Urbana Barua

Favorite subject at CRLS
Sociology

Why is it your favorite subject?
My favorite Sociology project was our final: a Cambridge city profile exploring how identity and culture are shaped by geography, housing, and neighborhoods. My partner Anaiya and I (the dynamic duo of our class) focused on redlining and exclusionary zoning, covering topics like social media portrayals, school data in gentrified areas, and the history of racial bias in housing. It was our longest and most meaningful project, and it was eye-opening to research gentrification and local housing policies which were topics I hadn’t studied in depth before.

Favorite CRLS Staff Person
Jones and Diamond our security staff!!
  
What makes that staff person so special?
They’re the first faces you see when you walk into school, holding it down in the halls, and the last ones you see when you leave. Always bringing the energy and putting a smile on our faces. Whether we’re cracking jokes, rap battling, or just having real conversations, they make every day better. They keep us safe, they show up for us, and they bring the best vibes. Nothing but love and appreciation for them always!

Extracurricular activities, clubs, school-related activities
Cambridge Youth Council, Harvard Crimson Summer Academy, CPSD School Committee (student gov), Junior Park Ranger at the National Parks of Boston, Modern Dance Company (MDC), Youth Equity Summit

What were some of the out-of-school time (O.S.T) programs that you participated in anytime between grades 6-12?
The Work Force, Harvard Crimson Summer Academy, Breakthrough

How did participating in any sports, arts, clubs and/or OST programs contribute to your success during your high school years?
I’m driven by a constant pursuit of both academic and personal growth. I approach learning with genuine curiosity and a strong desire to expand my knowledge, especially in the subjects I’m passionate about such as policy, government, and science. That’s why I often go beyond the typical 8:30–3:00 school day at CRLS because I see my time as an opportunity to learn, lead, and grow. Whether it’s through jobs, responsibilities, or leadership roles, I aim to apply what I’ve learned in real and meaningful ways. I thrive when I’m busy. Juggling challenging coursework, extracurriculars, and personal interests doesn’t exhaust me but it instead energizes me. I see each responsibility as a chance to improve myself, take risks, and build confidence. I’m not afraid to put myself or my ideas out there, especially when it comes to contributing to my community. I’m also someone who values collaboration over working alone. One of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience has been serving as a 4-year member of the Cambridge Youth Council (CYC). This role has deeply shaped who I am as a student and young adult in Cambridge. Through CYC, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how our city government works and how student voices can influence real policy.

What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
My time at CRLS has been nothing short of exciting, rigorous, and innovative. The community at this school pushed me to take risks and step outside of my comfort zone which is something I now see as the most valuable lesson I’ve learned over the past four years. From the beginning, I set high standards for myself, aiming to grow both academically and personally while resisting the urge to limit my potential. But that growth wasn’t always easy. In my freshman year, I was hesitant to take any AP classes because of what others said that made me doubt myself. But by sophomore year, I challenged myself with AP Chemistry with Mr. Gupta. It was fast-paced, intense, and exhausting, but it was also the first time I truly saw the results of self-advocacy and resilience. I continued this mindset in Organic Chemistry with Mr. Bartholomew as a junior in a class full of seniors, working tirelessly alongside my friend Leena. These experiences reminded me that no matter how high I think I’ve reached, there’s always another level I can push myself toward. At CRLS, I found my group of people where we all support each other through the struggles and grow through it. The teachers, the culture, and the diversity of experiences have made me feel like I belong while also challenging me to evolve. That combination is what I’ll carry with me the most in the future.

What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
Something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know is that it’s a place full of opportunities to pursue your goals academically, personally, or extracurricular ones. But it’s up to you to seek it out. With so many paths to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or pulled in too many directions. That’s why it’s important to build real connections with your teachers, mentors, and peers who can help guide you toward what truly fits you. CRLS gives you the freedom to grow, but you have to take ownership of your journey and be intentional about how you use what’s offered.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen about CRLS?
The same advice I gave above!!

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