1. Introduce yourself(tell about yourself & who you are)

1. My name is Akash Raj, born and raised in the best city in the world, Jersey City, NJ. I’m still learning about myself as the days go on, so I’d say I’m a work in progress. The thing that brings me most joy is making people laugh, through conversation, jokes, whatever the case may be. 

2. What is something or someone that inspires you everyday?

My girlfriend is a huge inspiration for me, continually pushing me towards my goals and aspirations. She sees my potential more than I do sometimes and on a lot of days, that’s what keeps me going. I also draw inspiration from genuine peoples and personalities who have the same drive that I try to emulate. Those personalities can come from celebrities, close friends, and even strangers. 

3. What are some goals in life you are wanting to complete?

One of my primary goals in life is to see as much of the world as possible. Time is fleeting, so I want to experience the beauty of everything firsthand while it’s still there, while I’m still here. Aside from that, I want to leave my mark on as many people as I can. I’m still trying to figure out how I want to achieve that, but having a positive impact is important to me. 

4. What are some words of wisdom you live by everyday? 

“Mind over matter.” I apply it to everything that I can. If my mind is strong, the rest of me follows. With the power and control you feel from having a strong mind, you can get through all that life has to throw your way. 

5. What are your thoughts on the world today?

The world today is a much different place than I had imagined I would grow up into. But that imagination was also a child’s, and as an adult, your mentality tends to change. But man, the world is a fucked up place. And it just feels so shitty sometimes, knowing that things aren’t really changing. Being born in America is a privilege and that much is true, but the daily bs that goes on is just absurd. Even through all that, I’m grateful for what I’m able to do and all that I’m able to experience and see. There’s beauty somewhere underneath all the bullshit.  

6. What are some struggles you went through in life and how did you overcome it? 

Only a small group of people know this about me, but I actually had/have an autoimmune skin disorder. It started a month into college and got worse over the span of 2 years. It’s a long story, but it was the most difficult time of my life. Overcoming it was a process, I had to deal with multiple doctors, ran hundreds of tests, and eventually had to leave the country to get treated. The situation humbled me in a way I didn’t know I needed. My mother was the one who helped me through everything, and I don’t know if I could’ve done it on my own. That experience broke me in some way, and while I wouldn’t say I’m thankful it happened, I will say that I’m grateful for the type of person I became because of it. 

7. What is one way you’d like to make an impact in the world?

Like I said previously, I’m still searching for what it is that I can do to make my impact. But I believe that it starts small. So I aim to make an impact on every soul I meet. Show them kindness and generosity, show them love and support, laughter and happiness, so that in turn, they show those same things to others. And who knows how many people will be touched at the end of it. Hopefully, there is no end of it. Maybe I don’t make an impact, but maybe someone I’ve inspired does something that changes the world.