Class of 2021 Aqil Merchant Named to MCC 2019-20 Youth Advisory Board

Dec 4, 2019 | Build People Up, Come to Play, courage over comfort, IMAMUSTANG, Impact, Inquiry, Maverick, Multiplier, Share the Well, Upper School News

Recently, Class of 2021 Aqil Merchant was named to the Making Caring Common (MCC) Youth Advisory Board.

Making Caring Common, a project through the Harvard Graduate School of education, aims to create a world where children learn to care about others. It encourages young people who hope to schools and communities more just, caring and respectful places.

In addition to his service work outside of School, Aqil is also the founder of a Mount Vernon club, Bridging the Gap.

“As a Muslim with hard-working immigrant parents, I have always had a passion for serving underrepresented populations. My club, Bridging the Gap, has been an opportunity for me to share this passion and positively impact local refugees. It was particularly because of my progress with this initiative as well as advice from Dr. McCubbin that I felt inspired to apply to the Harvard Youth Advisory Board.

Aqil Merchant

According to the press release by MCC, the members of the Youth Advisory Board will work together to address moral issues young people face today. They will also have a voice in MCC regarding strategies and initiatives, and are encouraged to share their perspectives on current events and issues in the media today. Throughout the year, they will be given projects to develop leadership skills and cultivate a culture of kindness in the communities.

As a member of the board, I have the opportunity to collaborate with other students nationwide on social issues to help benefit our respective communities. Not only does this access to various resources and perspectives through the Making Caring Common Project allow me to further develop my passion on a much larger scale, but it will also challenge me to dive into other students’ interests as well. I can’t wait to begin my work with the Youth Advisory Board and grow from the overall experience.

Aqil Merchant

Congratulations, Aqil! We are MV proud!