For Mannat Bakshi, recognized for her leadership in STEM and robotics, success in high school was never just about being the best. It was about learning how to grow, even when things didn’t go as planned.
“I’ve always been a very academically strong person… I’ve always taken harder classes, pushing myself to be the best,” she said.
From the start of high school, Bakshi built her schedule around challenges, consistently choosing the most rigorous courses available. That dedication eventually led her to earn a 4.7 GPA and secure a spot in recognition.
“Being in the Top 10 has been a goal of mine since freshman year,” she said. “I started early and stayed consistent.”
But while her work ethic stayed the same, her perspective didn’t. At first, Bakshi’s focus was simple: take the hardest classes possible. Over time, that mindset shifted into something more personal.
“The biggest change is why I take those classes. Before, it was just to take the hardest classes possible,” Bakshi said. “Now, I’m more intentional.”
By balancing online and in-person classes, she began to prioritize not just difficulty, but understanding, taking certain classes in person where she needed more support, and others online where she could work more independently.
That change helped her grow not just academically, but as a person. Her journey, however, wasn’t defined by perfection. One of the most impactful moments came in AP World History, where she received her first B.
“That class was the first time I got a B, I had never experienced that feeling of not being perfect,” Bakshi said.
For someone who had always been a straight-A student, it was a turning point.
“It forced me to stop focusing only on the grade and actually value learning,” she said.
At the same time, not every experience was positive. During her senior year, Bakshi took a class she regretted, one that affected her both academically and mentally.
“It didn’t challenge me in the right way, it honestly took a toll on me, not just academically, but mentally too,” Bakshi said.
Even so, she chooses to see it as part of her growth.
“That taught me that not every challenge is a good one,” Bakshi said. “Knowing yourself and how you learn is just as important as pushing yourself.”
That same consistency and attention to detail is something her programming teacher, Catherine Krupica, has noticed over the years.
“I’ve had her all four years of high school, so I’ve basically seen her grow up,” Krupica said. “Even from freshman year, she’s always been very consistent, very responsible, always made sure that everything was perfect.”
According to Krupica, what set Bakshi apart isn’t just that she completed her work, it’s how she approached it.
“She doesn’t just do the bare minimum. She does it perfectly… even if I take off a point or two, she’ll redo the assignment to make sure she gets it right,” Bakshi said.
Outside the classroom, Bakshi’s impact is especially clear in robotics, a passion she’s had since fourth grade.
“I didn’t just participate, I worked to transform the club,” she said.
Through leadership roles, she helped improve the team’s structure and culture, creating a more organized and supportive environment for future members. She also coached a private robotics team with her dad, further deepening her involvement.
“It helped me understand leadership, teamwork, and how to build something meaningful, not just physically, but through people,” Bakshi said.
Her friend Anya Boga sees that same determination firsthand.
“She’s one of the most persevering people I know, always been a go-getter,” Boga said.
Despite her strong presence in academics and leadership, Bakshi has a quieter side that many might not expect. After eight years of ballet and continued involvement in traditional Indian dance, it remains something deeply important to her.
“Dancing … has a really soft spot in my heart,” Bakshi said.
Krupica also pointed out that there’s more to Bakshi than what people see on the surface.
“People see that she’s very studious and very smart, but they don’t realize she’s actually really funny,” Krupica said. “There’s just so much personality there.”
Throughout high school, Bakshi says each year shaped her in different ways. While sophomore year pushed her academically, junior year stood out as her favorite.
“I felt the happiest, I had a strong circle of people around me, and I felt balanced,” Bakshi said.
Senior year, however, became a reflection of everything she had learned.
“I’ve learned the importance of finding your true friends, and how to prioritize myself, not just academics,” she said.
During her four years, she leaned on her support system.
“My mom pushed me academically, but my dad is the one who really keeps me grounded,” she said.
She also credits others, including her counselor and people outside her immediate circle, for helping her stay focused.
Looking ahead, Bakshi plans to attend a university to study industrial engineering, possibly double majoring in business, with long-term goals of earning an MBA and eventually a PhD.
“I don’t want to live an average life. I want to do something different,” she said.
But beyond achievements, her biggest takeaway from high school is more personal.
“I’ve lost myself a few times,” Bakshi said. “My biggest goal is to never lose myself again.”
If she could go back, her advice to her freshman self wouldn’t be about grades.
“Be more aware of the people you trust, not everyone is meant to stay,” Bakshi said.
Now, as she prepares for what comes next, Bakshi is focused on something deeper than success.
“If you know who you are and stay grounded, then there’s really nothing that can stop you.”
