Finding purpose through passion

(HILLSBORO) — While childhood dreams often take shape in a single pursuit, Saanvi Shah’s journey follows many routes developed through exploration.

Shah, a 10-year-old from Hillsboro, has developed a myriad of interests, from starting her own art business to advocating for cultural education. But at the nexus of her hobbies is a passion for helping others.

Kshiti Shah, Shah's mom, said her daughter has found growth in curiosity, constantly expanding her horizons with opportunities to learn and get involved.

“My philosophy is to have kids get exposed if there's an opportunity because you never know what they are interested in, and just by exposing them, you kind of get to know where their skill sets are,” Kshiti Shah said. “They’re like a sponge at this age; they absorb everything.”

It has not been a struggle to pinpoint Saanvi Shah’s interests as the fourth grader continues to find ways to express herself. Among her various passions is dance — a hobby she has pursued since she was very young.

“I really like trying different things, and dance is something that I like doing because it's something that shows my culture. And it's something that I can also move with a lot,” Shah said.

Shah takes dance lessons online from a teacher in India, and she has been able to showcase her talents at P.L. Patterson Elementary, where she goes to school.

According to Patterson Principal Jamie Lentz, Shah has performed during the school’s cultural nights, which offer a chance for students and families to come together and share their backgrounds.

Inspired to bring cultural education to the forefront, Shah took the next step by expressing interest in a space where students could come together to learn about diversity and inclusion, which recently came to fruition as the “United Patterson” club.

“Saanvi was interested in starting a cultural club or an equity-type club, and one of our staff members decided to take it off the ground,” Lentz explained. “And they're focused on learning sign language, learning about other disabilities and other cultures. So she helped with that as well.”

The club is just one example of Shah’s ambition to transform her passions into impactful endeavors. After visiting India in 2022 and seeing people struggling with housing, Shah was inspired to raise money to support those in need through artworks she made.

“I went to India and saw homeless kids, and I thought that they should have a place to live and they should have access to things. And I also saw people struggling in Hillsboro and Portland, so I got the idea to start raising money for charity,” Shah said.

Tapping into her creativity, Shah began selling paintings, magnets, tie-die shirts and tote bags during the summer of 2023. Using the money, she connected with Beaverton-based HomePlate Youth Services, a nonprofit that provides support for unhoused youth in Washington County.

“She decided to raise money, but then she didn't want to donate her cash to the organization. She wanted to identify what items they actually need,” Kshiti Shah said. “So we went to Costco and bought a bunch of dental supplies because that's what they needed. And that’s the charity that she wants to support going forward.”

While Saanvi Shah has put her business on hold due to school, dance, piano lessons and chess (which she’s a state champion in), she hopes to continue her business next summer and continue sharing her art for a cause.

“Hopefully, it'll expand,” Kshiti Shah said. “She’s putting in the effort and continuing to learn as part of the process.”