Alumni Spotlight:
Siya Dahanukar

Class of 2023

I grew up in Mumbai, India, a fast-paced city that sparked many of my interests, particularly sports. From soccer to basketball and squash, athletics became an important part of my childhood and shaped much of who I am today.

The first K-school I attended was Rishi Valley School in rural Andhra Pradesh. Boarding there for five years was a transformative experience that taught me self-reliance and the value of community. It also gave me the freedom to explore my interest in sports and encouraged me to experiment, take risks, and discover new passions. This mindset ultimately led me to move to California and attend Oak Grove School for my final two years of high school.

My time at Oak Grove reinforced a lesson that had begun at Rishi Valley: Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

One memory that stands out is the Southwest backpacking trip during our junior year. Spending days hiking through Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin, and Zion National Park allowed our class to bond in a way that everyday life on campus never could. It remains one of the most adventurous trips I have ever been on, and I am grateful that Oak Grove gave us the opportunity to explore such remarkable places while strengthening the friendships that defined my high school experience.

Oak Grove also encouraged me to take on leadership roles that I never imagined myself pursuing, including becoming president of the Student Council. It was a role that initially felt intimidating but my peers’ belief in me pushed me to take on the challenge. Success at Oak Grove was never viewed as an individual accomplishment; students genuinely celebrated one another’s successes.

Most importantly, being part of Oak Grove’s boarding program made the school feel like a second home, like I was part of a family rather than a school. The teachers gave me the support and sense of belonging that gave me the space to take on these risks.

Through every detour, I carried with me one of Oak Grove’s most valuable lessons: there is rarely one right path.

After graduating from Oak Grove, I chose to attend Boston University. It was a challenging transition, but living in a fast-paced city helped me discover that I thrive in environments that push me to stay quick on my feet. I entered college studying Human Nutrition, driven by an interest in food science and social impact. Along the way, I changed my major twice, explored different disciplines, and completed internships in public health and rehabilitation. Through every detour, I carried with me one of Oak Grove’s most valuable lessons: there is rarely one right path.

Ironically, those experiences led me back to where I started. After graduating early, I am now pursuing a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition at Columbia University. Looking back, my journey has been anything but linear, but Oak Grove taught me to embrace that. Every challenge, change in direction, and unexpected opportunity has contributed to who I am today.

Find this and other recent articles in our 2025-26 Annual Report: From the Oak Grove.