Pragna first started volunteering for Jefferson County Public Library in early 2021, when COVID was still rampant, and JCPL couldn't offer in-person programming or activities.
"I started volunteering as a virtual volunteer," Pragna remembers. "I wrote book reviews and made book trailers, which was really fun."
Standley Lake Library Teen Librarian Meagan is still enthusiastic about those book trailers.
"The book trailers she's made are engaging and extremely well written, especially because they have to be short and sweet and still pull a potential reader in," Meagan explains. "Pragna's ability to succinctly summarize a story without giving away key plot points and still make it sound entertaining is a skill many librarians work to develop."
Later that year, once in-person programming and activities resumed, Pragna joined Standley Lake's Teen Advisory Board.
"It was inspiring getting to see the older kids in TAB," Pragna says. "As a younger member, I was really influenced by them and their idea of what a leader is and what that means. I've gotten to grow into a leadership role in TAB."
The Standley Lake TAB, which has nearly 30 active members, implemented a teen leadership structure last year: the Teen Advisory Board Leading Executives (TABLE). Pragna serves as TABLE's first-ever secretary, taking meeting minutes for the group and organizing notes for the teen librarian.
"It's been really cool getting to document everyone's opinions and contributions," Pragna explains. "The other officers are amazing. I love TABLE!"
"Pragna has proven her exemplary writing, listening and communication skills once again by taking thorough and detailed yet concise notes for each meeting," Meagan adds. "I may hold a master's degree in library and information science, but my organizational skills pale in comparison to Pragna's. Her notes have singlehandedly saved some TAB meetings from collapse!"
While some teens serve in leadership roles on TAB, an essential value of the group is that every member's voice is valued equally.
"Everyone is so creative and has so many different approaches," Pragna explains. "It's great to integrate those ideas into what becomes our final program. Everyone has a role they play in the group, and every person's role is suited to them and what they bring to the table."
"The people are my favorite part of TAB," she continues. "Seeing TAB grow as well has been really cool. We have seven graduating seniors this year, so I'm excited to see how TAB will change in the future."
Pragna will continue to hear updates even after graduating, since she has recruited her younger brothers to join TAB as well. All three siblings also volunteer during Summer Reading by helping sign up families for the program and giving out prizes.
Summer volunteering is very different than TAB, Pragna explains. "During summer volunteering you get exposed to the bigger Standley Lake community in general. You get kids and grownups instead of just the teen community, so it's an awesome opportunity to meet everyone. It's very different from TAB in that you're kind of in one spot and doing the same thing over an extended period of time — but, at the same time, you never know what's going to happen during your two-hour shift."
Volunteering, specifically on TAB, has influenced Pragna in many ways over the years.
"I've learned leadership skills for sure — making sure everyone's voices are heard," she says. "Communication and delegating and collaboration — just being able to work with people of different ages and perspectives. I'm really grateful to be a part of it, and sad to be leaving."
After Pragna graduates this May, she is bound for Stanford University, where she plans to enroll in human biology classes. While she is still leaving her options open, her tentative plan is to pursue pre-med and eventually med school.
"I just want to be in a career where I can help people," she says. "I took a bio class my sophomore year, and the human anatomy section really got me interested. Last year I took a psychology class, and it was so fun — it really shifted my perspective on how we think."
One concept that stood out to Pragna was the topic of neuroplasticity: how our brains are always dynamic and changing.
"When you learn something new, the neurons in your brain make new connections and grow stronger," she explains. "In that way, you're always in charge of your own destiny. That's kind of inspiring, that you can learn anything."
Pragna's curiosity about the world, care and compassion for others, and excellent communication skills ensure that her future will be bright, no matter what path she chooses.
"I'm so proud of Pragna and all that she has accomplished, and there is much I could talk about that wouldn't all fit here!" Meagan says. "She has been an extraordinary teen volunteer — someone the others look up to and try to emulate. She will be missed after she graduates, but I am truly excited to see what she does with her education and her life!"