Hello! My name is Armaan Sharma, and I am a senior at Alsion Montessori High School and a 2nd year student at Ohlone Community College who is passionate about social justice, equity and intergenerational violence.
My roots run deep, intertwining Indian culture with the American experience. Growing up in a large, extended family, I was surrounded by a loving, boisterous community that grounded me. Our immigrant ancestry exposed me to rich Indian traditions and customs, which we continue to practice in our unique blended way—a testament to the American melting pot.
Growing up in a family of immigrants, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community and collective action. My family’s unwavering belief in creating a more equitable world ignited my own passion for social justice.
As I grew older, I discovered the concept of intersectionality, which helped me understand my own identity as a queer Indian-American boy. I realized that my experiences were shaped by the intersection of these multiple identities fueling my passion for creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone can be their authentic selves.
While advocacy is my mission, my first love is singing. I recall humming along to nursery rhymes in kindergarten while trying to master those tricky cursive letters. By the time I was 6, I had taught myself to play the ukulele and would spend hours strumming and singing.
At 10 joined the Ragazzi Boys Chorus, and that's when singing became passion. I found a community of boys who shared my passion for music. We learned much more than just how to sing. We learned how to work together as a team, to support each other, and to strive for something bigger than ourselves. It was like being part of a giant, harmonious organism, where everyone played a vital role.
Baking is my happy place, my second love. I can remember myself in the kitchen, as young as 4, trying to mimic my aunt as she created masterpieces for our birthdays. Over the years, I’ve experimented with everything from fluffy cakes and delicate macarons to crispy crepes and decadent tarts.
But baking isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience. The warmth of the oven, the sweet aroma that fills the air, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. And of course, the process is so much more enjoyable with humming along — a symphony of flavors and sounds.
My dream is to one day open a patisserie where I can share my love of baking with others. Imagine a cozy space filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods and fresh coffee, where customers can enjoy their treats while listening to live music, or conversing with others in a space that encourages them to be true to their authentic selves. It’s a vision that brings me joy and inspires me to continue honing my craft.
You might be wondering why my website has all these mural images. Well, it all started with my mom. She was the one who first sparked my love of travel and maps. From the vibrant streets of San Francisco's Mission District to the hidden gems of Salvador, we'd explore neighborhoods where street art flourished. These weren't just walls; they were canvases, vibrant expressions of the community's soul.
We'd wander through these open spaces, often gritty and raw, absorbing the stories behind the art. These murals were social commentaries, powerful statements that gave a voice to the oppressed. They were a catalyst for change, a way to connect with people from different cultures, interconnected by the threads of creativity and human experience.
