New York City, New York Aug 30, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Scholar and former student-athlete Aadeesh Shastry is calling on young people and communities to focus on developing skills across multiple disciplinesphysical, mental, and civicto prepare for lifes varied challenges. Drawing from his own experiences in track and field, basketball, chess, and scouting, Shastry emphasizes that adaptability and discipline are learned through action.

Sports taught me how to push myself. Chess taught me how to think ahead, says Shastry. The more different kinds of challenges you face, the better prepared you are for the next one.

According to the Journal of Youth Development, young people involved in both sports and structured community programs are 40% more likely to demonstrate leadership skills and 25% more likely to excel academically. Shastry believes the combination of athletics, strategic games, and community service builds a foundation for resilience and problem-solving.

His journey includes earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scoutan achievement only 6% of Scouts attainwhere he led a community service project from planning to execution. Its one thing to plan something, he says, but its another to get people to buy in and work together. That experience changed how I lead.

He also draws lessons from hurdling. You cant just run fastyou have to be precise with every step, Shastry explains. Preparation matters in every field, not just on the track.

Shastry encourages people to start small in building their own skill sets.

• Join a local sports league or fitness group to build discipline and teamwork.
  
  
• Play strategy games like chess to strengthen patience and planning.
  
  
• Volunteer for community projects to learn leadership and service.

You dont have to do everything at once, he says. Pick one new challenge, stick with it, and see how it changes you.

For Shastry, the takeaway is simple: Every challenge is just a puzzle. Solve enough of them, and youll be ready for whatever comes next.

 More On Newspulsebyte ::

•   Zandra R. Reid, RN, CLNC, BSN, MJ, Elevates Legal Nurse Consulting in Georgia
•   SNAH Launches SEED RAISE To Revolutionize Healthcare Software Management With a Competitive Edge
•   That's So Mariana's Short Film "White - Black Canvas" Earns Three Nominations at LA Webfest, Including Best Performance
•   A Beginner's Guide to Cloud Mining in 2025: How to Start Cloud Mining Cryptocurrency Without Buying Hardware
•   Raven Resources Corp. Appoints Kane Russell Coleman Logan PC as Legal Advisors

About Aadeesh Shastry

Aadeesh Shastry is a scholar and former student-athlete from Fremont, California. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago (2022) and New York University (2023), with a background in athletics, chess, and community service. An Eagle Scout, Shastry has competed in track and field, basketball, and continues to advocate for skill development, leadership, and lifelong learning. He is currently based in New York, New York.