By Srinath Mahankali
Srinath Mahankali is in the 5th grade at MS 74 in Queens. The Queens resident recently won first place in the Arthur Ashe Essay Contest for children 10 years old and younger.
Arthur Ashe has changed the world in so many ways. I, on the other hand, have not left my mark yet. But I decided to follow Arthur Ashe, to “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
Arthur Ashe used his time and skills to positively impact the lives of others. In 1975, Ashe won Wimbledon, playing Jimmy Connors in the finals. This was one of the greatest upsets of all time. He inspired countless people by his achievements.
He marched against South African apartheid and also against the treatment of Haitian refugees. Later, he also started a foundation against AIDS.
Arthur Ashe co-founded National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) to provide education to the disadvantaged youth to develop their skills for academic excellence and leadership.
Inspired by his example and my experience with NYJTL, I also try to use my time and skills learned through tennis and educational programming to impact the lives of those around me.
I enthusiastically participate in all tennis activities and involve my family members making it fun and exciting to my whole family. I volunteered my time on some weekends as a ball boy in some national tournaments to give back to tennis.
In school I routinely volunteer to help a friend who is sick, assist teacher in preparing class room activities. I volunteer in my drama club to assist in stage settings. I participated in a walk to increase awareness of violation of child rights in developing countries.
This year, I won my school spelling bee, came third in the Queens county spelling bee and 7th in the New York City Citywide spelling bee. Many of my friends were enthused by my performance and I hope some are inspired to participate in the competition themselves.
Arthur Ashe changed the world for the better. While the activities that I am pursuing pale in comparison to Arthur Ashe’s contribution to society, I realized that I can bring significant change in the world around me in my own little way.
