental health professionals whom I will invite. Students could learn healthy strategies for managing workloads and coping with stress. There would also be panels in which speakers share personal experiences with setbacks and challenges and the ways they have overcome them. Hearing successful students discuss failures they have overcome will also help normalize these experiences and reduce the pressure many teens place on themselves. There would be an anonymous online survey for students to submit questions about mental health, which would then be addressed by professionals. To organize and publicize the event, I would collaborate with local schools, counseling departments, and other student organizations to spread awareness and ensure the event is shared through classroom announcements and school newsletters. I will promote our events through social media and school announcements. I will partner with local libraries and youth centers to spread event flyers. *
Three aspects of my identity that shape my outlook in life are my practice of Shaolin Kung Fu, my role as a mentor and robotics leader, and my commitment to volunteering and civic engagement. Kung Fu has been a major part of my life since I was five years old and has shaped my understanding of discipline in a way that goes beyond physical training. Through years of practice, competitions, and performances, I have learned that progress may be slow, but consistency leads to growth over time. It has also taught me about humility as no matter how much I improve, there is always more to learn. Kung Fu has given me a stronger sense of identity in traditions that have been passed down for generations to me. It has become a meaningful part of who I am. Second, my experience as a mentor and robotics leader in FIRST Tech Challenge has defined my leadership. Since middle school, I have taught robotics classes in my team’s annual summer camp, the school club I founded for FIRST Lego League and First Tech Challenge, and spread awareness about robotics throughout different activities in my community, such as library workshops and Earth Day fairs. Through teaching others, I have realized that leadership is not about control but about creating an environment where others feel confident enough to collaborate as a team. After I introduced rotating roles, members not only learned coding, hardware, and other responsibilities but also picked a task that was aligned to their interests. Subsequently, they became more confident to engage in team discussions. Third, my volunteering and work throughout the community has shaped my sense of empathy and responsibility. When teaching at Friends of Children with Special Needs, I learned how crucial inclusion is, especially when I worked with individuals who faced barriers to participation. I understand the importance of giving such students the voice to speak up and empathize with their experiences. In TurnUp Youth Activism, I have also been exposed to youth civic engagement and the importance of making sure young people are not only heard but actively involved in shaping decisions that affect their future. These experiences have shown me that service is not just about helping others in the moment but about advocating for systems that encourage long-term inclusion. *
How has your definition of leadership shaped the way you serve your community? Meaningful leadership to me is about creating opportunities for others to be heard and encouraging collaboration. As the Outreach lead in my FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team, I have helped organize and attend many events throughout the Bay Area that introduce students and families to robotics. Through demonstrating our robot at museums and libraries, hosting annual summer camps, organizing robotics fairs and scrimmages, mentoring FIRST Lego League teams, and teaching weekly robotics classes for children with special needs, I have seen how one conversation can inspire students to pursue STEM. I have spread word about robotics to create opportunities for young kids to explore their curiosity and worked with others to further advance their knowledge and start their own STEM journey. Teams that we have mentored have grown into fierce competitors, with several advancing from local qualifiers to the Northern California Championship and even the FIRST World Championship. Beyond my local community, I have also extended opportunities internationally, especially in underrepresented places that don’t have access to resources, such as Rwanda, rural China, and Colombia. For instance, my team worked with the College du Christ Roi FIRST Lego League team in Rwanda, supporting its growth in robotics through online mentorship in Zoom and donating $1,404 worth of LEGO kits and Arduino materials. As a result, all students in the Rwanda team could access meaningful STEM learning opportunities and participate in global robotics competitions. As part of my school's National Honors Society program, I furthered my leadership by expanding service initiatives with my classmates. We have run book drives and donational collections that benefited local families. In the next school year, I hope to help organize efforts to make it easier for students to get involved in meaningful and long-term service projects that strengthens the community. I am currently completing volunteer training with Hope Hospice, where I am learning how to provide compassionate support to terminally ill patients and their families during the patients’ most difficult moments. This experience is reinforcing my notion of listening with empathy and serving people in ways that meet their individual needs. Through these experiences, I hope to create a lasting impact on every community I serve and continue making a difference. **SKIPPED**
Attachment
Youth Advisory Commission .pdf
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Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Create and answer your own question.

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CINDY GU

SUMMER ACTIVITIES
1) Attended Notre Dame University Summer Scholars Program (11th, Notre Dame, IN) a) Life Science: Environmental Science and Cancer Biology b) In Cancer Biology, studied breast cancer and how to determine whether the cells are estrogen receptor positive for hormone treatment through crystal violet essays, immunofluorescence tags, and spectrophotometry microscopy. c) In Environmental Science, studied Woodland and Suburban Creeks through CQHEI (Citizens’ Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index) and PTI (Pollution Toleration Index) to determine the health of the stream and how to analyze literature review of previous papers on stream restoration. 2) Visited Stanford Ocean Lab and learned how robotics are used in their research.

Talked with David Muccairone, Lab Manager, R&D Scientist & Engineer, Climate Change and Ocean Chemistry, Stanford University (11th, Stanford, CA) 3) Talked with Professor Tingting Xiang, Bioengineering Department, University of California, Riverside and learned coral bleaching and robotics (11th, online) 4) Attended Stanford EXPLORE Lecture Series at the Stanford School of Medicine (10th, Stanford, CA)
● Studied basic fundamentals and current research areas in Immunology, Neuroscience, Regenerative and Stem Cell Medicine, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering and Bioinformactics
5) Co–organized Lobster Cup International Robotics Competition (10th, San Mateo, CA) ● 24 FTC team and over 1000 participants from around the globe 6) Organized and taught at Alphabots Lego Summer camp (10th, Newark, CA) a) Annual Summer Camp for 2 weeks, teach students from 1st-5th grade about robotics through First Lego League pieces and VEX robotics

LEADERSHIP, EXTRACURRICULARS, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
1) National–The President’s Volunteer Service Award–Gold Inside School: (academic and non–academic)
1) FIRST FTC Robotics Club (10th–present), Founder and President (leadership role) ● Built a 10–member FTC team from scratch and taught them FIRST Tech Challenge CAD (computer-aided design) through Fusion 360, hardware of the robot, and software aspects using Java
● Mentored Team Mecha Masters, and they won Think Award 2nd Place in FIRST Tech ChallengeSaratoga Qualifying Tournament
2) Hosted NorCal FLL Challenge Spring League tournament (10th, Mountain View, CA) ○ 40+ FLL teams attended to practice, compete, and develop their skills 3) Hosted two NorCal FLL Challenge tournaments at Basis (9th) 4) FIRST FLL Robotics Club (7th–present), Founder and President ● Has been mentoring two FLL teams in Basis Independent Fremont Lower School since 7th grade
● Taught students in 1st–5th grade every Friday about building FIRST FLL robots using Lego Spike and coding them. Arduino Systems was also taught, including different sensors and their software mechanisms.
5) Human Anatomy and Physiology Club (10th–present), Co-Founder ● Taught students every Tuesday about human anatomy paired with their organ systems
● Helped lead dissections of cow eye, sheep brain, and pig fetuses for students 7th–12th grade
6) School NHS (11th grade)
● 2026-2027 school year
Outside School:(academic and non–academic)
7) USA Chinese Institute of Engineers/San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Member (10th–present)
8) Student Association for STEM Advocacy Member (9th–present) ● Advocate for further support in STEM Education funding of the CHIPS and Science Act, giving money for STEM in underrepresented communities and spreading robotics to more individuals
9) National Service Honor Award-Gold (10th)
10) FCSN (Friends of Children with Special Needs) Volunteer Award (10th) ● Taught at FCSN every Sunday and my FTC team was awarded the FCSN volunteer award
● Students of all ages can attend, and learned skills through Lego Education WeDo sets for hardware and software
11) The President’s Volunteer Service Award–Gold (9th)
12) Facilitated visitor interactions for the lego robotics booth at San Jose Tech Interactive Museum (9th)
13) Taught Arduino programming language to College du Christ Roi, an FLL team in Rwanda, received letter of appreciation (9th)
● Donated $1,404 of LEGO parts and Arduino kits to fuel STEM education ● Delivered an interactive, hands-on Arduino programming course via Zoom 14) Represented Alphabots at Science in the Park (9th, Cal State East Bay) ● Spread awareness about robotics and the applications between robotics helping the environment
● Demonstrated our robot to 800+ people
15) Robot Demo at Newark Library (9th, 10th)
● Demonstrated our robot at Newark Library Workshop and explained FIRST and our journey through FIRST Tech Challenge
● Inspired 300+ people to develop an interest in FIRST

SPORTS AND PERFORMANCE ART
Practice Kung Fu at Shaolin Temple USA since five years old ● Tiger Claw Kung-fu Championships (9th)
○ Shaolin Short Weapon - Broadsword GOLD
○ Shaolin Long Weapon - Spear SILVER
○ Shaolin Fist - Seven Star Fist SILVER
● Golden State International Wushu Championships (9th), 2000+ participants from worldwide. It is the largest Chinese martial arts event in the United States. ○ Shaolin Short Weapon - Broadsword GOLD
○ Shaolin Fist - Seven Star Fist GOLD
○ Shaolin Long Weapon - Spear SILVER
○ Qualified for US National Wushu Team
● Perform Shaolin Kung Fu in cultural events
○ China Night at San Francisco Herbst Theatre (10th)
○ Homage to Ancestors Ceremony at San Francisco Civic Center Plaza (9th) ○ “China Night” at San Mateo Performing Arts Center (9th)

Submission # 4900216
IP Address 2600:1700:3bd0:4960:ec1d:fa15:b020:f8d7
Submission Recorded On 06/19/2026 6:15 PM
Time to Take Survey 46 minutes, 27 seconds

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Ashwin Harish
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I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I believe students should have a voice in decisions that affect them. Recently, I created a student voice platform called TheYouthLedger to give students like myself a place to share ideas, discuss issues that matter to them, and highlight youth achievements. As I was planning my first article, I wanted to answer a question that many students probably wonder about but rarely ask: “How are education decisions made in Fremont?” While researching that article, I learned about the Youth Advisory Commission. I was excited to discover that Fremont already has a forum where young people can share their perspectives directly with city leaders. The more I learned about the commission, the more I realized that it was exactly the type of opportunity I had been looking for. I immediately wanted to become involved. Fremont has been ranked one of the happiest cities for families for several years, but maintaining that reputation requires continuously listening to young people and understanding the challenges they face. Students often have valuable ideas and perspectives, yet many do not know how to share them with decision-makers. I want to help bridge that gap. Through Student Council, mentoring younger students, and creating TheYouthLedger, I have learned that leadership is not just about sharing your own opinions. It is about listening to others, understanding different viewpoints, and helping turn ideas into action. I have also learned that real change happens when people are willing to work together toward common goals. As a middle school student, I would bring a perspective that is often underrepresented. Many youth organizations focus primarily on high school students, but middle school students face important challenges and transitions as well. I would help ensure that younger students have a voice in conversations that affect them. I hope to serve in leadership roles throughout my life, and I see the Youth Advisory Commission as an opportunity to learn how local government works while helping make a positive impact in Fremont today. Most importantly, I want to help ensure that student voices are heard, valued, and included in shaping the future of our community.
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One of the biggest problems Fremont teens face is balancing academic pressure with their mental well-being. Students are expected to take challenging classes, participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer, and build impressive resumes. While these opportunities can be positive, the pressure to stand out now begins as early as middle school. Many students are never taught practical skills for managing stress, staying organized, or avoiding burnout. Over time, this pressure can build up. By the time students reach high school, especially 11th grade, some are already exhausted from years of trying to keep up. I have seen this firsthand through my sister's experience, which helped me realize how common this issue can be. To address this problem, I would organize a "Fremont Teen Reset Summit." This would be a student-led event focused on helping students build healthy habits and learn practical strategies for managing stress. The event would include workshops on time management, organization, and goal setting.

There would also be student panels where students could openly discuss their experiences with stress and balancing responsibilities. Local counselors and community organizations could provide resources and advice. To organize the event, I would work with student councils, schools, community organizations, and volunteers. My experience on Student Council has taught me how to coordinate events and work with different groups of people. I would create a planning team with clear roles, such as Email
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Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? outreach, speakers, activities, volunteer coordination, and publicity, so students could help lead the event instead of just attending it. To publicize the event, I would use school newsletters, announcements, social media, and student ambassador programs. Through Science Olympiad and Model United Nations, I have built connections with students from different schools across Fremont and the Bay Area. I would work with student leaders from those schools to spread information about the event and encourage participation. I would also use TheYouthLedger to share articles, interviews, and reminders before the event so more students understand why the summit matters. My goal would not be to create a one-time event. I would want the summit to become an annual program that helps students develop skills they can use throughout middle school, high school, and beyond.
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My experiences have helped shape who I am and how I see the world. From science projects, sports, leadership roles, and community activities, I have learned different lessons that guide me. Science has taught me to ask questions and look for solutions. Sports have taught me to work hard and not give up. Leadership has taught me to listen to others and help people feel included. Together, these experiences have helped me become more curious, responsible, and motivated to help my community. Three parts of my identity that shape how I see the world are being an environmental problem-solver, a disciplined learner, and a listener and leader. As an environmental problemsolver, I like learning about problems that affect people and thinking about how to help solve them. Through the “You Be The Solution” Challenge, I worked on a project about PFAS contamination in drinking water. This showed me that science can be used to help with real problems in our communities. It also taught me that students can make a difference, even if we are still young. As a disciplined learner, I have learned persistence through tennis, martial arts, school, and other activities. Earning my black belt and competing in tournaments taught me that success takes practice, patience, and effort. Sometimes progress is slow, but I have learned to keep going and improve step by step. Balancing different activities has also taught me how to manage my time and stay organized. As a listener and leader, I have learned that leadership starts with understanding others. Through Student Council, mentoring younger students, and creating TheYouthLedger, I have had chances to listen to other students, represent their ideas, and bring people together. These experiences taught me that good leaders do not just talk. They listen, include others, and help people feel heard. Together, these parts of my identity have taught me to approach challenges with curiosity, discipline, and a desire to help my community. They remind me that leadership is about learning, taking action, and supporting others.
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How can today’s teens help shape the future of our community? Today’s teens and tweens will become tomorrow’s leaders, voters, and decision-makers, so the habits we build now really matter. If we learn to care about our community, speak up respectfully, and work with others, we can help make Fremont stronger in the future. I think one way teens can shape the future is by learning more about the issues around them. When I started TheYouthLedger, my goal was to give students a place to share their voices and talk about topics that matter. While researching my first article about how education decisions are made in Fremont, I learned that many different groups help shape our schools and community. That showed me that if students want to make a difference, we first need to understand how things work. Teens can also help by taking action instead of waiting for adults to solve every problem. Through Student Council, I have learned that even small ideas can make a difference when students work together.

Through the You Be The Solution Challenge, I worked on a project about PFAS contamination in drinking water. That experience taught me that students can think seriously about real problems and try to create solutions. Another way teens can shape the future is by supporting each other. Through mentoring younger students, working with classmates, and building TheYouthLedger, I have learned that listening is a big part of leadership. Good leaders do not just talk. They listen, include others, and help people feel heard. I also think teens can use technology in a positive way. Instead of only using social media for entertainment, we can use it to share helpful information, promote community events, and encourage students to get involved. Most importantly, teens shape the future by the kind of people we choose to become. If we practice responsibility, kindness, teamwork, and honesty now, we will carry those values into adulthood. Fremont’s future will depend on the choices and character of today’s students. By staying informed, taking initiative, and supporting one another, teens can help build a better community for everyone.

One thing that is important to know about me is that I genuinely enjoy learning how things work and how they can be improved. Whether I am competing in Science Olympiad, participating in Model United Nations, serving on Student Council, practicing martial arts, playing competitive tennis, or starting TheYouthLedger, I am always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. I enjoy challenges that involve creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. I recently started TheYouthLedger because I wanted to create a student voice platform where students can share their ideas, accomplishments, and opinions on issues that matter to them. Since it is new, I am still learning how to build it, improve it, and reach more students. Starting it has already taught me that creating something meaningful takes planning, communication, and patience. It has also helped me understand how important it is for students to have spaces where their voices can be heard. I also believe in giving back to my community. Through mentorship programs, service projects, environmental initiatives, and leadership activities, I have learned that even small actions can have a meaningful impact when people work together. Although I am still in middle school, I am not afraid to take initiative. If I see a problem, I try to understand it, learn more about it, and look for ways to help solve it.

I believe curiosity, hard work, and a willingness to listen are some of the most important qualities a leader can have. If selected for the Youth Advisory Commission, I would bring energy, enthusiasm, and a real desire to represent Fremont’s youth. I would work hard to listen to students, contribute thoughtful ideas, and help make our community even stronger for future generations.

Attachment
Ashwin Harish resume.docx
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Create and answer your own question.

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ASHWIN HARISH
Fremont, CA |

EDUCATION
Fremont, CA
• Honor Roll, Grades 4-6;
• Year-End Top Academic Performer
o Science (Gr 4) | PE (Gr 5) | Math (Gr 6)

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Student Council Representative | | Oct 2025-Present
• Selected to represent Grade 6 students; supported school-wide initiatives, event planning, and student feedback • Only middle school student on Winter Social Planning Committee; collaborated with high school leaders on large campus event • Managed laser game operations, trained/supervised 200+ students, and supported safe participation • Selected as 1 of 12 students for Teacher Evaluation Panel; evaluated 6 candidates and provided written feedback • Served as Student Ambassador during Open House; led tours for prospective families Founder of “TheYouthLedger” | 2026-Present
• Started a student voice platform to highlight youth perspectives, accomplishments, and community issues • Planned first article on “How education decisions are made in Fremont?” to encourage civic awareness Bee Buddies Leadership & Mentorship Program | | Sept 2024-May 2025 • Selected as 1 of 5 students to mentor a Grade 1 student and support a positive school culture • Led service projects: 350+ clothing items donated, $200+ raised, and 2.5 barrels of food contributed • Participated in environmental cleanups, peer education, and student conflict mediation

RESEARCH
You Be The Solution Challenge | Environmental Innovation Project, Team Nerdy Neutrons | 2026 • Developed prototype multi-stage filtration system targeting PFAS contaminants in drinking water • Researched foam fractionation and ion-exchange filtration to address water safety and public health

HONORS & AWARDS
Mathematics | Grades 3-6
• Math League State Champion, Grades 5 & 6;
• Noetic Learning Math Contest National Honor Roll, Grades 3-5 • Math Kangaroo: Grade 4 Rank 22; Grade 5 National Rank 29 and State Rank 27 Science Olympiad | Grades 5-6
• BASIS 1st Overall, 1st Anatomy, 1st Pentathlon;
• Fremont 1st Pentathlon;
• Castro Valley 3rd Overall, 2nd Teamwork, 9th Entomology Science Bowl | Grades 5-6
• Dougherty Valley Middle School Tournament, 4th Place
Robotics| Grades 5-6
• Robotics Creative Award, Grades 5 & 6
Model United Nations | Grade 5-6
• Research Awards at dMUN ( UNOOSA Committee)
• Research Awards at SPBMUN (Vietnam, UNDP)
Language | Grades 5-6
• National Latin Exam: Magna Cum Laude and Bronze Medal

ATHLETICS & ARTS
Tennis | USTA Level 7 & Junior Team Tennis Competitor | 2024-Present • Competes in Northern California USTA tournaments and JTT; selected for Rafa Nadal Academy High Performance Training in Spain Martial Arts | Ernie Reyes West Coast World Martial Arts | Age 4-Present • Earned Dragon Black Belt at age 6, 1st-Degree Black Belt at age 10, and currently holds 2nd-Degree Black Belt • Received 1st-Degree Black Belt Best Technique Award and 2nd-Degree Black Belt Top Performer Award Piano | London School of Music | Grade 3
• Progressing through a structured international music curriculum

SKILLS & INTERESTS
Leadership, public speaking, student outreach, event planning, mentoring, research, writing, teamwork, community service, civic engagement, environmental problem-solving
Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Valerie Jiang
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Fremont CA 94539
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Questionnaire
* Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? Serving on the Youth Advisory Commission would give me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in my community while also growing as a leader. Every student has valuable ideas and perspectives, but many aren’t aware of how to share them, or feel like their voices won't actually make a difference. I want to help mitigate that by working to understand the challenges my peers face, and presenting their points of views in city commission discussions to ensure they’re heard. I believe this commission offers a unique opportunity to create meaningful improvements from students’ ideas, and I would be honored to contribute to that process. What intrigues me most about the Youth Advisory Commission is the chance to contribute youth perspectives to our local government. So many decisions, from AC Transit routes to which textbooks are taught in class, directly affect students. When these decisions are made by adults, there is only so much they can do, as they aren’t experiencing the outcomes personally.

As a result, the choices made are often not optimal. I hope to represent the needs of Fremont students by gathering feedback and presenting it when these choices are being made. I want to contribute ideas that reflect what the student community needs, and collaborate with fellow teens and city officials to come up with solutions. I also see the Youth Advisory Commission as an opportunity for personal growth. Through my experiences in school and at extracurricular activities such as badminton and debate, I have learned that a good leader goes beyond taking charge and assigning responsibilities. Rather, leadership should be about collaborating with others to create a solution that is beneficial to everyone involved. During my time on this commission, I hope to strengthen these skills by working with students and city leaders who each bring unique experiences and perspectives to the table. I believe that serving on the Commission would help me become a more thoughtful communicator, a better collaborator, and a more engaged citizen overall. Ultimately, I hope to leave the Commission knowing that I helped make Fremont a community where young people feel comfortable sharing their opinions. By working to advocate for the perspectives of my peers, I believe I can make a meaningful contribution to my community while also gaining experiences that will help me become a better leader. * What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? One of the most significant challenges facing Fremont teens is academic stress and burnout. Students everywhere, particularly in the Bay Area, face expectations to succeed. It’s far too easy to believe that all that matters is going to a top 20 college and getting a high-paying job after, and anything less equals failure. This constant pressure to achieve more and more leaves students, me included, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Creating opportunities for students to prioritize their well-being is essential to maintaining a healthy school-life balance, ensuring that students remain mentally and emotionally healthy. To address this issue, I would organize a wellness fair designed to help students learn healthy coping strategies. I’ve seen events like this operate successfully on a smaller scale at Irvington, so I believe it would be possible to expand this to reach more people. We would try to reach students from high schools across Fremont, and even middle schoolers who might benefit from being more Page | 1
prepared before entering high school. This event could feature interactive activities teaching coping strategies and counselors who could chat with kids, all while ensuring students know where they can seek help if they ever need it. While the exact setup of the event would vary based on budget, venue, and other restrictions, the overall goal would be to teach students how to maintain good mental health. To organize and publicize this, I would try to work with counselors from middle and high schools throughout Fremont, as well as community partners such as the ARISE Asian Wellness Project. Students could help run activities in exchange for volunteer hours. To publicize the event, I would primarily use social media. Members of this commission could post on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, featuring short videos containing sneak peeks of the booths and countdowns until the event. Schools could also promote it through morning announcements, and ASGs at various schools could put it on their social media page. Putting up flyers in libraries and community centers throughout Fremont could help reach more families. Finally, teachers and counselors have the best idea of who might benefit most from attending, so they could encourage students to go. Although one event can’t eliminate academic stress, it can help bring awareness to it and provide students with ways to mitigate it, hopefully creating a healthier approach to academics. * What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Three aspects of my identity that have shaped my outlook on life are being an athlete, being an avid reader, and caring for animals. I began learning to play badminton two years ago, initially just trying to make it onto my school’s JV team. Since then, it has become my passion. It has taught me many things beyond the technical aspects of the sport, particularly what is most important when learning something new. It took me hours and hours of practice to learn badminton, most of which was spent doing footwork, drills, and basic exercises. Rather than immediately playing games, I had to become proficient in the basics first. I now try to apply this mindset to other activities by first focusing on building up individual skills. For example, if I’m trying to learn a new flute piece, I practice small sections before trying to play the entire thing. When I’m learning a new math formula, I strive to understand how it is derived and why it works before using it in a problem. By forming the foundation of a skill, I have everything I need when I’m finally ready to put it all together. Reading is another defining part of who I am. Although the book may be fiction, I can learn so much about the author’s beliefs and background from the way they write the character. Reading has helped me see a variety of perspectives, allowing me to understand how certain experiences can affect different people. It has given me a better understanding of the different challenges people may face, and how they are able to overcome them, helping me empathize with the struggles people may be experiencing. Finally, being an animal lover has influenced how I view advocacy. Animals have no way of communicating their needs and wants, forcing them to rely on people to protect their well-being. Caring for animals has taught me the importance of supporting those who cannot advocate for themselves. I hope to carry that mindset into serving on the Youth Advisory Commission. While Fremont's teens certainly have voices, many people don’t feel heard by people in power. I want to help bridge that gap between students and leaders, and allow them to have an impact on the community they live in. While my identity has far more aspects than these, I feel that these three have influenced me the most. They have shaped how I approach learning, teamwork, and advocacy, and I hope to put what I have learned to use by creating a Fremont that better represents the needs of its students. * Create and answer your own question.

Question: What qualities do you think a good leader embodies? I believe the most important quality for a leader to have is adaptability. While it’s always wonderful to have a plan work out perfectly, such flawless success rarely happens, making it important for a leader to be able to think on the spot and come up with alternative approaches to the problem at hand. It is essential for leaders to be prepared in the event that something goes wrong. At the root of it, a leader is meant to help guide their team, delegate tasks, and ensure that everything is running smoothly. This holds true even when things deviate from the plan. A leader must be able to handle missed deadlines, communication errors, and other unexpected obstacles, all while remaining calm and focused. Anyone can create plans and assign responsibilities, but what distinguishes a strong leader from a poor one is their ability to quickly adapt and ensure progress continues. In addition, leaders need integrity to create a cohesive team. Everyone needs to be able to trust that their leader has their best interests in mind. This leaves them free to focus on their own tasks rather than second-guessing decisions. Furthermore, leaders set the standard for what they expect from their team. When people see their leader fulfilling promises and doing their fair share of the work, they feel motivated to do the same. This creates a productive and collaborative environment, and forms a community where everyone contributes. Finally, a good leader must have a sense of self-awareness and accountability. They must be able to recognize when they have made a mistake, and take initiative to correct it. Although it can be difficult for people to acknowledge that they’ve done something wrong, it is necessary to ensure that the error is properly corrected. Moreover, setting a precedent of transparency and honesty helps teammates feel comfortable getting assistance when they make their own mistakes. Being able to admit to oversights is hard to do, which is why I believe accountability is the mark of a strong leader.

Additional Information
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Submission # 4732049
IP Address 2601:646:a201:930:41aa:57a3:174c:d40f
Submission Recorded On 03/30/2026 10:45 PM
Time to Take Survey 13 minutes, 26 seconds

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Anika Kannan
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
*
*
*
*
*
*
Questionnaire
*
I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I am passionate about making a tangible difference for Fremont youth. Through co-founding the Unity Aid Project, I organized local fundraisers, library information sessions, and flyer campaigns to provide first aid kits and hygiene supplies to people experiencing homelessness. I guided team members in research and outreach, helping them take ownership of their roles while empowering them to make an impact. In Fremont, I have volunteered as a teaching assistant at Warm Springs and Hirsch Elementary, tutoring students in math and reading and helping them build confidence in learning. As Key Club Fundraising Officer, I organized donation drives for health-focused charities, learning how to listen, collaborate, and coordinate teams effectively. Serving on the Youth Advisory Commission would allow me to combine these leadership, service, and STEM experiences to support local youth programs, promote engagement, and help create opportunities where Fremont teens feel seen, heard, and empowered. *
Many Fremont teens face stress, anxiety, and limited access to mental health resources. I would organize a “Teen Wellness Fair” featuring workshops on stress management, mindfulness activities, peer discussion circles, and booths highlighting local mental health services. I would recruit teen volunteers to research content, facilitate sessions, and assist with event logistics, similar to how I guided Unity Aid team members in research and outreach. I would organize the event by partnering with local schools, libraries, and youth organizations, and publicize it through social media campaigns, flyers at schools and libraries, and community outreach—drawing on my experience passing out flyers for Unity Aid, hosting library information sessions, and coordinating local fundraisers. This combination of hands-on outreach and community partnerships would ensure maximum awareness and participation, creating a safe and supportive space for teens to access resources and learn valuable skills. *
First, I am a researcher, exploring STEM topics like AI prosthetics, genetic engineering ethics, and space biology, which teaches me to approach problems analytically and consider long-term impacts. Second, I am a community leader, as co-founder of Unity Aid and Key Club Fundraising Officer, experiences that showed me the value of collaboration, persistence, and empowering others to make a difference. Third, I am a lifelong learner, curious and adaptable, whether tutoring Fremont students at Warm Springs and Hirsch Elementary, teaching online through Learn To Be, or organizing library sessions and fundraisers. These aspects encourage me to approach life with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to helping others. *
Question: How do you turn ideas into action to address challenges in your community? Answer: I turn ideas into action by combining planning, teamwork, and hands-on Email
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Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Create and answer your own question.
effort. For example, with Unity Aid, I saw the need for first aid and hygiene supplies among the homeless, then organized restaurant fundraisers, library information sessions, and local flyer campaigns. I guided team members in research and outreach, coordinated logistics, and spent hours personally promoting our events. Similarly, volunteering at Fremont schools allowed me to identify students’ learning challenges and create tutoring strategies that improved their confidence. These experiences taught me that leadership is about listening, empowering others, and staying persistent—turning awareness into tangible impact.

I have a strong foundation in STEM and leadership. I have taken high level chemistry and cell & molecular biology courses and am proficient in Python and Java. Combined with my leadership and community experiences in Fremont—through Unity Aid, Key Club, and volunteering at Warm Springs and Hirsch Elementary—I am prepared to take on challenges affecting youth and public health. Organizing fundraisers, tutoring students, hosting library sessions, and leading volunteer teams have strengthened my problemsolving, communication, and collaboration skills. I am eager to apply these skills on the Youth Advisory Commission to support Fremont teens, foster community engagement, and create meaningful opportunities for youth development.

Attachment
Anika Kannan_ Resume.docx.pdf
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Additional Information ?
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Anika Kannan
OBJECTIVE Dedicated and compassionate high school student eager to participate and explore healthcare pathways, and strengthen communication and teamwork skills.

EDUCATION
Fremont, CA
Class of 2027
Relevant Coursework
Algebra 1 & II , Geometry,
Trigonometry, Pre-Calc
English 9 & 10 Honors,
AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science
Principles,
AP Chemistry,
AP US History, AP World History,
Web Design
Extracurriculars
● Co-Founder of Unity Aid (Non-Profit
dedicated to helping the homeless)
● Track & Field Team – Sprinter and Thrower
● Tutor for the underprivileged kids in Canada
and New York through Learn to Be
Foundation
● STEM Research Scholar
● School Clubs – Outreach officer for school’s
Bio Medical club and Fund raising officer for
Key Club (Community Service)

PROFESSIONAL

EXPERIENCE
Teaching Assistant – Kumon Learning Centre Aug 2025 – Till Date ● Mentored elementary and middle school students in math and reading fundamentals
● Assisted with grading, record-keeping, and instructional preparation ● Encouraged student confidence and independence in learning ● Collaborated with instructors to ensure smooth daily operations STEM Research Scholar
New York Academy of Sciences Jan 2024 – Jan 2025
Selected by merit | Team Research Projects under Professor Mentorship ● Collaborated with a 4-member international team under the guidance of a university professor
● Researched and proposed ethical frameworks for applying Artificial Intelligence in genetic engineering
● Developed scientific approaches for supporting plant growth in microgravity environments (space biology)
● Gained experience in scientific research, critical thinking, cross-cultural collaboration, and presenting complex idea
EPIC Engineering Summer Program – Cal Poly SLO Summer 2025 ● Selected to attend a merit based week-long competitive program focused on engineering exploration
● Completed hands-on labs in supply chain/operations management, with prototypes for successful restaurants
● Biomedical engineering lab learning about proper diastolic and systolic pressure as well as endothelial and factors for endothelial dysfunction. ● Architectural engineering labs learning about construction principles on bridges.
● Collaborated with peers from across the U.S. in team-based design challenges - Designed and built a functioning boat using core engineering principles and teamwork
Volunteer
● Volunteered as a teaching assistant at Warm Springs Elementary Math Club and Hirsch Elementary’s after-school homework centre, supporting young students with academic enrichment.
● Math tutor with Learn To Be, teaching a 6th grader from New York foundational concepts in arithmetic, 5th–6th grade math, and pre-algebra through personalized virtual sessions.
● Serving as a board member and music teaching assistant at Shruthi Swaralaya, helping organize the Bay Area Kala Utsavam and mentoring beginner-level Carnatic music students.
● Organized fundraisers and an art event for Unity Aid; donated first aid kits to local homeless shelters to support community health and well-being.

Submission # 5112868
IP Address 73.71.200.42
Submission Recorded On 09/02/2026 11:30 AM
Time to Take Survey 5 minutes, 54 seconds

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
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You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Myra Kaushik
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
*
*
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*
Questionnaire
*
I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I believe young people need a direct, active voice in shaping the decisions that affect our daily lives. As high school students, we experience the unique challenges facing teens—from mental health and recreational spaces to educational resources— firsthand. Serving on the Commission would give me the platform to identify these critical issues, listen to my peers, and communicate our perspective clearly to the City Council. Furthermore, I am eager to help plan workshops, forums, and conferences that empower other teens to step up, speak out, and take responsibility for the future of our community. *
The Challenge: Food Waste & Unhealthy Eating Habits Many Fremont teens face a double-edged issue regarding food: limited access to quick, affordable, healthy options alongside a lack of awareness around local food waste. Busy school schedules and extracurriculars often lead students toward cheap, highly processed fast food. At the same time, massive amounts of edible food are wasted daily in school cafeterias and local households simply because teens aren't taught how to store, repurpose, or make full use of fresh ingredients. Proposed Event: "Nourish Fremont: The Teen Culinary & Rescue Challenge" To address both issues, I propose Nourish Fremont, a half-day interactive workshop and cooking competition hosted at a local community center or high school kitchen facility. The Educational Workshop: Partner with local nutritionists and food rescue organizations (like Abode Services or local food banks) to host a short session on meal prep, affordable healthy eating, and food preservation. The "Rescue Basket" Cooking Contest: Teams of teens receive a box of "imperfect" or excess produce sourced from local grocery stores and learn how to turn unused ingredients into simple, delicious, healthy meals. Organization Plan Partnerships: Collaborate with local culinary programs, school eco-clubs, and local grocers for food donations and expert guidance. Logistics: Secure a venue with basic kitchen facilities, establish clear safety protocols, and recruit adult supervisors and volunteer judges (e.g., local chefs or health educators). Funding/Sponsorships: Request small grants or donation matchings from the Youth Advisory Commission budget or local businesses to cover basic cooking supplies and prizes. Publicity & Outreach Strategy School Partnerships: Distribute flyers, place announcements in daily school news bulletins, and present at campus clubs (Environmental Club, Red Cross, HOSA, Culinary Clubs) across Fremont high schools. Social Media: Launch a campaign on Instagram and TikTok using short-form videos (e.g., "3-Ingredient Healthy Snack Shifts" or "Leftover Hacks") to generate interest before the event. Community Channels: Share details on local community boards, city newsletters, and library announcement spaces to reach parents and community leaders. *
Empathetic: Being empathetic allows me to listen active and see issues from diverse perspectives. Whether collaborating with classmates or listening to community members, my empathy helps me understand people's lived experiences and ensure everyone feels heard and valued. Hopeful: My hopeful outlook drives me to focus on solutions rather than getting discouraged by challenges. Believing that positive change is always possible gives me the optimism and energy needed to advocate for my community and work Email
Birthdate
Age
Gender
School
Grade
Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? toward meaningful progress. Focused: A focused mindset helps me translate my hopes and ideas into real results. Once I identify a goal or a problem that needs solving, I stay disciplined, organized, and committed to seeing the effort through to the end. *
Question: What is one key change you would implement to help more high school students feel connected to and involved in local government decisions? Answer: I would establish a "Youth Civic Ambassador" network within local high schools to bridge the gap between students and local city boards. Many teens care deeply about community issues—like public transit, mental health resources, and parks—but don't know how or where to share their input. By partnering with existing campus clubs (such as Student Government, Speech & Debate, or Environmental Clubs), these Ambassadors would regularly share brief, student-friendly updates on local council decisions and collect teen feedback. Creating this direct feedback loop makes local government accessible, relevant, and actionable for everyday students.

I am deeply passionate about making a positive impact in our community. While I bring many ideas to the table, I am seeking the right platform to turn those ideas into action. I hope you will consider my application for a meaningful role on the Youth Advisory Commission, where I can collaborate with others to serve our city effectively.

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Submission # 4743088
IP Address 73.222.68.131
Submission Recorded On 04/05/2026 4:50 PM
Time to Take Survey 31 minutes, 6 seconds

Page 1 ends

Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
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Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Arjun Singh. Khurana
* Home Address:

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As a lifelong Fremont resident, I have seen our city evolve into a global hub for innovation, yet I often notice a gap between the city’s technological resources and the everyday experiences of its youth. I want to serve on the YAC to act as a bridge between the City Council and the diverse student body of the Fremont Unified School District.

My background in International Extemporaneous Speaking has trained me to analyze complex policy and communicate it effectively; I want to use this skill to advocate for programs that matter to us, from expanded mental health resources to modernizing our local parks with STEM-integrated spaces. I am not just looking to add a title to my resume; I am looking to be an active listener for my peers and a persistent voice in the room where decisions are made. I believe my unique blend of technical interest and public speaking experience makes me an ideal candidate to help shape a more inclusive, future-ready Fremont. *
The Problem: The "Hyper-Competitive Academic Silo." In a city as high-achieving as Fremont, students often feel immense pressure to succeed in isolation, leading to burnout and a lack of interdisciplinary collaboration. Proposed Event: "The Fremont Fusion Fest." I propose a city-wide, one-day festival that breaks down the walls between different student interest groups. Instead of a standard science fair or a standalone debate tournament, the Fusion Fest would pair "Technical" students (STEM/Robotics) with "Creative/Humanities" students (Art/Speech/Drama) to solve a local city challenge in real-time. For example, teams might design a more efficient public transit route for AC Transit using both data modeling and community storytelling. Organization & Publicity: Organization: I would partner with the Fremont Teen Center and local high school ASBs to secure a venue like Central Park. I would recruit local tech professionals from Tesla or Western Digital to serve as mentors/judges. Publicity: I would use a "MicroInfluencer" strategy, partnering with the social media accounts of every major FUSD club (Robotics, DECA, Speech & Debate). I would also utilize the City of Fremont’s "The Monthly" newsletter and physical QR-coded posters at popular teen spots like the Pacific Commons and local boba shops to reach students outside of the typical academic circles.
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The "Technical Communicator": My identity is split between the precision of Mechanical Engineering and the persuasion of Competitive Speech. This duality shapes my outlook by reminding me that a brilliant solution is only as good as one’s ability to explain it. I don't just see problems as math equations; I see them as human stories that require technical fixes. The First-Generation Innovator: Growing up in an immigrant-heavy community like Fremont, I am shaped by the "strive" culture. My outlook is defined by a deep sense of responsibility to use the educational opportunities I have to create tools—like my AI Speech Coach nonprofit—that lower the barrier to entry for others. The Local Environmentalist: Living near the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge has made me a "Green Engineer." My identity is tied to the local landscape, which drives my interest in human-centric mechatronics. I believe innovation should not come at the cost of our local ecosystem, but should instead work to preserve the natural beauty of the Email
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Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Bay Area.
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Question: How can youth-led initiatives utilize emerging technology to solve local social inequities? Answer: Many people view technology like Artificial Intelligence as a tool for big corporations, but I believe its true power lies in "Hyper-Local" applications. For example, during my work with my AI Speech Coach nonprofit, I realized that the same NLP technology used by global firms could be used to help a student at a Title 1 school in the East Bay prepare for a job interview. Youth-led initiatives are uniquely positioned to identify these "small" but life-changing gaps. By integrating basic coding and CAD skills into our community service, we can move from simply "identifying" problems to "prototyping" solutions. As a member of the YAC, I would champion "Civic-Tech" workshops that teach Fremont teens how to build simple apps or hardware that address local issues, proving that you don't need a PhD to make a tangible difference in your own backyard. **SKIPPED**
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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Aaditi Koparde
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Questionnaire
* Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? Being part of Fremont has shown me how much teenagers have to say but how rarely those voices actually reach the people making decisions. I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I want to change that. Through the Mayor Student Internship program I got to see up close how local decisions shape everyday life and it made me realize how important it is for young people to actually have a seat at that table. Interning at a dentist office also gave me a perspective on how community health and access to resources affects people differently and it pushed me to want to do more for the people around me. What draws me to this commission is the chance to take real issues that matter to teens and bring them to the City Council in a way that leads to actual change. I want to help create spaces whether that is through workshops, meetings, or open conversations where teenagers feel like their concerns are worth talking about. Teen leadership does not just happen on its own, it needs people willing to step up and build that environment and that is exactly what I want to do as part of this commission. * What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? One problem Fremont teens face is feeling disconnected from the decisions that shape their city. Most teenagers have real opinions about what happens in their community but never get the chance to express them in a setting where it actually matters. This disconnect leads to teens feeling like their voice does not count which makes them less likely to get involved at all. To address this I would organize a Teen Town Hall event in Fremont where young people can come together, discuss issues that directly affect them, and have those concerns heard by city representatives and council members. The event would include open discussion sessions where teens can speak freely about what they want to see change in Fremont and what decisions they feel left out of. To publicize it I would use social media, school announcements, and flyers across Fremont to make sure as many teens as possible know about it. Reaching teens where they already are is the most effective way to get them through the door. The goal is not just one conversation but a starting point for making teen involvement in city decisions a regular thing. Fremont teens deserve to be heard and this event would be a step toward making that happen.
* What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? The experiences I have had living in different places, being an eldest daughter, and being someone driven by competition have shaped the way I see and move through the world. Living across different places has exposed me to different cultures, environments, and ways of thinking that most people my age have not experienced. Moving and adapting taught me how to be flexible, read rooms quickly, and find my footing in unfamiliar situations. It shaped the way I see the world because I have had to see it from multiple angles. Being an eldest daughter has shaped me in ways I did not even realize until recently. There is a level of responsibility that comes with that role that nobody Page | 1
assigns you, you just feel it. I have always been someone who looks out for others, steps up when things need to get done, and takes accountability seriously. That has carried into everything I do. Being driven by competition is the third part of me that shapes how I move through life. I do not compete just to beat others, I compete because it pushes me to be better than I was before. Whether that is in DECA, debate, or anything else I am part of, competition is what makes me show up and give my best. Together these three things have made me someone who adapts, takes responsibility, and never settles. * Create and answer your own question.

How do you balance multiple commitments? Balancing multiple commitments is something I have had to figure out through actually doing it. Between being a co lead at the Fremont Debate program, the Mayor Student Internship, interning at a dentist office, being part of WHS TAAL, and competing in DECA, there are days where it feels like a lot. But I have never seen that as a reason to drop something. Being an eldest daughter taught me early on that when you take on responsibility you follow through on it no matter what. You do not get to just walk away because it gets hard. That mindset is what keeps me going when things pile up. I have learned to stay organized, prioritize what needs attention, and show up for every commitment the same way I showed up when I first joined. The truth is balancing everything has made me better at all of it.

Each thing I am part of teaches me something that carries over into the others.

Additional Information
**SKIPPED**
Attachment
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Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Page | 2

Submission # 4728858
IP Address 24.130.35.76
Submission Recorded On 03/29/2026 1:45 PM
Time to Take Survey 49 minutes, 42 seconds

Page 1 ends

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Aarshya A. Lakhani
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Questionnaire
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While Fremont is recognized as the happiest city, the daily interactions I have with my peers shows a different story. I constantly have students who need help but do not receive it, deal with burnout, and high levels of pressure. Most teens feel like their entire identity is their GPA and what college they get accepted to. As a person who is extremely involved in the community, I interact with many different people, and understand their needs. By relaying the experiences of my fellow peers in a clear manner as a committee member, I hope to truly make Fremont the happiest city in the country. I want to make the experiences match the title. As a certified attorney for peer court and a panel member for Youth Forum, I understand the complexities of teenage life and believe I will be able to represent them well, and create events that truly cater to their needs. I have a lot of experience advocating for students through peer court and I want to have a bigger impact on students. I want to create new resources, and organize events. I want to ensure that the opinions of my peers are heard and valued. I want to make sure that every single student who has a problem can approach me and rely on me to help them solve it! I am committed to making Fremont the city with the happiest youth because our youth are our future! *
First, I believe the youth advisory commission needs an online presence and an instagram account. Many students do not even know that they have a panel of thirteen amazing students ready to help them. Students feel like they don't have help, and the problems they face will never be solved. Creating an instagram account will help publicize the events that the commission hosts. Furthermore on instagram the commission could keep an open form where students can voice their concern, and what they believe are issues they are facing. Posts can also be made once in a while, like how to de-stress, advocacy, dealing with finals season and so on. Furthermore, most teens deal with the confusion of not knowing what career they want to pursue in the future. They don’t know what they will actually enjoy doing. That is why I am proposing a Career fair in a local park like Lake Elizabeth. We could email people from many different and most importantly unique careers. We could invite industrial designers, chefs, biotech lab scientists, litigators. All students are welcome to come interact and ask these people questions! The event would be held in a community park and would be open for all. Each career would have a table and an expert. We would create posters and keep them in high-traffic areas like boba shops, parks, and most importantly schools! Another idea is having a free-counselling night mostly for incoming freshmen, but also anyone else who has questions. Most teens come into high school not knowing what they should do and often end up overwhelmed. In this counseling night, students can ask questions to the commissioners and learn the realities of high school. Posters can be put up all around middle schools and high schools. The event can be held in a public library! My final idea is to do a series of three advocacy nights. I believe change is made when we connect young people with the government. Many students don’t realize that they have the power to change things they believe are unjust. We could teach middle schoolers and high schoolers how to advocate for themselves, and give public comments at a council meeting. We could talk about how our government structures work, how city ordinances work, and how their voice can make a difference. We can teach them how to give an effective 2 minute public comment. We would post this event on instagram and hang posters around many public spaces and schools. The event would be held in a local library or a community hall.

Email
Birthdate
Age
Gender
School
Grade
Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? *
My culture is a cornerstone of my identity, as my parents migrated from India 25 years ago. They made sure that even 7,713 miles away, I would remember my roots.

Sundays were spent driving to the temple where I would go to culture classes. I learnt that Hinduism, often misunderstood to be polytheistic, is actually monotheistic. The same divinity manifests in countless different forms to connect with more people who believe in different roles for God. Ganesh, Parvati, Akal Purakh, Zeus, Allah, Lord: these are simply names. From a young age I became very accepting. Divinity is not found in a specific ritual but rather the content of one’s character. It doesn't matter what religion a person's practices or even if they don’t practice one at all. As part of the human species, we are all one interconnected; at the very fundamental level, we all started out as microscopic cells. While in history and our current world we constantly see labels being used to divide and persecute, when in reality our differences don't shape us. My culture taught me to look past the surface, and focus on how genuine a person is. By moving past the categories meant to divide us we can create a great community. Next my identity as a peer court attorney and a suspension alternative program panelist has shaped my outlook on labels. I have personally seen how labels can trap a young student with potential in their mistakes. I know that one mistake doesn’t define a person. Everyone deserves a second chance. My work in bringing a suspension alternative program as a part of the FUSD wellness committee comes from the belief that every student deserves to be heard, and understood. People need acceptance and help, not just punishment. Accountability is necessary but so is empathy. Students shouldn’t feel trapped by our educational system. Finally with my identity of being a mentor for a girl who navigates the world differently than other people, I understood the importance of patience and kindness. Most importantly I learnt to never underestimate a person simply because of the differences they have. She confided in me about how other students at school would treat her differently simply because of her intellectual disability, and I vowed to myself that I would never judge anyone simply because they are unique. She is one of the most perceptive people I know, and has shown me how brutal the world can be to a person for things they cannot control. I am truly grateful that I got to know her! *
Why are you a good fit for the role of a commission and what contributions have you contributed to our community? First I am extremely committed to student welfare. As a certified peer court attorney, I bring a year of experience in zealously advocating for options for peers that will help them with rehabilitation, and make our community a better place. I love helping people turn their lives around, and become productive citizens of the community. I am extremely passionate about helping other people and making our community a better, and more just place. Everyone deserves a second chance. While volunteering I realized that Fremont Unified School District does not have a suspension alternative program. I recently presented a suspension alternative program proposal to the director of student well-being in FUSD, Mr. Salvador Herrera, who offered me a position on the wellness committee. I believe all students should be accounted for, and will work tirelessly to help students. I understand how to communicate the needs of students well and will make sure every student is accounted for. I also teach debate to students in elementary and middle school and even created an advocacy program for the students. I noticed that the YAC went to teach elementary school students about science and government and will be able to communicate very well with students in more events like that in the future. I also tutor underprivileged and special-needs children, taking the time to ensure they truly understand topics they struggle with. Students should not be left confused simply as a result of the amount of money they have! Furthermore I am part of an organization where I advocate for changes I believe the city needs to make. For example I recently wrote an advocacy paper in order to enforce restaurants to use reusable foodware for dining. I also spoke at Fremont charter advisory meetings to lower the school board voting age to sixteen. Students should be able to be more involved with the voting process, especially if the policies directly affect them. I understand advocacy and understand what it is like to represent students. Therefore, I will be able to fulfill my responsibility of helping students as a commissioner. I love to make the community a better place to live in, and that is what the youth advisory commission does! I am dedicated, sincere, and a hard worker, and will always do my best to be the best commissioner I possibly can be. I will take my responsibility seriously, and I promise I will not let you down!
Attachment
_Aarshya Lakhani Resume AHS.pdf
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Create and answer your own question.

Additional Information ?
?
Aarshya Lakhani
Education Fremont, CA GPA: 9th Grade: 3.8 (Unweighted); 10th Grade: 4.0 Graduation Date: May 28, 2028
Aspiring lawyer with a strong interest in economics and politics.

Relevant Coursework: Law Summer Program, Envision (Stanford University), AP Psychology, AP World Experience
Santa Clara Peer court
Certified Peer attorney Santa Clara, CA
September 2025 –Present
Ɣ Represented juveniles and peers in a court for restorative outcomes.

Ɣ Helped students turn their lives around and use their talents in the right way.

Ɣ Conducted client reviews, collaborated with judges, and did preparation for clients.

Learn to Be Remote
Tutor October 2026– Present
Ɣ Provide academic support to students with intellectual disabilities.

Ɣ Tutor students performing below grade level
Ɣ Adapt lessons to support emotional and cognitive needs Debate Team Fremont, CA
Member September 2024–Present
Ɣ Compete in the events: Public Forum and Lincoln Doughlas.

Ɣ Research and construct cases on policy and morality based topics.

Ɣ Got the president’s award for being in the top 8% of my debate academy.

Ɣ Compete with school and an academy.

Fremont Debate Academy+Rising Voices institution Fremont, CA Elementary School Lead January 2026– Present
Ɣ Lead debate instruction for elementary school students through Fremont Debate Academy, a nonprofit that has helped over 7,500 students.

Ɣ Help students develop debate, public speaking, and critical thinking skills, and be more confident.

Ɣ Deliver age-appropriate lessons, lectures, and homework focussed on communication and arguments.

Ɣ Build an advocacy program for middle schoolers to help them get involved in the government at a young age. (speak at board meetings).

Youth Forum San Leandro, CA
Board Member November 2025– Present
Ɣ Serve as one of 12 students on the panel, and take the opportunity to ensure students don't miss school for things like suspension.

Ɣ Helped build a life choices course for students.

Ɣ Develop accountability-focused solutions promoting rehabilitation Waterpolo: Varsity member for one year, Junior varsity for one year Mock Trial Fremont, CA
Attorney April 2025–Present
Ɣ Serve as as a Junior varsity closing attorney
Ɣ Research and construct arguments
Awards: Got nominated for an award by a practicing attorney for a cross-examination.

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Fremont Youth Advisory Commission
Name: Bella Liang
Address:

Birthdate:

Age:

Sex:

E-mail address:

Telephone:

School:

Grade:

Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? I have proudly lived in Fremont my whole life and feel a personal connection with this city. I have constantly been told that it is the “happiest city in America,” and I hope to contribute passionately to keeping it that way for as long as possible. As part of the Youth Advisory Commission, I’d like to make Fremont a welcoming place to live and to provide the support it deserves. I want others to be able to truly enjoy Fremont the same way I do.

Moreover, I love giving back to my city, and I frequently volunteer at festivals, animal shelters, donation packaging events, and a variety of other opportunities. These experiences opened my eyes to the weight of responsibility and hard work. The importance of teamwork stuck with me after each session, and I learned to not only be capable independently, but also in a team. The people of Fremont make Fremont the amazing place it is, so interacting and serving the community is deeply important to me.

Specifically, the mental health event organized last December was personally exciting. Whether you are five or fifty years old, everyone matters and everyone was welcome. I appreciated how thoughtful the craft event was. It’s incredibly inspiring how students are given a voice and can push for actual change and improvement. I believe the YAC will allow me to build leadership and teamwork skills as well as experience with real-life problems.

What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem.

How would you organize and publicize this event?
Almost every teen I know, including myself, constantly complains about the lack of things to do in Fremont. Weekend hangouts are usually spent at Great Mall or the same old park. Main activities in Fremont, like pottery painting or ice skating, get repetitive quickly, and not everyone is interested. A huge event catering to many interests, like art, music, sports, and food, would bring enjoyment for not only teens but everyone in the community. This would be similar to the Fremont Festival of the Arts last August. The variety of games, food, rides, art, and entertainment in downtown Fremont was a huge success! However, it would be more focused on entertainment and activities than on selling items. On a smaller scale, my event could be held in a popular park, like Lake Elizabeth.

I would also provide a system where teens may receive volunteer hours to encourage them to help. Activities may include cake/cookie decorating, a zone for sports (nets will be set up for participants), karaoke, bracelet making, origami, yoga, crocheting, and painting various items.

To subsidize costs, partnering with local businesses for resources like food (to decorate), birdies/balls, and craft items would be crucial. In return, flyers would be put up around the event, sponsoring those businesses.

In order to publicize this event, partnering with local schools is imperative! Talking with their clubs and student council may allow the event to be publicized on their social media or put up around the school. This also includes daily announcements, websites, flyers, fundraisers, and more.

Some teens may not be familiar with a few activities in the event, and that is completely fine! A section for people who want to learn and people who are willing to teach various activities can be designated. To make the event more sociable and engaging, a booth for “speed dating” for people to make more friends would bring it to life. The event is not just about exploring hobbies, but also making new connections! Competitions could also be established for popular interests like gaming and sports, with small prizes for the winners. This could take place during teens’ breaks, including long weekends. My primary goal is to create an environment where everyone feels included and entertained.

What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? To start with, I am compassionate and always try to understand everyone’s perspective. Like many people, I know what it feels like to be left out, and it is essential to me that people feel heard. I make an effort to create an inclusive and supportive environment where people feel comfortable. Collaboration is what makes things work, and it starts by recognizing and respecting others. Sometimes it truly hits me that everyone has their own story and their own complex feelings, and I want to learn more about them. There are more than 8 billion unique people on this planet, and I am only able to meet a tiny number of them, so I make sure to always wholeheartedly appreciate the people I meet.

Additionally, I am a very nostalgic person. I tend to reminisce on childhood memories and think about how fast time flies. Frequently looking back at photos, storing old stuffed animals, rewatching childhood favorite shows. However, rather than lamenting over the past, it motivates me to take as many opportunities as possible while I still can. It helps put into perspective how much I’ve grown and inspires me to continue growing and to pursue a life worth feeling nostalgic for. Although the passage of time is bittersweet, the beauty of life is that it’s always changing, and it took me a long but much-needed time to realize that.

Similarly, I am a positive person and believe that no matter what, moving forward is a priority.

Bad things are inevitable, but they happen for a reason. Throughout everything I have experienced, my times of failure have taught me the most. Multiple failures proved how much I cared for something enough to try again. There is always a bright side to things, and how you see and feel about a situation determines its outcome. Being caught up in regret is the worst thing to put time and effort into, because the present and future are what’s important. Past mistakes as something to take away from and move on. Mindset is honestly important to me, and although it is difficult to be optimistic and outgoing all the time, I think it’s just as admirable to try.

Create and answer your own question.

Describe a time when you faced a difficult decision. Explain how you dealt with it and what you learned as a result.

It was always my dream to get into the incredibly competitive badminton team at my school.

Last year, tryouts lasted around four days, and I attended them every day, even when I was sick. Once I found out I had been accepted, I was ecstatic, and my family and friends were proud of me. However, the team was more demanding than I thought; practice was five days a week, two hours a day. Unfortunately, I had no friends and was constantly left out and looked down upon by my peers and my coach.

One week in, I practiced in the mirror what I was going to tell my coach to drop out, then stopped halfway. I recalled how excited I was to make it in and how hard I worked for it. I thought about all the people who believed in me, including myself. I felt like throwing that all away without seeing it through would become a huge regret. So, I battled with the dilemma for a few weeks. The side that wanted to drop out would take over during practice or when I was exhausted afterwards. The side that wanted me to stay overwhelmed my mind when I was reminded of my love for the sport. My friends told me to leave because being on the team wasn’t a big deal, and my parents pushed me to stay for the college credit. However, I knew only I would know what’s best for me. If I didn’t have to work for something, is it even worth fighting for? Do these issues genuinely outweigh my passion for badminton? I trusted myself and pushed through. I discovered that it was better to think about the end benefits rather than what it takes to get there.

In the end, I realized that although I did not make any friends or make my coach particularly proud, I still stayed true to myself. The experience on the team provided me with invaluable lessons on teamwork, badminton techniques, work ethic, and responsibility. It improved my management with time and stress. It’s okay to be alone, and that’s when I learned how to truly understand and focus on myself. To not get caught up in the moment, to not be tied down by other people’s opinions. Even though it wasn’t my favorite time of the year, it was the time when I improved the most mentally and physically for the long run, and I think all versions of me from the past would be proud.

Submission # 4734570
IP Address 107.131.79.156
Submission Recorded On 03/31/2026 8:49 PM
Time to Take Survey 11 minutes, 9 seconds

Page 1 ends

Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Ruby Luu
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
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Questionnaire
*
Walking through Fremont can feel different depending on the day, but events like the Festival of the Arts and National Night Out remind me of the joy and unity within the community. But as a resident and police explorer who goes on ride-alongs, I also see the shortcomings of Fremont hidden in the shadows. The first time I heard a 10-56A on the radio, a suicide attempt, my ride-along officer and I raced towards the victim's address following dispatch’s details. The call led to a home with a teenage girl who had overdosed on painkillers in an attempt to kill herself. Sitting on the doorstep with paramedics beside her, her mother was waving exasperatedly to us, alternating between anger and panic. The cops did their job of separating the parties, asking questions, but I noticed that none of them asked how she had been doing and what led to this situation. They just asked her if she was okay and gave her a paper slip about therapy. Afterwards, I went up to her to try and make friends, asking how she was doing and how life was. She had been facing a large amount of academic pressure to succeed and just couldn’t handle it anymore. She had been wanting to tell her parents, but every time she brought her situation up, she was dismissed. Over time, I saw many of these types of situations where the teen was not heard, and that led to substance abuse, family instability, alcoholic drinking, and more. Across all these experiences, I realized that youths in crisis often suffer not because “teens are inherently rebellious and bad,” but because they are often unheard and misunderstood, leading to them trying to find ways to fill that empty void of feeling neglected. That girl wanted to seek help; she wanted her mother’s guidance, but her mother avoided it, pretending the problem was never there. So even with the officer’s slip about therapy, the daughter still had to return to her home of the same empty dismissals and silence. I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I have seen the consequences of addressing the challenges youth face only after they become emergencies. I want to be part of the process where the decisions are made to help advocate and ask the youth what they need before assuming we already know. For example, more mental health resources and better training for those who respond to the crises. The Youth Advisory Commission will help me give the right to all the teens I have seen and more to be seen, heard, and helped. *
“This is how you get into the Ivy Leagues.” Swipe. “Look at this silky smooth skin!” Swipe. This is one of the biggest problems teens face today: the pressure to be perfect from our time scrolling on social media. At the adolescent stage, the brain is still growing, so we believe whatever we see posted online by influencers. We fall into these scrolling traps that keep us addicted while feeding us constant comparison to “perfect” idols. When I found my friend crying in the hallway the other day, she told me: “I’m not good enough!” That line stuck with me. She believed that her GPA wasn’t high because a YouTuber said so. She believed that she was a terrible person because she didn’t make friends easily, and according to a reel, only bad people struggled with that. She believed that she wasn’t successful because she saw online a kid two years younger already starting a multi-million dollar company, while she worked as a teaching assistant. I realized these comparisons to “perfect” people online only leeched off people’s joy and intent, replacing them with feelings of inadequacy. Teens know they are addicted to phones. They feel the weight of the comparisons but don’t know how to escape them.

I designed a week-long challenge to help teens take a step back from the curated perfection of social media and reconnect with true relationships and self-reflection. The Email
Birthdate
Age
Gender
School
Grade
Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? Social Media Detox Challenge acknowledges that social media isn’t inherently bad, but constant exposure and dependence on it to highlight reels (perfect grades, flawless appearances, dream vacations) causes anxiety and burnout. I would have a team from each Fremont area and hold 2-hour workshops in different local high schools after school, working with the schools’ administrators and promoting through the school’s wellness centers, teachers, friends, classmates, and lastly, social media. Each day we would have gentle workshops that formed genuine connections with people in-person: coffee at a cafe, creative workshop, board game night. We would have booths explaining the science behind the dopamine algorithm affecting our mental health, and comparison culture. At the end, we all have a reflection circle where we share what we noticed: the craving, the boredom, and the unexpected period of calm. This challenge allows teens to step away and replace the loneliness of scrolling, replacing it with the beautiful, quirky reality.
*
I am a simple person. I dress simple, talk simple, and go about my day in a simple manner. Things in life like your image, the way you present yourself, and how you act should not be a show where you have to overcomplicate things and make it harder for yourself. Sure, there may be some parts in life that are more complicated, such as relationships with your family and friends, but pieces of life where one has definite control over, such as your actions, I prefer not to overcomplicate. When I was traveling in China, the weather was extremely hot, but my family had been sleeping in the hotel for the entire day already, so I went out and explored on my own. The simple logic I used to go out and explore because I was bored drove my curiosity to discover the old suburban neighborhoods, ancient landmarks, and giant, modern shopping malls. This experience was similar to the time in Hawaii, where the quick decision to take a walk in the nature-filled streets allowed me to discover the small joys in life: a chicken walking up a tree. I realized that these experiences, driven by my simple logic to make decisions that would fulfill my exploration desire, allowed me to find the happiest moments in life. Life is too short to be overcomplicating small matters; we should all strive to do what we are passionate about and take action for them. Why should we give up on what we dream to explore, isn’t that what we love? That is another aspect of me that shapes my outlook on life, being persistent. By definition, it is continuing something firmly despite difficulty or opposition. I am persistent about my friends, what I am passionate about, and about never giving up on things I love. So in life, this aspect of me drives intense focus on my goals as well as fostering a “never give up” attitude. Since it keeps me close-knit with my core values (including my friends and family), I am able to adapt to situations or people to maintain the relationships I have with them. Whenever I need to make a decision, I follow a simple logic that keeps life from becoming too overwhelming. My natural curiosity is motivated by a simple decision that keeps me exploring, allowing me to discover my passions and what to fight for.

The unyielding protectiveness of my core values, including relationships, community, and connection, keeps me on track of my goals and to never give up on what I am passionate about.
*
What does it mean to truly listen to people whose experiences are different from your own? To truly listen to people whose experiences differ largely from your own means to set aside your own assumptions long enough to allow their reality to sink into your chest instead of your head. While interning at Rcoz, a mental health nonprofit, I talked a lot with the people in my community about their mental health. I interviewed a vast range of people who led a life that was completely different from mine. What I learned through trial and error with them is that listening is not about sitting with someone just to nod your head along to whatever they say while waiting for your turn to speak. It does not mean to say “I’m sorry to hear that” every time they speak or formulate your next question while the person speaks. For me, it is to be able to listen to stories that are hard to hear and sit through them, letting the speaker’s feelings and experiences engulf you. This reminds me of one experience with a crying mother whose son just passed away from leukemia. I was holding her hand in the silence-filled room, because there were no words to say that could possibly outweigh what she faced. We sat like that for about half an hour, allowing her to vent her feelings to me and understand her experience. I believe also that truly listening to people means admitting you have incomplete gaps in what you don’t know. You ask questions, not to prove you understand them, but to clarify and fill in the gaps you genuinely don’t understand. I realized that once those stories enter you and you carry them around, letting them affect you allows you to see the world in a different light, how you advocate, and how you show up to change it.
**SKIPPED**
Attachment
Ruby Luu updated resume.pdf
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Create and answer your own question.

Additional Information ?
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Ruby Luu
Fremont, CA 94539

Education
— Fremont, CA
Class of 2027
∙ AP Scholar Award (2025)
∙ PSAT/NMSQT: 1500 (Selection Index: 224)
∙ SAT: 1500
∙ Relevant Coursework:

Taken: AP Psychology, AP Macroeconomics, AP World History Current: AP Physics, AP Biology
Senior Yr: AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP Literature
Experience
RCOZ
Youth Ambassador — Intern
Fremont, CA | June 2025 – Present
∙ Studied evidence-based mental health and adolescent psychology concepts, then facilitated structured small-group discussions on environmental, social, and technological factors influencing human well being
∙ Coordinated three cross-functional teams (15 students total) to fundraise, advertise, and organize mental-health “unwind” events at local high schools
∙ Led planning and execution of a capstone project on technology’s impact on teen mental health, drawing 70+ student attendees and promoting community dialogue Leadership & Activities
Mach Martial Arts
Athlete & Assistant Instructor
Fremont, CA | January 2021 – Present
∙ Instructed and managed classes of 25–30 students (ages 4–7) using age-appropriate behavior management and safety protocols with over 230+ volunteer hours ∙ Taught fundamental Poomsae (forms) and kicking techniques, contributing to the technical development and confidence of 100+ students
∙ Mentored five new assistant instructors, modeling instructional strategies and providing feedback that improved classroom flow, leadership presence, and student engagement ∙ Fostered discipline, resilience, and growth mindset—skills transferable to scientific training and collaborative research environments
Fremont Police Department
Explorer Sergeant
Fremont, CA | April 2024 – Present
∙ Graduated from both the Alameda County Sheriff’s Explorer Academy and San Diego County Law Enforcement Explorer Academy
∙ Designed and delivered curriculum for 20+ explorers, integrating theoretical knowledge (e.g., search and seizure principles) with hands-on simulations
∙ Led supervised field training exercises emphasizing systematic observation, situational awareness, and analytical decision-making
∙ Evaluated explorer performance and provided structured feedback, contributing to a 100% graduation rate; one explorer earned Best Overall Explorer Award
∙ Over 350+ volunteer hours educating my community about safety, protecting them in tight traffic (e.g Niles Festival of Lights), keeping peace at festivals (e.g Fremont Festival of the Arts) and bringing my community together at events like National Night Out.

Skills & Interests
Skills:
∙ Leadership & Team Coordination
∙ Public Speaking & Instruction
∙ Curriculum Design
∙ Data-informed Discussion Facilitation
∙ Event Planning & Community Outreach
Interests:

Mental health advocacy, human biology, technology & society, youth mentorship, martial arts training. · WhiteStag Outdoor Leadership Summer Camp program
· Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Academy Training Program · San Diego County Law Enforcement Academy Training Program · RCOZ Internship - Non-profit organization to raise mental health awareness among South Asian Communities
· Taekwondo Teacher Assistant
· Marching Band for 2 years: participate in all school band competitions around Bay Area high schools · Leader of Taekwondo Airband for this year's multicultural week performance. · Member of the Taekwondo Airband for 2 years
· Member of Homecoming Fight Scene Airband
· Member of Kpop and Live Airband for 2 years
· Link crew leader - guiding freshmen through orientation and acting as mentor though out the year. · Campaign for Sophomore Class Vice President in 2025.

Submission # 4743280
IP Address 73.158.79.136
Submission Recorded On 04/05/2026 10:03 PM
Time to Take Survey 19 minutes, 30 seconds

Page 1 ends

Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Advika Mangal
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
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*
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Questionnaire
*
I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I care deeply about creating opportunities for teens to thrive not just academically, but mentally and physically. As both a Kathak and Bollywood dancer for over 10 years and a student involved in STEM and research, I’ve seen how movement, creativity, and science can come together to support mental health, focus, and confidence. Through my work in dance education and my involvement in neuroscience-related research at the University of Houston, including collaborations and outreach connected to brain and movement studies, I’ve become especially interested in how we can bring evidence-based wellness initiatives into our communities. Many students face stress, burnout, and lack of accessible mental health resources, and I want to help address that in a way that is engaging and impactful. Serving on this commission would allow me to advocate for programs that combine leadership, creativity, and science, such as workshops, community events, and youth-led initiatives that promote well-being. I also want to ensure that student voices are represented in decisions that affect us, especially in areas like mental health, extracurricular access, and community engagement. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with other motivated students, contribute new ideas, and help make Fremont a more supportive and innovative environment for teens. *
A major issue Fremont teens face is increasing academic pressure and stress often without accessible or engaging ways to manage it. While there are traditional mental health resources, many students do not actively use them due to stigma, lack of time, or lack of connection. To address this, I would propose an event called “Mind in Motion:

Dance & Brain Health Workshop Series.” This would be a student-led, interactive program that uses movement and dance as a tool to improve mental well-being, focus, and stress management. This event would include: - Guided dance and movement sessions - Short, engaging explanations of how movement impacts the brain - Activities focused on stress reduction and focus improvement - Pre- and post-event feedback to measure impact I would organize this by collaborating with local schools, student organizations, and community spaces. I actually am a dance coach for a non-profit part of FUN Youth where we teach different styles of dance to people from ages 6-40 for their physical and mental fitness. I would also bring in elements of my experience working with dance programs and exploring neuroscience-based approaches to movement.

To publicize the event, I would: - Use social media platforms (Instagram, school pages) - Partner with school clubs and ASB leadership - Share through school newsletters and district communications - Create visually engaging flyers and short videos This event would not only address stress but also introduce a new, engaging way for students to take care of their mental health.
*
Three important aspects of my identity are being a dancer, a STEM student, and a youth leader. As a dancer, I have trained in Kathak and various other forms of Indian dance and also teach and lead within my community. Dance has taught me discipline, creativity, and how to connect with others. It has also shown me the powerful impact Email
Birthdate
Age
Gender
School
Grade
Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? movement can have on mental and emotional well-being. Struggling with mental health myself, after a day of teaching and/or learning, I always find myself much more happier and relaxed and I hope to help other people to feel the same away. As a STEM student, I am involved in robotics, software, and research, including projects related to neuroscience and movement analysis. This has shaped the way I think analytically, creatively, and with a focus on solving real-world problems. I am especially interested in how data and technology can be used to improve health and human performance. As a youth leader, I have taken on roles that involve organizing, teaching, and collaborating with others. Whether through dance programs, outreach, or academic activities, I enjoy creating initiatives that bring people together and make a meaningful impact. These three aspects come together in how I approach challenges: I combine creativity with logic and focus on building solutions that are both innovative and accessible to others. *
Question: How would you ensure that your ideas on the commission create long-term impact rather than one-time events? Answer: To create long-term impact, I would focus on building programs that are sustainable, measurable, and scalable. Instead of organizing one-time events, I would aim to develop structured initiatives, such as workshop series or recurring programs. I would also document all of my events and their impacts so it can continue even after my term ends. I would also prioritize collecting feedback and simple data, such as participation rates and student responses, to understand what works and improve future programs. This allows initiatives to evolve based on real needs rather than assumptions. Additionally, I would work to build strong partnerships with schools, student organizations, and community groups so that programs have a support system and can be continued by future student leaders. By combining consistency, feedback, and collaboration, I would ensure that the commission’s efforts create lasting value for Fremont teens.

In addition to my academic and extracurricular involvement, I am actively working on projects at the intersection of dance, neuroscience, and technology. I am exploring how movement can be analyzed and applied to improve cognitive function and mental health, and I hope to bring these ideas into community-based initiatives. I also have experience organizing and teaching in dance programs, which has helped me develop communication, leadership, and planning skills. Through these experiences, I’ve learned how to engage diverse groups of students and create inclusive environments. I am particularly interested in bridging the gap between research and real-world impact, taking ideas from science and applying them in ways that directly benefit students in our community.

Attachment
Advika Mangal - High School Resume (1).pdf
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Create and answer your own question.

Additional Information ?
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ADVIKA MANGAL

SUMMARY
Passionate and driven high school student with a deep interest in neuroscience, education, and the intersection of movement and cognition. Actively engaged in research, mentorship, and community initiatives, with hands-on experience in data science, classical dance, and neuroethics.

EDUCATION
Class of 2028 | GPA: 4.0 UW

EXPERIENCE
Math Tutor, Learn to Be Youth for Good Dec 2023 – May 2025 Tutored middle school students in foundational math skills.

Volunteer, UCSF Memory & Aging Center June 2025 – Present - Assisted postdocs and research fellows with special events and programs for senior citizens.
- Led inclusive dance workshops to enhance community engagement.

Coach & Choreographer (Audacity Dance
Club)
Aug 2024 –
Present
Choreographed routines and mentored beginner dancers.

Media Editor, Roambee Aug 2022 – June 2023
Edited media for branding and storytelling projects.

Kathak Teacher Assistant Jan 2025 – Present
Supported young learners with classical dance instruction.

LEADERSHIP & PROJECTS
Freshman & Sophomore Class Senator
Spirit Week Unity Dance Choreographer
FTC Robotics, Software & Outreach Lead, Team Wolverine
Bio Club Officer
AHS Nritya Cultural Club, Underclassmen Rep
SKILLS
Dance (Fusion,
Aerodance,
Classical Kathak)
Programming &
Robotics (FTC)
Fluent in Spanish
and Hindi
Public Speaking
Peer Mentorship

AWARDS &
HONORS
Podium finishes
in regional dance
competitions
Recognized for
leadership in
school senate
and robotics

Submission # 4795695
IP Address 207.163.116.26
Submission Recorded On 04/28/2026 9:18 PM
Time to Take Survey 1 day, 26 minutes, 10 seconds

Page 1 ends

Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Aanya Mital
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
**SKIPPED**
*
*
*
*
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*
Questionnaire
*
I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because it gives me an opportunity to express my care for making sure that teen voices are not only heard, but actively shape decisions in our community. Fremont is known to be incredibly diverse and full of passionate and driven students, yet, many of us may feel disconnected from local government and unsure how to make an impact. I want to be someone who can help bridge that gap and make things that may seem impossible, possible. Something that draws me to this commission is its focus on identifying real issues that teens face and bring the concerns directly to the City Council, so they can be solved efficiently and quickly. I know that it is not just about discussion, but also proper action--through events, outreach, and collaboration. I want to contribute to creating spaces where students are able to comfortably share their experiences, whether it's related to stress, academic pressure, mental health, or simply belonging in their community. Additionally, from my perspective, I see this as an opportunity to grow as a leader. I want to strengthen my ability to listen to different perspectives and make the most helpful move possible, work collaboratively, and turn ideas into future outcomes. Being part of this commission would allow me to represent not just my own experiences and struggles, but also of teens in Fremont who are unable to express their opinions out loud. Ultimately, I want to help make Fremont a city where every student feels supported, included, and empowered to contribute to make this community the best it can be. *
A major problem that teens from Fremont face is academic stress and burnout, especially due to high expectations and exceedingly competitive school environments. Many students—even people that I interact with daily—struggle with balancing strong academics, extracurriculars that require heavy time commitment, personal well-being, and their social life, which can negatively impact their mental health and leave them burned out over a long period of time. To address this, I would propose a “Recharge & Reset” Teen Wellness Event. This event would include: stress-relief activities (art stations, journaling, mindfulness sessions), guest speakers or student panels discussing coping strategies and ways to have a successful AND fun high school, interactive workshops on time management and mental health, and a relaxed, social environment with music and free snacks. To organize the event, I would: partner with local schools, counselors, and youth organizations to secure a community venue like a recreation center with enough volunteers to drive it. Additionally, I would create a planning timeline with clear roles (outreach, logistics, programming) and also collaborate with other commission members to ensure diverse activities. In order to publicize this event, I would use social media platforms like Instagram and Tiktok with student-friendly visuals, work with school announcements, newsletters, and clubs, and create posters and flyers for campuses and community centers. If possible, I would also encourage peer-to-peer promotion through student leaders at my school, and also in other schools around the district. This approach will ensure the event is both accessible and appealing to teens while directly addressing a real issue and making sure everyone is at least aware. *
Email
Birthdate
Age
Gender
School
Grade
Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? One important aspect of my identity is being a student in a high-achieving academic environment. This has shown me both the opportunities and pressures that teens face, shaping my awareness of issues like stress, competition, and the need for balance. Another aspect is being a member of an especially diverse community. Born and brought up in Fremont, I’ve interacted with individuals from so many cultural and social backgrounds. This has taught me to value different perspectives and approach problems with inclusivity and empathy. A third aspect of my identity that shaped my outlook on life is being someone who values initiative and involvement. Whether through school activities, volunteering, or leadership roles, I tend to step forward and express myself rather than staying on the sidelines and watching. It is important to me that my opinions are heard, and what I believe is right is listened to. This mindset drives me to not only recognize problems but also work toward efficient solutions. All together, these aspects shape how I think, balancing awareness of real challenges with a desire to take actions and include others in the process. *
Question: How would you ensure that the Youth Advisory Commission represents all teens in Fremont, not just a small group? Answer: To ensure broad representation, I would prioritize outreach beyond just students who are already involved in many things like leadership or extracurriculars. This may include connecting with different schools, alternative education programs, and community groups. Additionally, I would advocate for creating regular feedback channels, such as surveys, open forums, or listening sessions where any teen can share their thoughts and concerns in a free and comfortable space. Social media polls and anonymous forms could also make it easier for students to express concerns without pressure or the worry that people would judge them. Moreover, I would focus on inclusivity in events—making them accessible, welcoming, and relevant to a wide range of students. Representation isn’t just about who is on the commission, but also about whose voices are actively being heard and reflected in its work.
n/a
Attachment
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Create and answer your own question.

Additional Information ?
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Aanya Mital
Fremont, California 94539
Objective:
● I am a motivated high school freshman interested in exploring all aspects of my life through teamwork, guidance, and support.

Education:
● ,
● 3.85 GPA (1st Sem)
● Living Earth, Honors English, Accelerated Math, French 3, Health/Ethnic Studies, P.E.

Extra-Curricular Activities:
● ASDRP - Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program - Spring 2026 Onwards - Chem Lab ● Personal Chatbot Project – In process of creating an AI chatbot to help a 500 parent swim community get access to frequently asked questions and events
● Waterpolo Team, Varsity – One of the only two freshman to be selected as part of the Varsity Team and reached Division 1 for the NCS Tournament after over ten years; developed teamwork, discipline, and skill growth alongside demanding schoolwork; season ended in November 2025 ● Swim Team, School Team-Varsity – Part of a year round swim team for over 7 years and earned medals and ribbons for place recognition at USA swim meets; taught me how to continue in a single place consistently; part of my High School Girls Varsity
● Relay For Life Club Committee Member – Part of the largest club on campus: raised money for cancer patients, helped organize fundraisers and other events
● ABRSM Piano – Currently doing ABRSM grade levels independently to work my way up to grade 8 (final); taught me how to self-learn and build motivation and drive to do the things I enjoy ● Art – Created art pieces at an Art Studio for 8 years and worked my way up to being an intern and teaching younger students; learned how to mentor and give back to the community ● FIRST Tech Challenge – Part of an FTC team for two years that participated in competitions throughout the season; focused on design, robot building, and outreach Volunteer/Community Service:
● WCRC – Participated annually for Swim a Mile for Women with Cancer for 7 years where I fundraised money more than 4k over a period of time
● Leo Club – Helped other students at my school earn service hours and volunteering opportunities ● Jazz Band - Piano - Play at local events (Fairs, Senior Centers, City events etc.) Skills:
● Technical Skills: Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive), Canva, Gmail, Basic Onshape ● Soft Skills: Public Speaking, Teamwork/Collaboration, Leadership, Time Management ● Academic Skills: Physics/Chemistry (Ohlone Classes), Research, Essay Writing, Note-taking ● Creative Skills: Drawing/Perspective Art, Writing, Basic Python Coder

Submission # 4785464
IP Address 165.225.242.183
Submission Recorded On 04/26/2026 9:53 AM
Time to Take Survey 43 minutes, 40 seconds

Page 1 ends

Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Mohammed Yasin Musthafa
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
*
*
*
*
*
*
Questionnaire
*
I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission because I care about making sure teens in Fremont have a voice in decisions that affect them. I've always been curious about how local government works, how meetings are structured, how agenda items are discussed, and how votes lead to real outcomes. Being part of that process, not just watching it from the outside, is something I'm genuinely excited about. I think my experiences have prepared me to contribute in meaningful ways. I'm a competitive table tennis player, and being ranked at the top level has taught me that consistency and discipline matter, whether you're training for a tournament or working toward a long term goal. I've also volunteered with a robotics program for middle school students, helping teach STEM concepts and guide them through problem solving. That experience taught me how to communicate clearly and how rewarding it is to help someone understand something new. This summer, I'm planning to do data science research through ASDRP.

I'm interested in how data can help solve real world problems, and I think technology has a lot of potential to improve how the city connects with teens, whether through better outreach or easier access to resources. Through this commission, I want to grow as a leader. I want to get more comfortable speaking in public, collaborating with others, and contributing to real decisions. Not just attending meetings, but helping plan workshops and encouraging more teens to get involved. I'm responsible, motivated, and I genuinely want to make Fremont better for young people. I would be honored to represent my peers on this commission. *
One problem I notice among Fremont teens is that many don't know about the resources already available to them. Programs for mental health support, academic help, internships, and youth opportunities exist, but they aren't always communicated in a way that actually reaches students. Information is scattered across multiple sources and hard to navigate, which can leave teens feeling unsupported when help is right there. To address this, I would propose an event called "Fremont Youth Resource Connect." Instead of just presentations, it would have interactive stations where students can explore resources in an approachable way, including a Resource Fair with local organizations, a Know Your Support booth explaining mental health and academic options in student friendly language, and an Ask and Learn space where students can anonymously get answers from trusted representatives. I would also dedicate a section of the event to technology and AI education. With AI becoming part of everyday life, I think it's important for students to learn how to use it responsibly and effectively, not just as consumers but as informed users. Short workshops or booths could help students understand how AI tools work, how to avoid misuse, and how to apply them in ways that actually support their learning. To organize it, I would work with fellow commissioners to identify key resources, invite schools and community organizations, and collect student questions beforehand so the event directly addresses what teens are wondering about. To publicize it, I would use school announcements, posters, student clubs, and Instagram, framing it as a chance to "discover support and skills you didn't know you had." Student ambassadors from different schools would also help spread the word since teens respond better to hearing from peers. This event would bridge the gap between students and the resources available to them, while also equipping Fremont youth with the knowledge and tools to stay informed and prepared for the future. *
Email
Birthdate
Age
Gender
School
Grade
Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Three aspects of my identity that shape how I see life are being a student and lifelong learner, being a competitive athlete with a heart for service, and being someone who genuinely cares about fairness and helping others. As a student, I've learned that real growth comes from staying curious and pushing through challenges, not just chasing grades. There have been moments where a subject felt impossible or a concept just wouldn't click, but I've learned to sit with that discomfort and keep going. That mindset of not giving up when things get hard carries into everything I do. Being a top ranked table tennis player has shaped me in ways I didn't expect. The discipline and focus it takes to compete at a high level taught me how to stay calm under pressure and bounce back from losses without losing motivation. But one of the most meaningful experiences was volunteering in a table tennis program for Parkinson's patients. Watching how something as simple as a game could bring joy and connection to someone going through a hard time taught me more about empathy and patience than I could have learned anywhere else. It reminded me that leadership isn't always about being in charge, it's about showing up for people. The third part of my identity is my belief in fairness and giving back. I've volunteered in Feed the Hungry programs and robotics programs for middle schoolers, and both experiences reinforced something I feel strongly about, that every person deserves access to support and opportunity regardless of their background. That value of fairness is a big reason I'm drawn to this commission. I want to make sure teen voices from all parts of Fremont are heard, not just the ones who already know how to speak up. This summer I'm also pursuing data science research through ASDRP because I believe technology, when used thoughtfully, can be a powerful tool for creating more equal access to information and resources. These three parts of who I am, a curious learner, a disciplined and empathetic athlete, and someone who cares deeply about fairness, shape how I think, how I treat people, and how I want to contribute to my community. *
I think I'm a good fit because I bring real experiences that have shaped how I think and how I treat people, and I actually care about what this commission does. I'm a top ranked table tennis player, and competing at that level has taught me a lot about discipline and not quitting when things get hard. Training for hours, losing matches, and coming back the next day anyway has made me someone who follows through even when it's not easy. I also volunteered in a table tennis program for Parkinson's patients, which honestly changed how I see people. It taught me to be patient and to really listen, and it showed me how much it means to someone when you just show up for them.

I've also volunteered in robotics programs for middle schoolers and in Feed the Hungry programs. Both of those experiences made me realize that a lot of students don't have the same access to help and opportunities, and that bothers me. I want to be part of changing that. This summer I'm doing data science research through ASDRP because I'm genuinely interested in how technology and AI can be used to help people. I think there's a real opportunity to use those tools to help teens in Fremont find resources and stay connected to what's happening in their city. But honestly the biggest reason I'm applying is because I care. I want to be in those meetings, hear different perspectives, and help make sure teens across Fremont actually feel heard. I believe young people deserve a real seat at the table and I want to help make that happen.

I attend a Catholic school in Fremont that deeply values faith and service to others. Growing up in that environment has shaped who I am in a real way. It has taught me that being part of a community means taking responsibility for the people around you, not just focusing on yourself. That value of service is a big part of why I volunteer, why I care about fairness, and why I want to be on this commission. I speak English and Tamil, which is a South Indian language. I am also learning Spanish at school. In my free time I enjoy playing chess online, hanging out with friends, and helping out with cooking at home Attachment
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Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Create and answer your own question.

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Musthafa, Yasin
Apr 26, 2026
Parent's Signature:

Teacher's Signature:

ALGEBRA 2 : Section 6
Grades
S1_2526 (50%) A (97.2%)
S2_2526 (50%) A (99.49%)
Course Grade A (98.34%)
BIOLOGY HONORS : Section 1
Grades
S1_2526 (50%) A- (90%)
S2_2526 (50%) A (93%)
Course Grade Calculation not
used for this
section
COMPUTER SCIENCE : Section 1
Grades
S1_2526 (50%) A (95.44%)
S2_2526 (50%) A- (92.48%)
Course Grade Calculation not
used for this
section
ENGLISH 1 : Section 5
Grades
S1_2526 (50%) B+ (89%)
S2_2526 (50%) A (93%)
Course Grade A- (91%)
FRESHMAN ADVISORY : Section 6
Grades
S1_2526 (50%) -
S2_2526 (50%) -
Course Grade N/A
HEALTH AND FITNESS : Section 3
Grades
S1_2526 (50%) A (97.87%)
S2_2526 (50%) A (100%)
Course Grade Calculation not
used for this
section
RELIGION 1 : Section 11
Grades
S1_2526 (50%) A (94%)
S2_2526 (50%) A (96%)
Course Grade Calculation not
used for this
section
SPANISH 1 : Section 1
Grades
S1_2526 (50%) A (95%)
S2_2526 (50%) A (95%)
Course Grade Calculation not
used for this
section
Submission # 4740839
IP Address 98.47.105.91
Submission Recorded On 04/03/2026 2:23 PM
Time to Take Survey 5 minutes, 28 seconds

Page 1 ends

Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Joann Mathew
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
*
*
*
*
*
*
Questionnaire
*
I want to join the Fremont Youth Advisory Commission because I would love to be a voice for teens across Fremont. For one, I believe having a youth commission is so impactful and valuable for our city, because it makes decisions about teens using the opinions of actual teens in the community. I believe young people should have a meaningful impact in our government, and that starts at a local level. Furthermore, having spent multiple years in high school, I have seen many other teens struggle in various aspects of their lives. I’ve had conversations with some of my peers who often feel overwhelmed, overlooked, or disconnected from their community, so I am motivated to be a representative for the diverse experiences many of my peers have faced. Through these conversations, I have developed many ideas for providing more opportunities to teens that I would love to share as a commissioner. Beyond advocacy, I am eager to grow as an individual from this experience. Serving on the Youth Advisory Commission would deepen my understanding of how the government operates. I would also love to sharpen my leadership and communication skills so that I can be a more effective leader in other areas of my life as well. I am also confident that these skills will prove to be beneficial later in my life. Ultimately, I want to serve on this commission because I genuinely care about this community and want to help take care of it. I have grown up here my whole life, so I am eager to give back and work to improve the lives of other teens. Along with that, I want to grow and develop into a successful leader using this role. *
College. For many teens, this word has been looming over them for the majority of their high school career. From my experience and from hearing from many of my peers, college is often scary and the college application process is even scarier. Students often burn out trying to prepare for college, and they often prioritize school and extracurriculars over their sleep and their mental health. Part of this is because many teens do not clearly understand how to navigate the process of applying to college and what to do afterwards. This is why I would propose a workshop that would explain the college admissions process and prioritize mental health over everything else. I would involve counselors and invite former high school students who navigated college pressures to give their advice to teens. I would start by partnering with the Fremont Unified School District to have school counselors attend the workshop. From my experience, many students do not talk with their counselors frequently simply due to the significant number of students they manage; this is why having a day where counselors can answer questions and provide more information on college may help many students. I would then invite many current college students or graduates to come and provide their own advice. Hearing from people who have gone through the exact same struggles can often make the dauntingness of college a little easier to manage. Additionally, part of how I would organize this event is by talking to students from different schools in Fremont to ensure that the workshop would be addressing everyone’s needs. In terms of location, the workshop could be in the Fremont Main Library or a community center.

Finally, to publicize, I would create posts and short videos about the event on social media, and highlight the different speakers and resources that would be available at the event. Flyers and posters could go up at schools, and I would ask schools to announce the event in their bulletins. Overall, using social media and school resources would ensure a well-attended event.

Email
Birthdate
Age
Gender
School
Grade
Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? *
One aspect of my identity that has completely shaped my outlook on life is where my home is. Fremont is such a diverse city with so many different career opportunities, so growing up in the city has allowed me to truly understand what is possible for me in the future. Every day, I am able to witness friends and neighbors working in completely different industries and come together at the end of the day as similar people. Because of where I’ve grown up, I also have been privileged enough to grow up with the mindset that anything is possible in life, and I don’t feel confined to study or work in a specific industry. Unlike other cities, Fremont has provided me with so many different opportunities and ways to succeed in life. It has shown me that life can truly be anything I want it to be if I work hard. Second, my culture heavily defines my identity, as it has shaped the way I have lived my entire life. Like many cultures, my culture provides me with a set of traditions and values that have been instilled in me. However, what I value the most is the reliable community my culture has provided me with. No matter who I become or where I go, I am privileged with the knowledge that I will always have a community supporting and rooting for me. Every Sunday, I am able to go to a place that I know would never judge me and where I always feel like I belong. Part of what makes this so special is that I often have experiences meeting people I have never met before, but having a connection to them through my culture that is deep and lasting.

Because of the impact my culture has had on my life, I am able to say that I value all cultures and understand the uniqueness of everyone’s background. Finally, my sport has completely changed my outlook on life. I have played volleyball for many years, and I have played on my school team for the past three years. Through this sport, I have been able to meet such a diverse group of people and gain valuable insight into different lives. Especially on my school team, almost every single person has a different background, and that is exactly what makes our team so special. This sport has shown me how to build deep bonds and connections with new people, especially people that are different from myself. Overall, this part of my identity has also allowed me to value the privilege of being able to work with different types of people in life. *
Who is your role model? My role model has always and likely will always be my sister. Growing up, my sister was always my guide and my example for what to aspire to be.

When I was younger, I would often look up at her during her high school years and be in awe of the work she was doing. She always helped people, and I knew then that I wanted to be like her growing up. In fact, she served on the Fremont Youth Commission years ago, and I saw how she was able to actually help other teens while still in high school. In fact, her term was a little more difficult, because it was during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most people were locked inside their homes scrolling on social media or watching T.V., I noticed my sister always taking initiative and working with the rest of the commission to plan events for Fremont teens. I hope to one day be part of this process and turn my ideas into real events in the city. This is part of the reason why I am extremely eager to serve on the Fremont Youth Commission; I want to have a tangible impact in my very own city.
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What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Create and answer your own question.

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Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Saanvi N. Patel, Ms.
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
* Email
* Birthdate
* Age
* Gender
* School
* Grade
Questionnaire
* Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? As a high school student, I am constantly surrounded by peers who are of the most talented caliber, young students are equipped with drive, ambition, and inspiration.

However talent itself is has no real impact. With the lack of access to decision making spaces, even the most innovated ideas are often unrecognized. Through my nonprofit and multiple research projects, I have understood that identifying the problem is only initial step. Creating tangible and abiding change is something that requires a deep understanding of the network that shapes of communities and how resolution are made. While I have been experienced and learned how to organize community events, I have acknowledged that long-term solutions are dependent of proactive communication between residents, communal organizations, and city leadership. The Youth Advisory Commission showcases an opportunity to further understand how the government transforms local ideas into implemented polices and programs. I am enthusiastic to learn how leaders evaluate priorities, allocate limited resources, and engineer solutions that balance the various needs of the people. I believe this experience would strengthen my ability to think critically, work with others, and approach challenges with both creativity and practicality. Parallelly, I hope to contribute my own perspective. Through my expertise in leading events catered for the solely community, I have the mechanical eye of approaching problems calmly while remaining aware on how my actions would effect others. I enjoy asking analitcal questions, always taking in multiple view points, working towards realistic solutions. I want to join the Youth Advisory Commission not just simply to participate in discussions, but to better understand how effective leadership turns ideas into executive action. I hope to grow as both a leader and a community member while contributing meaningfully to conversations that help shape our city's tomorrow. * What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? A growing problem Fremont teens face is uncertainty surrounding the rapid growth of artificial intelligence into the workforce. As a high school student, I constantly hear conversations about mental health, which, while important, has already become a widely addressed topic within our schools and community programs. What remains largely unaddressed, however, is how AI is fundamentally swooping down on the job market. Many students are unsure of what skills will remain valuable, which career paths are becoming negligible, and how to prepare for a future where entire industries may look completely different by the time they graduate college. This issue creates a quiet anxiety among my peers, one that is rarely given the same attention as other, more visible struggles. To address this problem, I would organize an AI-Integrated Career Fair, designed to connect students directly with local professionals who have adapted their careers to work alongside AI rather than be replaced by it.

Representatives from technology, healthcare, business, and creative industries would speak about how their roles have evolved, showing students a realistic understanding of the skills employers now value. Alongside the fair, I would host workshops focused on practical AI literacy, teaching students how to use AI tools effectively, recognize Page | 1
their limitations, and apply them responsibly. To organize this event, I would draw on my experience running community initiatives through my nonprofit, coordinating logistics from venue selection to scheduling while collaborating with school clubs to ensure the event reflects genuine student concerns. Rather than relying on conventional publicity, I would personally cold email local businesses across Fremont, from small tech startups to established companies, introducing the event and inviting them to participate as speakers or sponsors. This direct outreach would not only recruit professionals but also build lasting relationships between students and the local business community. I would follow up with phone calls to ensure engagement, treating publicity as an extension of networking rather than simple advertisement. * What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Three aspects of my identity that shape my outlook on life are drive, dedication, and the power to invest in myself. Drive has always been the force that pushes me to see beyond what currently exists and imagine what could be built instead. Growing up surrounded by talented peers, I learned that ambition alone does not create change, it must be paired with action. This drive has led me to start a nonprofit, lead research projects, and organize community events, not because opportunities were handed to me, but because I chose to create them. Dedication is what transforms that initial drive into lasting impact. Having long-term endurance through setbacks, slow progress, and logistical work is what truly defines commitment. Whether coordinating volunteers or relooking an idea after it fails the first time, dedication has taught me that meaningful change is rarely immediate, it is built through consistency. However, the most powerful aspect of my identity is the power to invest in myself. For a long time, I looked at self-investment as secondary to helping others, believing my value came only from what I contributed to my community. Over time, I realized that my ability to create change is directly tied to how much I am willing to grow, learn, and believe in my own potential. Investing in myself, through education, leadership experiences, and stepping into unfamiliar spaces, has given me the confidence to pursue ambitious goals without waiting for permission or external validation. This mindset has reshaped how I approach failure, treating it not as a reflection of my worth but as information I can use to improve. It has also allowed me to advocate for myself in rooms where I once felt out of place, recognizing that my voice and perspective carry value simply because they are mine. Ultimately, this realization did not let go of my drive or dedication but rather amplified them, reminding me that empowering others begins with first empowering myself. * Create and answer your own question.

Question: What piece of advice shaped the way you approach adversity? The advice that has shaped my outlook more than anything else didn't come from a mentor, a parent, or a book, it came from Uncle Iroh, a character from an animated series I grew up watching. In one scene, he tells a struggling student “You must never give into despair. Allow yourself to slip down that road and surrender your lowest instincts. In times of darkness, hope is something you give yourself, that is the meaning of inner strength.”. As a kid, I remember thinking it was simply a wise line from a wise character. I didn't realize it would become something I return to during the hardest parts of my life. Years later, during a period when a project I had poured months into was collapsing despite my best efforts, that advice resurfaced almost instinctively. I felt the pull toward giving up, convincing myself that failure confirmed I wasn't capable enough. But I kept returning to Iroh's words, that despair is a choice, not an inevitability, and that resisting it is where real strength lives. Instead of walking away, I chose to rebuild the project from a smaller, more grounded foundation. That single piece of animated advice has become a framework I apply to nearly every challenge since. It taught me that hope isn't here and there, it's an active decision I make for myself, particularly when giving up would be far easier. What started as a lesson from a fictional character has become one of the most defining principles in how I navigate adversity and uncertainty in my own life.

Additional Information
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Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Page | 2
Submission # 4746116
IP Address 73.189.62.52
Submission Recorded On 04/05/2026 8:16 PM
Time to Take Survey 1 day, 37 minutes, 36 seconds

Page 1 ends

Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Ayush P. Pathuri
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
*
*
*
*
*
*
Questionnaire
*
I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission to address the lack of real-world engagement opportunities that many students in Fremont experience, and to apply the experiences I gain through this commission toward my long-term goals in law and local governance. First, I want to serve the youth in my community because I understand the pressures and challenges that students in Fremont face. Growing up in a highly competitive academic environment, I have seen how students are often focused heavily on grades and achievements. This hyper-fixation on academics comes at the cost of student well-being and their ability to apply their knowledge to local community problems. I want to help create programs, initiatives, and spaces where young people feel heard and are empowered to engage with issues beyond the classroom. Whether it involves improving access to resources, increasing student engagement in civic life, or organizing events that strengthen community connections, I am motivated to make a tangible impact on the youth experience in Fremont. Second, I see this opportunity as an important step in my long term path toward a career in law and local governance. I am interested in understanding how local policy is developed, how decisions are made at the city level, and how youth voices can be incorporated into that process. Serving on the Youth Advisory Commission would allow me to gain firsthand experience working with local officials, analyzing community needs, and contributing to solutions that have an impact. These experiences would help me develop skills in leadership, communication, and advocacy that are essential for a career in law. *
In Fremont, success for teens is often defined based on GPA and test scores. While this competitive environment drives strong academic performance, it also creates a gap in that many students are unable to apply their knowledge to real-world problems in our community. This gap matters because, as new problems emerge in society, we must ensure that the next generation is equipped to overcome these obstacles. To address this issue, I propose the “Fremont Community Innovation Challenge,” a ten week long competition modeled after Y-Combinator, but focused on local community challenges. The event would begin with a kickoff meeting where local community leaders and organizations present pressing issues that Fremont faces, helping students gain a deeper understanding of real challenges in their community. Following this introduction, students would form teams based on their shared interests. Each team would then select a specific problem and spend the following weeks developing an actionable solution, whether through an app, a potential nonprofit, or another initiative. Throughout this process, students would research, design, and refine their ideas. The challenge will build up to a final competition day, where teams pitch their solutions to a panel of judges composed of local business leaders and professionals. Winning teams would receive funding to help make their projects come to life. To organize the event, I would reach out to local high schools and other community centers to find a venue for the final competition day. For judging and sponsorship, I would directly reach out to local startups, small businesses, and high school alumni networks through email and LinkedIn. I would also contact leaders of community organizations and nonprofits to explain pressing issues faced by Fremont. Finally, I would organize a student committee that would be responsible for managing a clear timeline, organizing materials such as pitch guidelines and judging rubrics, and supervising the final competition day. To publicize the Email
Birthdate
Age
Gender
School
Grade
Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? event, I would focus on spreading the word of the competition through social media campaigns, using platforms such as Instagram. Moreover, I would contact schools across the district and request that they explain the competition’s details during morning announcements. Finally, I would specifically target business oriented clubs such as DECA and FBLA, as students in these clubs would be more interested in the competition. *
My outlook on life is defined by three qualities: I tend to find inefficiencies and build systems to fix them, I am someone who values both competition and collaboration, and I believe that clear communication is the foundation of everything else. As someone who builds structured systems, I am drawn to finding the organizational improvements that unlock a group's potential. Through leading initiatives in scouting and coordinating shared preparation systems in debate, I've seen firsthand how a small, well-designed change can meaningfully elevate an entire team's performance. This perspective shapes how I approach everything. Rather than just completing a task, I find myself asking how the process behind it could work better for everyone involved. In YAC, that instinct would help design programs that are not only effective today but built to grow their reach and impact over time. I also value both competition and collaboration, a balance that has been shaped through my experience in competitive Public Forum debate. while also supporting new debaters who join the team. Competing at over a dozen tournaments has taught me how to push myself in high pressure environments, while mentoring newer debaters has shown me the importance of shared growth and teamwork. This balance has taught me that success is not defined by an individual’s achievements, but the overall improvement of a group. Finally, I value communication as the foundation of everything I do. Whether it is breaking down complex arguments in debate or teaching foundational skills to my scouting troop, I have learned the importance of tailoring certain messages to certain audiences. This has shaped my outlook by reinforcing that a project’s success is not simply dependent on how unique the idea may be, but on how effectively it is communicated. *
Describe one experience that has had a great impact on your life. At a leadership camp, I was placed in a group of eight random boys with whom I would be working for an entire week. At first, it felt like we had nothing in common. We came from different schools, had different interests, and carried ourselves in completely different ways. On the first day, the silence between us felt uncomfortable. It seemed like the week would pass with minimal interaction. I remember telling myself it would be one week and I would get the training certificate. But on the second day, one of the boys casually brought up basketball. It was a simple comment, but it changed everything. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. People who had been quiet started talking. One person mentioned their favorite NBA team, and another talked about playing in middle school. As the days passed, those small conversations turned into something much deeper. We talked about school, family expectations, personal challenges, and moments of failure that we normally would not share with strangers. What surprised me most was how quickly the initial barriers disappeared once we were given even a small opening to connect.

By the end of the week, we were a cohesive team that genuinely understood and supported each other. That experience taught me something valuable: people often appear more different than they actually are on the surface. In reality, shared experiences and emotions connect us in ways that are not immediately visible. It made me realize how easily communities can feel divided simply because people are not given the space or opportunity to interact meaningfully. This is part of why I am interested in serving on the Youth Advisory Commission. I want to help create programs and spaces where students in Fremont are given the opportunity to move past surface level differences, connect with one another, and realize that they share more in common than they think. If I were granted the privilege to serve on the commission, I hope to help strengthen the sense of community among local youth in the same way I experienced at that leadership camp.

I have attached my resume to this application. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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Resume (11).pdf
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? Create and answer your own question.

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AYUSH PATHURI

EDUCATION & ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
, Fremont, CA

4.0 Unweighted GPA
Relevant Coursework: Honors English 9, Geo Alg 2-Trig Acc, Honors English 10, Honors Chem, Alg 2/Pre-Calc, AP World History,
Additional Coursework: AP Human Geography - UC Scout, Practice of Law - UC Berkeley

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
National Competition | Youth Economics Initiative, Jan 25 - Present Conducted macroeconomic analysis on U.S. protectionist policies, modeling tariff impacts on global supply chains and market outcomes. Represented my high school at a national level, presenting data-driven economic research and defending analytical conclusions before judges.

SEWA - Design To Lead (DTL), Jan 25 - Present
Collaborated with a nonprofit to create and deliver educational workshops for children in underserved communities. Focused on teaching essential math skills, promoting mental health awareness, and introducing valuable life skills. Reached a total of 150 students.

Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Apr. 21 - Present
On track to earning the prestigious Eagle Scout rank. Led a troop of over 100 members, helping organize events, plan fundraisers, lead meetings, and improve diversity.

AHS Varsity Public Forum Debate, Nov. 24 - Present
Authored 900+ pages of technical briefs analyzing global market drivers, including US-China trade relations, the semiconductor supply chain (Taiwan), and sovereign risk in the EU.

Earned several regional and state awards for my performance in competitions.

National History Day State Competitor, Dec. 25 - Present Researched and presented a National History Day project on basmati rice biopiracy, analyzing intellectual property, traditional knowledge, and global trade policy; selected as the only student from my county to advance to the state level.

Equity Research Extern - Jun. 25 - Aug. 25
Conducted in-depth analysis on a publicly traded semiconductor company, reviewing 20-Fs, financial statements, and market positioning to develop an investment thesis. Built valuation models using DCF, comparable company analysis, and precedent transactions to assess intrinsic value. Drafted an investment memo summarizing key insights, valuation results, and risk considerations.

AHS Mock Trial, Sep. 24 - Present
Served as a closing attorney, where I prepared legal examinations, crafted cross-examinations, and delivered closing arguments. Built skills in public speaking, legal analysis, and persuasive communication. Earned several district awards for my performance in court.

Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Saanvi Poigai
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
* Email
* Birthdate
* Age
* Gender
* School
* Grade
Questionnaire
* Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? As a student at Irvington High School, I know how much pressure teens experience every day. Fremont is known for its strong academics, but that also means students often feel constant pressure to succeed. Many of us balance difficult classes, high expectations, extracurriculars, and planning for the future all at once. While these challenges push students to work hard, it is easy to feel burnt out and stretched thin. I hope to serve on the Fremont Youth Advisory Commission because I believe teens deserve a space where their perspective is heard. Decisions affecting young adults are often made without hearing from the students who will experience them. Being a part of this commission would allow me to represent the voices of many students and help communicate the challenges we face. My experiences volunteering at elementary schools across Fremont have given me the perspective necessary to represent my classmates. I’ve seen how important supportive communities are for adolescents, and I hope that I can help create more of these communities for teens across the city. I’m also currently preparing for my arangetram, a traditional solo debut performance that represents years of training and dedication. Preparing for this milestone has taught me discipline, commitment, and balance, along with school responsibilities. These experiences have helped me understand the importance of balance, community support, and culture. Through the Youth Advisory Commission, I hope to turn these experiences into reality for other teens. I envision a citywide teen wellness initiative that brings stress management workshops and peer support networks to Fremont schools, giving students real tools to cope with burnout. I’d love to advocate for dedicated community spaces where teens can gather, create, and relax outside of academic pressure, such as a youth cultural center that celebrates Fremont’s diversity through arts, performance, and intercultural exchange. I also believe Fremont students deserve greater access to academic guidance beyond the classroom, such as a peer mentorship program that connects high schoolers with college students within our community.

The students of Fremont have a story worth telling, and I want to be the one to tell it. I hope to bring that truth to the Youth Advisory Commission and work alongside our community to build something every young person can be proud of. * What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? Fremont teens lack accessible academic guidance. While Irvington and other Fremont schools are academically rigorous, many students feel lost when it comes to choosing courses, preparing for college, and managing the pressure of high expectations. To address this, I would propose to organize the Fremont Teen Mentorship Fair, a free weekend event that combines academic guidance with a fun atmosphere. The fair would feature booths hosted by high school upperclassmen and local college students, with topics such as extracurriculars, AP advice, college essays, and managing stress. There would be food stalls, arts and crafts stations where attendees can get creative, and a photo booth where friend groups can make memories. The goal is to create an environment where students actually want to be there. This makes the mentorship and guidance feel like a natural part of the experience and not a chore. To organize it, I would start by reaching out to high school committees across Fremont to see if any Page | 1
upperclassmen would be willing to volunteer as mentors. From there, I would connect with college students from nearby universities by reaching out through school alumni networks and social media, then invite them to participate virtually through live video call stations set up at the event, where attendees could talk to them directly. This way, distance would not be a barrier to accessing guidance from students attending some of the most prestigious universities in the country. Once mentors are recruited, I would work on securing Niles Town Plaza as the venue, a space in Fremont that has a strong community atmosphere and plenty of room for food stalls, art stations, and mentorship booths to coexist without feeling cramped. To fund this event, I would reach out to nearby restaurants, shops, and companies to invite them to sponsor the fair by contributing funds or resources in exchange for having their names featured on event banners, flyers, and social media promotions. For publicity, I would promote the event through social media and through schools: morning announcements and asking teachers and counselors to spread the word in classrooms. I’d emphasize the fun elements along with the educational aspect in the marketing to draw students in. My goal is for Fremont teens to leave feeling inspired and supported, whether that means walking away with one new connection, one piece of advice, or simply feeling like they had fun and learned something new. * What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? One important part of my identity is being a student in Fremont’s highly competitive academic environment. Attending Irvington High School has shown me firsthand how motivated and hardworking students here are, but also how real the cost of that pressure can be. I have watched close friends push themselves to their limits: all-nighters, dropping hobbies, and slowly burning out each day they turn up at school. There have been moments on my academic journey when balancing difficult school work with everything else in my life felt overwhelming. These experiences have made me deeply aware of how much students need systems and communities that support them as a person, not just their grades. Another aspect of my identity is my Telugu heritage and my preparation for my arangetram. My mom enrolled me in Bharatanatyam dance classes when I was six years old, and that decision has kept me deeply connected to my South Indian culture throughout my life. Training for this important milestone has required years of dedication, discipline, and commitment, which taught me perseverance and the importance of hard work. I have found small but meaningful ways to share that culture with those around me: performing Bharatanatyam at numerous events around Fremont, dressing up during cultural spirit weeks, and incorporating my mom’s paneer curry recipe for a class project on family and food traditions. Finally, volunteering with younger students has shaped how I view community and leadership. At one elementary school, I volunteered at a Christmas event, spending the evening making and serving hot chocolate for families who came. At the same school, I ran game booths at the Halloween fair, which kept kids engaged, laughing, and having fun. What stuck me most in those moments was how little it took to make a child smile, whether it was giving them free candy or extra whipped cream. Those experiences taught me that leadership is always about showing up and being present for your community. All in all, these experiences shape how I see the world and motivate me to contribute positively to my community, however I can. I hope to take these experiences to the Youth Advisory Commission and beyond. * Create and answer your own question.

Who is someone who has influenced you and why? The person who has influenced me the most is my mom. She is one of the most independent and grounded people I know, and the way she has raised me has shaped how I see myself and the world around me. One moment that has always stuck with me is when I was deciding between pursuing medicine or business and finance as I began planning for college. I was drawn to both, but was confused about which path was truly right for me. Instead of blindly encouraging me to follow my dreams, my mom sat me down and was completely honest with me. She walked me through the strengths and qualities each field requires and told me directly that medicine needs patience and years of consistent studying. She explained that, based on who I am, business and finance might be a safer and better fit for me. However, she wasn’t harsh about it and framed it simply as her honest thoughts and not a final decision. At the end of it all, she told me that if I deeply wanted to pursue medicine after considering everything, she would support my journey. It was not what I expected to hear, but it was exactly what I needed. Her honesty gave me clarity that I had been searching for on my own and could not find. That conversation taught me something I think about every day: being honest about your strengths is not a weakness, but a form of self-awareness. My mom has always been straightforward with me about the realities of life, and through that, she taught me that life is about making decisions, even difficult ones, and finding meaning in them, regardless of whether they turn out the way you hoped. Her influence is part of why I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission. I hope to bring that same honesty and clarity to the conversations we have about what Fremont teenagers actually need and not what just sounds good, but what will actually make a difference.

Additional Information
**SKIPPED**
Attachment
**SKIPPED**
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Page | 2
Applications for Boards, Commissions, & Committees
The City Clerk’s Office welcomes applications for all Boards, Commission and Committees year round.

Each year, the City Clerk keeps a current list of applicants. Applications are public records.

You may submit an application at any time between January 1 and December 31. The City may consider your application for any vacancy that comes up during that year.

On December 31, all unselected applications expire. If you would like to be considered again, you must submit a new application.

Michael Qin
* Home Address:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:
* Email
* Birthdate
* Age
* Gender
* School
* Grade
Questionnaire
* Why do you want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission? The first time one of my debate students confidently rebutted an argument, I realized that access to opportunity—not talent alone—often determines who finds their voice.

That realization has driven my work coaching over 120 elementary and middle school students in Fremont and motivates me to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission (YAC). // For the past two years, coaching at the nonprofit that first introduced me to debate, I’ve seen how confidence is built through the right space, repetition, and support. These experiences have shaped how I define impact. While mentorship can transform individuals, its reach is often limited by access—who knows about the opportunity and who feels invited to participate. This is what draws me to the Youth Advisory Commission: not just to serve, but to make opportunity more visible, consistent, and equitable across Fremont. // I am especially interested in contributing to YAC’s After School Academy workshops, where I can help students develop communication and civic engagement skills early on. Beyond leading sessions, I want to focus on who is not in the room. Too often, opportunities benefit students who are already informed, connected, or confident enough to seek them out. Having worked with students across a wide range of confidence levels, I want to help design outreach that intentionally brings in those who might otherwise shy away. // My interest in public policy reinforces this goal. Through Model UN and writing for the Smoke Signal, I’ve explored how decisions around education, public health, and youth resources directly affect students. At the same time, I’ve recognized a gap: awareness does not automatically lead to participation. Even in a city like Fremont with strong youth programming, many students—including myself at one point—remain unaware of what is available. // As a YAC member, I would work to help close this gap through student-centered outreach—meeting students where they are, from platforms like Instagram to school-based channels such as announcements and student publications. More importantly, it means making opportunities feel relevant, approachable, and worth students’ time.// Ultimately, I want to serve on the Youth Advisory Commission to ensure that opportunities in Fremont are not just available, but truly accessible. By combining mentorship, outreach, and policy awareness, I hope to help create a youth community where more students feel informed, included, and empowered to participate. * What is a problem Fremont teens face and propose an event to address this problem. How would you organize and publicize this event? Fremont students are highly driven, but access to academic support is unequal—and increasingly shaped by a hyper-competitive culture of constant comparison. Many rely on private tutoring, enrichment programs, or paid college advising to stay competitive. Through conversations with peers across schools, I’ve seen a growing perception that success depends on resources outside the classroom. For students without access, this creates stress, limits opportunity, and reinforces a sense of falling behind. // To address this, I propose a city-supported, peer-led initiative piloted through the Youth Advisory Commission: the Fremont Peer Workshop Series. This structured tutoring and workshop program would connect students and alumni to support their peers. High-achieving mentors would lead sessions across STEM, humanities, arts, extracurricular development, and college readiness. For example, a college application workshop could guide essay brainstorming and drafts while clarifying admissions expectations, while Page | 1
also reducing stigma by normalizing peer-to-peer academic support. As peers, they offer guidance that is both relevant and approachable while fostering a more collaborative culture. // As a commissioner, I would collaborate with City of Fremont staff, school administrators, and community organizations to recruit mentors from high schools across the district and establish consistent programming. Workshops would be hosted at accessible public spaces such as the Fremont Main Library and community centers to ensure inclusivity. A centralized sign-up system would match students by need, with flexible formats ranging from one-on-one tutoring to group sessions. As a pilot, success would be measured through attendance, feedback, and changes in students’ academic confidence. // Publicity would prioritize effectiveness and equitable outreach. As a writer for the Smoke Signal, I’ve seen how traditional PDF flyers are often ignored, so I would lead a strategy focused on attention and retention. This includes short-form academic content on social media, alongside school announcements, clubs, and peer networks. To reach families, materials would be translated into widely spoken languages in Fremont, including Mandarin, Spanish, and Hindi, and shared through platforms such as WeChat and WhatsApp. // This initiative expands access to academic support while challenging Fremont’s culture of competition by fostering collaboration, mentorship, and shared success. * What are three (3) aspects of your identity that shape your outlook on life? I approach the world through three core identities: a resilient problem-solver, a community builder, and a civic-minded advocate. As a resilient problem-solver, I approach challenges through iteration rather than expectation. Entering my first DECA competition, I believed that preparation alone would guarantee results, yet my performance fell short. Instead of viewing that outcome as failure, I treated it as feedback. I reviewed hundreds of questions, revised my report, and returned with greater discipline and intention. That process ultimately led me to qualify for internationals, but more importantly, it changed how I think. I learned that grit is not about being the fastest to succeed or the most naturally gifted—it is about the willingness to keep showing up, refining your approach, and returning even when results are uncertain. That mindset has shaped how I face challenges in my life. As a community builder, I define success through the growth of others. Coaching over 120 elementary and middle school students in debate, I have watched hesitant speakers develop into confident voices. Those moments shifted my understanding of achievement from individual recognition to collective progress. I came to see knowledge as something that gains value when reinvested—when one person’s growth creates opportunities for others to grow as well.

This identity grounds me in service and reinforces my belief that leadership is measured not by personal accomplishments, but by how many people you empower and bring forward. As a civic-minded advocate, I have developed a strong belief in the power of speaking up. Through Model UN and reporting on issues affecting my local community in Fremont, I have seen how ideas turn into action. Whether debating global policy or uncovering local stories, I learned that meaningful change begins when someone is willing to name a problem and engage others in solving it. These experiences taught me that impact is not defined by scale, but by the willingness to contribute a voice.

Speaking up matters because every lasting solution starts with someone deciding that an issue is worth addressing out loud. Together, these identities shape my outlook on life: approach challenges with intention, invest in the growth of others, and use my voice to create change. I hope to bring this mindset to the Youth Advisory Commission by supporting initiatives that amplify student voices and create opportunities for youth to grow, contribute, and be heard. * Create and answer your own question.

How can Fremont make city government more accessible and relevant to high school students? For many Fremont students, city government feels like a distant process that happens downtown, separate from our daily lives. This creates a participation gap, not because students lack interest, but because the entry points aren’t visible or studentfriendly. I experienced this firsthand. Despite my background in debate, I didn’t fully understand how to engage with local policy until I joined The Smoke Signal this year.

Paying closer attention to issues like transit access and public space usage made me realize how much local government shapes our daily lives, often unnoticed. If selected, my priority is transforming YAC into a more visible bridge between City Hall and students. I would do this through a student-led initiative called Fremont Civic Connect, designed to make civic engagement more accessible and relevant. First, I would establish “Civic Chats” in partnership with Fremont high schools and the Teen Center. These sessions would act as a direct feedback loop where students can discuss issues like academic pressure, safety, and career opportunities. By collaborating with leadership classes and student organizations, we can meet students where they already are, rather than expecting them to seek us out. Second, transparency must be reimagined for a student audience. Through Fremont Civic Connect, I would work with fellow commissioners to create short-form, student-facing content that breaks down City Council decisions and highlights how they impact youth. To ensure this outreach remains effective, I would track what students engage with and continuously refine our approach based on that feedback. At the same time, meaningful engagement requires more than digital outreach. I would advocate for experiential opportunities such as “Shadow a Councilmember” days and organized City Hall visits. These programs would give students firsthand exposure to how local policy is discussed and implemented, making government feel more tangible and accessible. Finally, to ensure inclusivity, I would create multilingual outreach materials for platforms like WeChat and WhatsApp. In a city as diverse as Fremont, language should never be a barrier to civic participation for students or their families. My goal is to help YAC become a more present and active resource, one where Fremont students don’t just hear about their city’s future, but see how they can help shape.

Additional Information
If selected, I would also prioritize building continuity across Youth Advisory Commission (YAC) initiatives. Many student-led programs lose momentum as members graduate, so I am interested in helping document and standardize outreach strategies and event models to ensure long-term impact. By creating systems future commissioners can build on, I hope to contribute not only ideas, but sustainability to YAC’s work.

Attachment
Thank you
Your interest in serving on a board or commission of the City of Fremont is greatly appreciated.

Page | 2
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Submission # 4771233
IP Address 24.5.191.155
Submission Recorded On 04/18/2026 6:52 PM
Time to Take Survey 5 minutes, 11 seconds

Page 1 ends

Fremont City CouncilOctober 6, 2026

Fremont City Council
October 6, 2026