Reading “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know” had a notable impact on Sagar Raghavan, a senior at North Allegheny and one of 104 high school students selected to attend the 64th annual United States Senate Youth Program in March.
In the 2021 release, author Adam Grant tells the story of a “fatal disease” plaguing the world, with people stubborn in their views, leading to friction in what should be collaborative discussions about the world’s issues, Raghavan said.
The book helped pique Raghavan’s interest in government.
“I fall victim to a closed mind at times, but reading ‘Think Again’ has made me address every conflict with an open mind, and since then, I’ve rethought how our government works,” he said. “If every policy official considered a variety of perspectives, our policymaking process would be far more inclusive. I want to be that inclusive policy official.”
With those goals in mind, being selected for the upcoming U.S. Senate Youth Program is a perfect start for Raghavan, where he will accompany U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick for an intensive weeklong study of the federal government and the people who lead it in Washington, D.C.
Raghavan will meet with the president, a Supreme Court justice, other senators and high-level officials during his visit. The distinction also earned him a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.
The 17-year-old, a fan of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, said he hopes to learn how policy decisions are made — from conversations behind closed doors to the tradeoffs ethically.
“I want to better understand what effective, ethical leadership looks like at the highest level of government. Most of all, I’m excited to learn how I can take what I gain from this week and turn it into real impact for young people in my community. I want to be the greatest leader possible, and I’m hoping my week at USSYP can take me a step in that direction,” he said.
The Marshall resident already has put his goals into action.
“My Amma (Mom) was always the house leader, self-assured no matter the scenario. So when I saw her nearly in tears over income statements, I knew something was wrong — but it wasn’t her fault,” he said.
Social discrimination, language barriers and financial illiteracy create financial exclusion for immigrants, leading to a nearly two times likelihood of poverty compared to native citizens, he said.
This led to Futr, an app he co-founded as a sophomore with fellow North Allegheny student Rinesh Sunthar. The web app connects immigrants to critical financial resources such as banks or tax services.
Raghavan credits his friend, now a junior, with “getting me down to earth amidst my flow of ambitious ideas.”
“It’s been an amazing opportunity to learn from Sagar’s perspective. Working toward a shared vision, there was never a goal too big or a problem too difficult for him and me. Sagar’s relentless drive coupled with an endless quest for knowledge have made him the kind of character everyone wants to root for, no matter what his next chapter might entail,” said Sunthar, adding his “ballot for the 2044 presidential election is decided.”
Students selected for the U.S. Senate Youth Program is done through a competitive, merit-based process at the state level. Teachers or principals nominate students, followed by a state-administered civics exam and assessments through essays or interviews, according to ussenateyouth.org.
The final selection of two delegates and alternates is made by the chief state school officer, who considers factors such as leadership, academics and community service.
Students must be high school juniors or seniors in the current academic year and hold an elected or appointed position in the student body or have a significant leadership role in their school or community.
Raghavan is co-president of the North Allegheny Model UN and serves as vice president of Community Outreach for Pennsylvania for DECA, an organization focused on business and entrepreneurship, among other activities.
In his free time, he runs with friends and enjoys movie nights with his family with 2010’s “The Social Network” being his favorite film of all time. He also stays abreast of economic and business theories and news, he said.
His sister, Srinidhi, graduated from North Allegheny in 2023.
“She’s the best. I love my family,” he said.
Raghavan offered a few words for his fellow students — and anyone really, he said.
“I believe that the youth of today can do anything. Restrictions like ‘age’ are nonexistent, and programs like USSYP prove it. Hard work, ambition and passion for an issue are three-quarters of the things you need. The last? Ego — believing in yourself and your ability,” Raghavan said.