Kashvi Ramani might have a quiet voice, but it’s a strong one nonetheless. She is a yo ung woman with something to say. Whether it be a poem, a song, or just free form writing, Kashvi has no trouble expressing herself.

Her latest creative effort is a song she wrote titled “Alone Together,” which is now out on YouTube with subtitles.

 

 

Her anthem was inspired by her own experience growing up as an Indian-American, and witnessing and facing racism herself. “As I grew older, I began to see how accepted racism is towards Asian Americans in particular, and wanted to convey how racism impacts others,” she explained.

Kashvi began to explore her creativity by starting to write poetry at the young age of 7. She was inspired to do so after reading Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, which was recommended by a teacher at the time. She continued writing as she grew older, and began applying for competitions. Kashvi also visited open mics in DC, where she later began performing  herself. 

Besides writing poetry, Kashvi has other creative outlets. “Singing is great for doing constantly,” she said, “and I primarily express my feelings to others using music. Writing is the opposite, in that I can document and sort through my own feelings for myself. I would most likely consider it my favorite since I find it comfortingly familiar. Lastly, acting is amazing because it allows me to put my dreams into action. Instead of imagining I’m someone else or have a different life, I can be someone else for a day.”

Kashvi has lived in Loudoun County since 2009, and her home high school is Rock Ridge. Initially, she wasn’t interested in applying to the Academies of Loudoun, but a family friend at a party suggested she go ahead and take the entrance exam anyway. That prompted her to take a closer look at the different pathways and was immediately intrigued by the Entrepreneurship pathway at the Academy of Engineering and Technology. When she was accepted at ACL, Kashvi’s future seemed clear. When she finishes the two-year Entrepreneurship pathway, Kashvi has offered that she might be interested in then doing the Television Production or Administration of Justice pathways.

“I hope to be a multi-faceted entertainer,” Kashvi shared. “I found my passion for acting at a summer camp at age 10. Growing up, it bothered me how inaccurately stereotypical minorities were portrayed in the media, and I struggled to find a role model who looked like me. Therefore, I hope to study film and entrepreneurship.”

Kashvi now seems to have found a diverse array of performers that she enjoys and is inspired by. “I was first introduced to poetry through Sarah Kay and [I] continue to love her style,” she said. “In music, I appreciate artists and bands like Norah Jones, Melanie Martinez, WILLOW, and Paramore.”

One can’t help hoping that Kashvi will continue to create, perform, and break any molds that try to hem her in. This artist needs her freedom to share her unique voice with the world.

 

written by Mrs. Frances Roberts

edited by Keerthi Selvam and Saanvi Gutta