About the Founder
Hello there! I’m Aayan Shah, the founder of Story Book for Success and currently a senior at
Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy. I live in Melbourne, Florida with my family, and my journey has
been shaped by a passion for making a difference in others’ lives through education and
empowerment.
It all started when I embarked on a mission to support the educational dreams of kids in need. I
raised around $7,000 by selling used books and donated the funds to the JVB of Orlando
organization. This money went toward covering tuition for four bright students in India, whom
I’ve also tutored for the past four years. Their commitment to their studies has been incredible,
with each of them earning either first class or first class with distinction every semester. In two
years, they’ll have the chance to apply to college, and I am honored to have played a part in
helping them pursue their dreams.
In my junior year, I founded Story Book for Success, an organization dedicated to connecting
high school students with mentors across diverse career fields. I have interviewed inspiring
professionals from various backgrounds and shared their insights on our platform, hoping to
help students build valuable connections and find a path toward their future aspirations.
Through Story Book for Success, I’m committed to expanding opportunities, nurturing ambition,
and providing others with the resources they need to succeed. I look forward to sharing this
journey with you and inspiring others to make their dreams a reality.
My approach:
My approach centers on creating genuine, meaningful conversations that go beyond
surface-level achievements. I strive to uncover the pivotal moments in each person’s story—the
turning points where they faced setbacks, questioned their path, or found renewed purpose. In
each interview, I prioritize empathy and curiosity, treating every individual’s story as a unique
journey with invaluable lessons. To make these interactions accessible and relatable, I focus on
asking questions that resonate with the challenges and dreams of students seeking their own
paths.
One of my favorite parts of Story Book for Success is sharing these stories in a way that
empowers students to imagine possibilities they may never have considered. I’ve found that
hearing firsthand about real-world experiences, from the early doubts to the triumphs, can
provide the motivation students need to chase their goals with confidence. And like the students
who read these stories, I’m constantly inspired by the insights shared and the connections
formed.
Ultimately, Story Book for Success is about building a bridge between high school students and
the vast world of potential careers, perspectives, and mentors. My hope is that each story offers
guidance, support, and a spark of inspiration for those still mapping out their own unique
journeys.