Columbus housing crisis hits home for social worker and volunteer
As Columbus continues to face housing crisis, AnnMarie Buswell, a social worker and shelter volunteer, feels empathy for homeless after eviction.
He’s 15 years old, accomplished and determined to help.
“Growing up, I had many traits, such as being optimistic. I always looked on the bright side of a situation, even if the odds were against me,” said Aarush Gupta.
“I was respectful, but still curious to learn more about the general way of life and just wanting to gain more knowledge. This really shaped my outlook on helping others.
“My curiosity guided me toward this path and really made me passionate about helping others. This has played a big influence on me now, as I’m able to help people like I dreamed to do as a kid.”
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All those traits came together for Gupta, as he now volunteers and gives back to the community.
“I believe if anyone has the right resources, they should always give back to the community,” he said.
“I’ve volunteered at many places, such as my local library, the National Junior Honor Society, Habitat ReStore, gardening in the city parks and volunteering tennis lessons to young players.
“I’m also part of the Sewa International Design-To-Lead program in which we identified several problems in underserved minority communities, such as a Nepalese-Bhutanese community in Columbus.”
Sewa International is a humanitarian, nonprofit organization that’s involved in various community-service programs, such as disaster relief, education initiatives, elderly care and much more.
As one of his many activities, Gupta helped organize a charity tennis tournament again this summer at Dublin Scioto High School. The purpose was to raise money to purchase school supplies for underprivileged kids at area elementary schools.
“I’ve been playing tennis since I was in third grade and love the sport,” he said. “I play competitive tennis and made the varsity team as a freshman at Dublin Jerome. So for me, organizing a charity tennis tournament was a perfect way to combine my two passions of playing tennis and volunteering.”
Last year, the tournament’s proceeds were donated to an elementary school in Gahanna to purchase school supplies.
“I believe every child should get an opportunity to receive a quality education,” Gupta said.
“Some kids are unable to purchase school supplies, and that impacts their education and growth. I want to provide support to such students so they’re able to purchase books and other school supplies and they get the best resources possible.”
For his efforts Gupta received the 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award, which honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities.
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Gupta also earned the Gold Certificate Congressional Award, which required 90 hours of voluntary public service over a six-month period.
“His volunteering efforts are starting to create a ripple effect in the community and beyond,” said his father, Amit Gupta, a research leader at Battelle.
“His volunteering activities,” his father said, “have not only helped those in need but also helped him develop empathy, patience and a sense of gratitude. He has gained new perspectives and is starting to gain an understanding of different walks of life. By sharing his positive experiences, he’s able to inspire others to get involved and make a difference.
“Aarush is a kindhearted and wonderful boy,” said Amit, “who has demonstrated qualities of compassion, integrity and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. He considers volunteering as a powerful way to give back to the community, make a difference in the lives of others and enrich his own life.”
Drew Bracken grew up in Upper Arlington, was a TV news anchor for years and is a longtime freelance writer for Gannett newspapers. If you have a suggestion for a future inspirational profile, email Emily Rohozen, entertainment and things-to-do editor, at erohozen@gannett.com.
