(Isstories Editorial):- 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 disciplines–physical, mental, and civic–to prepare for life’s 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.
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His journey includes earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout–an achievement only 6% of Scouts attain–where he led a community service project from planning to execution. “It’s one thing to plan something,” he says, “but it’s another to get people to buy in and work together. That experience changed how I lead.”
He also draws lessons from hurdling. “You can’t just run fast–you 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 don’t 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 you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.”
About Aadeesh Shastry
