Hello! My name is Armaan Sharma, and I am a senior at Alsion Montessori High School and a 2nd year student at Ohlone Community College who is passionate about social justice, equity and intergenerational violence.
My roots run deep, intertwining Indian culture with the American experience. Growing up in a large, extended family in the US, I was surrounded by a loving, boisterous community that grounded me. Our immigrant ancestry exposed me to rich Indian traditions and customs, which we continue to practice in our unique blended way—a testament to the American melting pot.
Every few years, we would travel to India to visit my dad’s family. Their home was idyllic - a pastoral setting in the foothills of the Himalayas. The air was crisp, the food was fresh from the farm, and afternoons were spent with my grandma knitting or cooking. But this was also where I first experienced toxic masculinity and patriarchy. Instead of encouraging my interest in these activities, my grandfather shooed me away, “Boys don’t do this work. Go play cricket!”
As I grew older, I discovered the concept of intersectionality, which helped me understand my own identity as a queer Indian-American boy. I realized that my experiences were shaped by the intersection of these multiple identities, fueling my passion for creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Apart from spending time with my family and engaging in advocacy, I have 3 great personal loves - baking, singing, and traveling
My first love is BAKING. I was four when I started to mimic my aunt as she created masterpieces for our birthdays. Over the years, I’ve experimented with everything from fluffy cakes and delicate macarons to crispy crepes and decadent tarts.
But baking for me isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience. The warmth of the oven, the scent of vanilla wafting through the air, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. And of course, the process is so much more enjoyable with humming along — a symphony of flavors and sounds.
My dream is to one day open a patisserie where I can share my love of baking with others - a cozy space filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods and fresh coffee, where customers can enjoy their treats while listening to live music, or conversing with others in a space that encourages them to be true to their authentic selves. It’s a vision that brings me joy and inspires me to continue honing my craft.
Along with baking, another love is SINGING. I recall humming along to nursery rhymes in kindergarten while trying to master those tricky cursive letters. By the time I was 6, I had taught myself to play the ukulele and would spend hours strumming and singing.
Ragazzi Boys Chorus gave me a community of boys who shared my passion for music. We learned much more than just how to sing. We learned how to work together as a team, to support each other, and to strive for something bigger than ourselves. It was like being part of a giant, harmonious organism, where everyone played a vital role.
You might be wondering why my website has all these mural images. Well, it all started with my mom. She was the one who nurtured my third love - the love of maps and TRAVEL. From the vibrant streets of San Francisco's Mission District to the cobblestoned alleys of Bogota’s La Candelaria historic center, we'd explore neighborhoods where street art flourished. These weren't just walls; they were raw canvases, vibrant expressions of the community's soul, powerful statements that gave a voice to the oppressed. They were a catalyst for change, a way to connect with people from different cultures, interconnected by the threads of creativity and human experience.
