A Senior’s Journey of Continued Service with JEP

In Nelly Cristales’ second-grade classroom at 32nd Street Elementary, Anish gently encourages one of his students who just proudly shared she’s been practicing their challenge words at home. For this senior from Dubai, these moments of connection and progress represent far more than just volunteer hours—they’re the culmination of years of dedicated service that began before he even joined USC.

Anish’s journey with JEP spans multiple semesters and roles, from teaching Computer Science at John Mack to Economics at St. Agnes. Now, as a two-time recipient of the prestigious Grace Ford Salvatori Scholarship, a scholarship awarded at the annual JEP Community Service Awards, he continues to serve — not for course credit, but purely for the joy of making a difference.

“Through my first assignments with JEP I developed a great interest in sharing my love for subjects I care about,” Anish explains. “It’s truly a unique feeling to be responsible for teaching a large group of students; it’s even more rewarding when they enjoy your lessons.”

His current role as a one-on-one reading and writing tutor offers new perspectives on education. “The biggest revelation was how adaptive and personalized teaching styles must be for different students,” he shares. “It’s essential to approach each student holistically rather than applying a formulaic approach to teaching.” Watching Anish work with his 2nd grade students, it’s clear that his impact goes beyond academic support. He’s helping build confidence, foster dedication, and demonstrate the power of consistent encouragement. 

What sets JEP apart from his past volunteering experience for Anish is its emphasis on meaningful collaboration. Unlike other community service experiences that demanded either significant individual leadership or passive participation, JEP offered a balanced approach. “Through the mini-course assignment, I felt I was making a meaningful impact while also collaborating with other students and leading collectively.”

As an international student, Anish’s experience with JEP has also provided profound insights into his adopted community. “My experience has allowed me to witness firsthand the socioeconomic disparities between USC and its surrounding community,” he reflects. “This stands in stark contrast to the experiences of many international students, many of whom attended highly resourced private schools.”

His commitment to the community extends beyond the classroom walls. Recently, after students and teachers invited him, Anish participated in the school’s student-run blood drive as a donor. “This was my favorite memory because it truly represented the opportunities for USC students to engage with the surrounding community and serve as positive role models for younger students.”