About
Hello, I am Zohaan Ashraf - you can call me Zo :)
I'd like to consider myself a multidimensional 17-year-old, with a holistic exposure to academics, music, debating, volunteering, philosophizing, socializing, sports and a whole lot more.
I was born and raised in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, until my 8th grade, which gave me the unique opportunity of growing up in an internationally diverse and multicultural environment.
I have been studying in the IB (International Baccalaureate) since the 9th grade. The MYP (Middle Years Programme) and DP (Diploma Programme) helped me to build a solid academic foundation, while inculcating in me the confidence to manage my own learning and make connections between the learning at school, along with its real-world application. The IB curriculum also focuses on leading a meaningful life.
I have been an active member of Troop 813 of the Boy Scouts of America where I attained rank advancement up to second class. I have also achieved the Bronze Award in the IAYP ( International Award for Young People, previously Duke of Edinburgh's Award).
Being a global thinker - climate change, sustainability, and animal rights are some of my concerns in today's world. This concern led me to volunteer for beach clean-ups, as well as, at an animal shelter in Dubai, UAE. I have represented my school at the Global Sustainability Entrepreneur Program in Chennai, India and at the Singapore International Science Camp.
More recently, during the pandemic, I worked on cooking, packaging and distributing food amongst the less fortunate. I have also used the pandemic to get involved in an online community that promotes art, music and creativity amongst the youth where my role was to head marketing for Karantavi ( https://www.karantavi.com/). We organized an online fundraiser for artists, the proceeds of which were shared with the Sonu Sood Foundation.
I have also organized a cyber security awareness assembly in my school for students, as part of the Dilsey (Digital Literacy to Secure Youth) program with the Society for Cyberabad Security Council, Hyderabad, India. (https://cyberabadsecuritycouncil.org)
Growing up, I was always told that I was a great communicator and that may have led me to become an avid debater. I represented my school and participated in the World Scholar's Cup, Debate Dubai, the Gulf Debate and more. I have also been active in the field of MUNs (Model United Nations) and this led to me being appointed Director-General for my schools Junior Model United Nations Event in 2019.
Being a music enthusiast and a musician, I have composed, written, recorded and produced my own music and songs. I have performed at multiple inter and intra-school events as part of the school band, as well as, at other gigs outside of school.
My keen interest in sports has led me to represent my school at a national level inter-school swimming championship. I also play basketball, football, practice MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), e-sports and chess.
I invite you to browse my website to know more about me and I would be happy to get connected with you.
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