Meet Pranika Kumar | Pranika Kumar | Student Leader, Advocate & Innovator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pranika Kumar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pranika, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
“Good things come to those who wait.” Patience and perseverance are important, but progress isn’t about waiting, it’s about adapting. Staying on the same path without results is not perseverance, its stagnation. As Einstein said, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is insanity. You should always be on your feet and willing to absorb, learn, and grow from new things and the world around you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Light 4 kidz
shreya dixit

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best freind were visting the Twin Cities, I’d plan a trip through all my favorite local spots. We would start at 50th & France in Edina to walk around, grab starbucks, and check out shops. Then we’d bike or walk around Lake Harriet, sit by the lake, play games, and grab something to drink. in the night, we’d explore around North Loop for good food and local shops.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I’d like to thank my parents for their endless love, unwavering support, and constant presence in my life. Thank you for every late night you stood by my side, and every long, exhausting trip I dragged you to. Thank you for always cheering me on and never once making it feel like an inconvenience (even though I know it must have been). Your selflessness, strength, and belief in me mean more than I could ever put into words.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to advisors of some of my favorite activities, Mr. Sanger and Mr. Gal, two of the most genuine teachers, leaders, and people I’ve met. Their ability to lead with so much passion and heart inspires me every day, to not only achieve the most I can in my activities but be the best leader and person I can be. Their influence has shaped not just how I lead, but how I live.

I’d also like to thank two of my teachers Ms. Steenwyk, and Dr. Houtz. Dr. Houtz, thank you for sparking my love for biology and medicine. Your class made science come alive for me and encouraged me to truly think big and beyond the classroom. Ms. Steenwyk — thank you for always encouraging me to slow down and find time to do the things I enjoy. Your lightheartedness and honesty have truly stayed with me. You’ve helped me find balance and perspective, and I’m grateful for the way you encourage fun, laughter, and living in the moment.

Finally, a quick shootout to the book The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan. That book met me at the right time and reminded me that it’s okay to chase multiple passions and live life with purpose, not just pressure.

Website: https://light4kidz.org

Instagram: @pranika_kumar7

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranika-kumar/

Image Credits
Jakub Mosur and Erin Lubin