When you look at Esha Patwardhan, her confidence is quiet, but it never goes unnoticed. A girlboss, an unbothered queen, and a strong leader, Esha can be intimidating to some at first. But similar to a cat, those close to her know the true warmth that lies on the inside. With her cat-like demeanor comes her ability to find balance, her level-headedness, and her playful side. With her calm and empathetic personality that is rare to come by, Esha makes valuable memories with everyone around her.
Esha may seem like a carefree student, making Enloe seem easy with her regular visits to Chili’s—always making sure to get the triple dipper—and various coffee shops, but in Esha’s inner world is a multi-faceted president of multiple organizations. As Editor-in-Chief of The Eagle’s Eye, president of Model UN, president of Art Club, for Esha, the list never stops for what she’s doing. As someone who is revered by her friends as a thoughtful, mature personality that always knows what to say, it’s not surprising Esha excels at performing leadership roles in three large Enloe organizations. The President of Art Club, Esha ensures they are always doing new, interesting activities at every biweekly meeting. From Halloween crafts to glazing pottery, Esha paints Art Club as a place for all avenues of creativity. To satisfy her more competitive side, Esha shines in Model UN as a competitor and a leader. Esha’s leadership is clear with Enloe winning Best Small Delegation at the most recent Model UN Chapel Hill (MUNCH) conference and organizing a full Model UN at Enloe, acting as the host herself. “[Esha] shows that the most effective leaders aren’t always the loudest, but the ones people can trust to give good advice,” says Stella Paccione, a Model UN club member. Of course, it is impossible to write an article about Esha without discussing her monumental contributions to the Enloe Eagle’s Eye. As our Editor-in-Chief, Esha leads our class everyday providing guidance whenever we need. One of our future Editors-in-Chief, Elise Kohli states, “Esha displays extraordinary maturity, she leads with wisdom beyond her years. When we first started to consider printing our paper, she was such a calm, understanding leader and offered fantastic advice and guidance.”
With her professionalism in school, some may expect Esha to let loose and get wild outside of working hours, but to the relief of friends around her, Esha’s wit, patience and wisdom are never missing from an interaction with her. Lulu Shue and Luckie Fang, long-time friends of Esha who have grown with her, talk first-hand about how they can rely on Esha for GOOD advice or drafting an emotional text message where they just can’t find the right words. When asked where she sees Esha in the future, Luckie comments, “I see her SLAYING UP… She’ll succeed in corporate if that’s what she wants to do. I think she’ll thrive in whatever she does.”
It’s not just close friends who predict Esha’s success either, Enloe Art Teacher Ms. Mann writes that she sees “her in many different careers, but I see her doing it with a smile on her face and enjoying life.” Ms. Mann further explained that Esha “works hard at her craft and is thoughtful and intelligent in her ideas and themes around her artwork” in class, while also bringing a “quiet sense of humor.” From attending governor’s school for art to being nominated most artistic as a senior superlative, Esha’s artistic side touches everything she does.
No matter what perspective one takes, it’s clear Esha’s life was and is meant for success in the past, present and future. Whether it be as a city girl not letting any obstacle come in her way in corporate, or planning the next Enloe Model UN meeting, Esha’s performance in all she puts her heart into is sure to translate in any field she takes to. Next year, Esha plans to attend UNC Chapel Hill, majoring in Statistics where we are sure she will not only finish with ease, but while also having fun with friends along the way. Esha, the Eagle’s Eye will always remember you. We hope that this place can always be somewhere you can think back on as warm and as a second home. Thank you Esha for everything you’ve given to The Eagle’s Eye and the greater Enloe community. Keep MUNCH(ing) and eating it up at UNC!
Dear Esha,
I can’t believe it’s almost time to say goodbye. I know we’re all writers, but it’s hard to find the right words to say when someone so impactful is going away. Although you won’t be too far in Chapel Hill, we’ll miss you all the same. You’re one of the most humble, emotionally mature people I know, and I can always rely on you to help me sort through tough situations in newspaper. You’ve helped me through countless editing ordeals that I didn’t know how to get past. I remember last year when you got into Gov School, Mrs. Miller called you into her office during newspaper. You came back and sat with me quietly, and you told me you got in to Gov School! Yet, you didn’t tell anyone else in the class in order to be considerate to other people who might not have received the same good news. It takes real strength and integrity to know when to be humble, and to think about how others are feeling during a moment when you’re celebrating yourself. Never let go of this part of yourself, and remember to visit us next year!
Sincerely,
Danica
Esha,
I am so sad that your time has come for you to fly away to a better place… Esha, you truly are one of the most amazing seniors I’ve met through this class and even during our first year here when you were a junior and me and Danica were sophomores. You were one of the first people that we both talked to in order to meet new people in the class and I’ll never forget how kind you were. Initially, I thought you were quiet because you were shy, but I later learned that couldn’t be further from the truth. You are a talented, mature and confident person that UNC isn’t ready for. Don’t let anything stop you… not that anything will be able to.
Best,
Bryan
