An excellence focused individual driven by a caring heart.

About

Family, Community and Learning are the values that are helping me define my future goals .

My name is Zayna Gilani. I am an 8th grader at Nashoba Brooks school. I am a proud Muslim American of South Asian descent as both of my parents are from Pakistan. This helps me see the world from a global perspective. I believe I am a global citizen. I am raised with strong family values and with a deep sense of community service. Through my grandparents, I have learned the culture, language and traditions of Pakistan. Human beings are members of a whole
In creation of essence and soul
If one member is afflicted with pain
Other members uneasy will remain
If you have no sympathy for human pain
The name of human you cannot retain
---(Saadi)

Vision Board

This is my vision board. It represents my goals for the 8th grade school year, my interests, hobbies, heritage and the topics that represent my identity.

Passion

Music

Confucius said Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.

I started learning to play the piano during the Covid-19 pandemic, and realized I enjoyed exploring different genres of music on the piano keys. I explore music diversity through the piano and hope to play it for a long time. When I hear a song I like, my instinct is to learn to play it on the piano. My music teacher encourages me to learn more classical pieces as well.

Art

Visual Arts is my passion, a favorite pastime and my way to explore the world.

I draw human faces to learn about humanity and to understand how our strengths lie in our differences, which are only skin deep. My parents and grandparents always encourage my passion for drawing. This encouragement makes it exciting for me to express myself and understand the world around me. I have many sketchbooks going back to fourth grade, showcasing my artwork and recording my progress. I am a firm believer of inclusivity and social responsibility. My artwork is my way of expressing my thoughts on paper. I have already used my artwork as a platform to do good, and hope to continue that for a long time.

Community Involvement

I belong to my community and my community is my world.

We are part of a global community. The impact of what we do in our neighborhoods can be felt locally and far away. I am an active volunteer in my town - painting signs that are now a permanent part of the Nara Park Bond Trail in Acton, serving on the Student United group at AB United Way, spreading the word about Climate Change and related issues for Energize Acton at their block party, among other fun projects. Recently, I raised $1,905.00 in a few weeks, by designing cards and a website, then uploading the cards to the website, to raise funds for flood victims in Pakistan. My parents donated the entire amount to UNICEF Pakistan. This is my way of showing I care. I hope to continue with my efforts. I am inspired by Maya Penn and Asma Mehdi and hope to do my part starting now!

Leadership

"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and in the thrill of creative effort" (Franklin Delano Roosevelt)

I am a silent leader and a cooperative member when working with my peers. My ability to help and be a positive force is admired by my friends. Recently, I attended several Model UN Summer Leadership Institutes at Harvard Business School. I learnt to follow and lead at the same time. I represented Moldova, Turkey and Brazil and through discussions and presentations, I was able to improve my public speaking and writing skills. I was awarded Best Position Paper for one of my research papers.

Sports

I enjoy racket sports. It get's my competitive side out.

Playing different sports is also an important part of my life. I love to play tennis and I am learning badminton from my parents. I have a knack for racket games. I have been a part of my school's varsity soccer team and I started learning squash over the summer.

Languages

I am a proud member of a multilingual household. My parents speak with me and my siblings in Urdu and English. My grandparents live with us, further exposing us to Urdu and a regional language of Pakistan - Punjabi. I have been exposed to Spanish since 4th grade and enjoy learning it in middle school, along with Latin. I was one of the ten students in my grade who received an honor (cum Laude) in the 2021 -2022 academic year for participating in the National Latin Exam. I also take bi-weekly classes online to learn Arabic.

Emma Belza

Education Director, UNAGB

Zayna’s intellect, tenacious work ethic, and passion for global affairs are key qualities that will make her a strong addition to your high school. She is passionate, interesting, and eager to build bridges with other budding global citizens who care deeply about making our world a better place.

Read More

Karen Root Watkins

Retired Educator and Organizer for EnergizeActon.org

Zayna has continued to be active with the community this autumn. At a Town of Acton block party in September, she was a real go-getter as she helped to staff the EnergizeActon.org information table, reaching out to people to respectfully share updates about MassSave rebates and about our upcoming events.

Read More

Robert Carter

Acton Memorial Library

I am writing on behalf of Zayna Gilani. Zayna has been volunteering at Acton Memorial Library since May 2022 and has been reporting to me in my position as Head of Children’s Services.

Read More

Maureen Ryan-Friend

Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Zayna is an amazing person, let alone an amazing young teen. She has been one of my most reliable volunteers at Acton-Boxborough United Way (ABUW) since stepping forward to help on a weekly basis in May of this year.

Read More

United Nations Association of Greater Boston

200 Portland Street, Ste 500, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 482-4587 / info@unagb.org

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Dear Selection Committee:

I first met Zayna Gilani in June 2022 when she attended our Summer Institute in Global Leadership Program on Human Rights located at Harvard Business School. As the Education Director at the United Nations Association of Greater Boston (UNAGB), I get the opportunity to work closely with many intelligent young students. In my experience, Zayna stands out as one of the most exceptional students who we had the opportunity to work with over this summer!

When Zayna arrived at Summer Institute, she was new to Model United Nations and had never participated in a conference before. Zayna was humble about her abilities and challenged herself to navigate new perspectives in order to gain new skills. While initially she was reserved, over the course of the week, we were able to see Zayna gain confidence in her abilities to clearly articulate her aims in discussion and she developed keen negotiation and collaboration skills. We were thrilled to see Zayna again at our Climate Change and Public Speaking programs, which she attended to continue her growth as a delegate. These examples demonstrate Zayna’s commitment to personal growth and excellence that will serve her well in high school and beyond.

In addition to her growth mindset, Zayna has advanced writing skills. During our program, students complete research papers that explore the global issue under discussion and their assigned country’s national and international activities related to the topic. Even among gifted peers, Zayna’s position papers consistently stood out as especially insightful and well organized. Because of her strong work, Zayna received an award for Best Position Paper during the summer.

Overall, Zayna’s intellect, tenacious work ethic, and passion for global affairs are key qualities that will make her a strong addition to your high school. She is passionate, interesting, and eager to build bridges with other budding global citizens who care deeply about making our world a better place.

Emma Belza
Education Director, UNAGB
(617) 482-4587 / emma.belza@unagb.org

Karen Root Watkins

Retired Educator and Organizer for EnergizeActon.org

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I have had the privilege of working with Zayna Gilani for much of this year. We met when the Town of Acton held a spring “Climate Festival” to celebrate the Town’s new Climate Action Plan. Zayna stopped at the EnergizeActon.org information table, where she shared concerns about climate change and asked great questions about local efforts to achieve a more sustainable and livable future. When Zayna mentioned that she planned to attend a Model United Nations summer camp on climate change, I asked if she might be willing to talk about her experience with community leaders.

It was only in August, when discussing a possible gathering to hear about her summer experience, that I found out that Zayna is actually very young! I had assumed that she was a high school student, so I was incredibly surprised to learn from her mom that she recently turned 13 years old! Zayna has a beautiful poise about her and a maturity that is impressive. If you had been present at the August picnic where she spoke, you certainly would have seen these qualities as well as her organized and engaging presentation style. Twenty people, from the teens to the late 70s, gathered to share thoughts with Zayna. It was a truly memorable evening. Everyone was inspired by Zayna and the reverse was also true. Zayna got the opportunity to meet people in official roles and to hear others speak passionately about land conservation, about the politics of climate change, and about making a difference at the local and state levels. It was beautiful to see Zayna’s excitement and thoughtfulness during the discussion. It was like seeing a preview of the incredible adult she will become!

Zayna has continued to be active with the community this autumn. At a Town of Acton block party in September, she was a real go-getter as she helped to staff the EnergizeActon.org information table, reaching out to people to respectfully share updates about MassSave rebates and about our upcoming events. No sitting behind the table for her! With the flooding in Pakistan, Zayna has demonstrated real leadership by designing and selling cards as a fundraiser for flood relief aid through UNICEF. By reaching out to various friends and community groups, Zayna is raising awareness and money!

I cannot speak about Zayna as a student because I have not seen her in an academic setting. However, as a member of the Acton community, Zayna is a true gem. I spent my career as a public school teacher/Montessori educator and I have never met a young person so at ease in adult circles. Part of this, I suspect, is that she is truly dedicated to addressing the health of our planet. Plus, Zayna has a thirst to learn and a wisdom about her, a realization we are all learning and all contributing, no matter our ages. And she has amazing examples of public service in her own family! Wherever Zayna goes to high school, she will make a true contribution to her educational community and to the broader world. Any school will be lucky to have her!

Karen Root Watkins
126 Strawberry Hill Rd
Concord, MA 01742
k.root.watkins@gmail.com

Acton Memorial Library

476 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720
Tel: 978-929-6655, Fax: 978-929-6644

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September 1, 2022

To whom it may concern:

I am writing on behalf of Zayna Gilani. Zayna has been volunteering at Acton Memorial Library since May 2022 and has been reporting to me in my position as Head of Children’s Services.
Zayna has always been prompt in arriving. She shows great attention to detail and learns new tasks quickly. I can trust that Zayna will get the job done well without constant oversight. I never feel that I need to double check her work. Zayna is a delight to work with and she has a bright future ahead of her.
Should you have any further questions about Zayna, feel free to reach me at rcarter@minlib.net

Thank you,
Robert Carter
Head of Children’s Services
Acton Memorial Library
486 Main Street
Acton, MA 01742

United Way, Acton-Boxborough

PO Box 2258, Acton, MA 01720
Tel: 978-263-1777, Email: abuw@abuw.org

×
October 25, 2022

To whom it may concern:

Zayna is an amazing person, let alone an amazing young teen. She has been one of my most reliable volunteers at Acton-Boxborough United Way (ABUW) since stepping forward to help on a weekly basis in May of this year. She is smart, responsible, mature, flexible, infinitely curious and willing to pitch in wherever her help is needed. Zayna is a rock-solid co-worker and an excellent, easy-going companion.
Zayna has performed volunteer work in two different capacities for ABUW – 1. As a general office support volunteer and 2. As a member of our high school group called Students United.

1.) As a general support volunteer, Zayna comes in each week with a great, open attitude, ready to do whatever needs to be done. She has folded 5k tee shirts, made dozens of welcome cards for the new arrivals to our towns, helped to construct our annual scarecrow for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), done research on some of our partner agencies, and has spent a few mind-numbing hours of shredding sensitive documents. She has always arrived on time and worked non-stop from start to finish, with a smile on the way in and a smile on the way out.
2.) When I started to build our 2022-23 group for Students United, our corps of 12 high school volunteers, I knew that I wanted to make an exception to include Zayna, though she is only in 8th grade this year. With her experience with Model UN and other groups, she is easily able to fulfill the role meant for an older student. Zayna has great ideas and has the confidence to share them with the group without hesitation or insecurity. She is an asset to the team and fits easily with the other students who are older and from another school entirely.

Lastly, I’d like to comment on her generosity and kindness. At a recent ABUW event where we had adults planting yellow tulips to create Hope Gardens (in support of mental health), we had a room for the younger children to paint rocks to place in these gardens as we await the spring blossoms. I had the pleasure of seeing Zayna in her family dynamic as she helped her two youngest siblings to paint their rocks. I don’t believe that Zayna got to paint any of her own, as she prioritized helping her sister and brother’s projects over her own. I was very touched and impressed with this maturity and generosity. Obviously, I am a big fan of Zayna’s and look forward to working on many future projects with her – as long as she has time to work with us at ABUW. She is a very impressive young person and I can’t recommend her highly enough. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I’d be delighted to answer them.

Warm regards,

Maureen Ryan-Friend,
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator,
ABUW 617.997.7095

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