Bhavisha Gulabrai is both a familiar face and name around Rocky Mount Academy. Whether referred to as Bhavisha, B, Shiba, or Bhkasonfhsfna, she is a friend to all (people and animals alike). She and I like to joke that we have known each other longer than anyone here, as we were both in the same hospital at the same time after our birth in 2000 (my birthday is February 28th, hers is the 29th, a leap year baby!). However, our friendship never truly kicked off until we “reconnected” in ninth grade.

One defining characteristic of Bhavisha’s is her love for animals. For as long as I can remember she has always loved being around dogs, regardless of her mother’s fear of them. However, I think Mrs. Gulabrai is now less apprehensive of Bhavisha’s canine companions, as they’ve already fostered 3 dogs for a short period of time! She works at Coats Veterinary Hospital in quite a bit of her free time and genuinely loves it. Anyone who follows her on Snapchat is sure to be met with numerous stories of adorable pups looking for a forever home. She is truly in her happy place with animals, and is one of the few seniors who knows for sure that her passion for animals will result in a career with animals in her future.

As for academics, Bhavisha has always been up for a challenge. With a chedule this year consisting of AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Environmental Science, AP English, and AP Government, she is pushing herself to do her best in some of the most challenging courses available. And she’s nailing it! She was a marshal at last years graduation (a tribute to her stellar academic performance) and will surely graduate with high marks this year.

Bhavisha is also rather athletically gifted. I actually first met her on the tennis courts in 9th grade! However, her main sport of interest in basketball. As number 11 on the basketball court, she plays as a forward and helps to carry her team with Madison Glover, the other senior on the team. She also shares her love of basketball with junior Isaiah Thomas, who wants to make sure Bhavisha knows that next year he “will miss you, best friend.”

Bhavisha Gulabrai has impacted the people of Rocky Mount Academy, as well as the canine community of Rocky Mount, in so many ways. After having been at the school almost as long as all the lifers (she began going to RMA in Kindergarten), it makes sense that her personality has reached so many people! Her kind, light-hearted spirit brightens people’s days, and her humor brings smiles to the faces of so so many. Even if she may love her animals more than people sometimes, everyone around here truly loves her. We know she will do great things, wherever she ends up next year and whatever she ends up doing. RMA is rooting for you Bhavisha!

If you would like to learn more about Bhavisha, please refer to the following interview:

1) What colleges did you apply to? What’s your first choice? I applied to UNC-CH, NC State, UGA, and ECU. I’ve gone back and forth over the years between UNC-CH and State as my top choice, but recently, my heart has been set on State.

2) Your work with Coats Veterinary Hospital over the years shows you have an obvious affinity for working with animals. What effect do you think this love for animals and your experience at Coats will have on your career choices? Working as a kennel assistant at Coats has been the biggest blessing I’ve received in my life so far. Ever since I was a kid, I have been fascinated with the relationship we have with animals. Working at Coats has made me realize that helping animals is my passion, and I’m hoping to pursue a career in the veterinary field. Working with animals has always been my dream job, and I’ve been lucky enough to get a little experience so early in my life.

3) How long have you been working at Coats? Do you have a favorite job there? I’ve been working at Coats for almost 2 years. I have the most amazing manager in the world, Shanna, who runs Odin’s Orphans dog rescue. She rescues dogs from local shelters all the time, and most are in need of medical attention, so they board at Coats. My favorite job is getting the opportunity to work with those dogs and watch them grow into their personalities once they realize they’ve been rescued. It’s the best part of the job!

4) If you could travel anywhere in the world for a vacation, where would you go and why? Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to go to Italy! My dad and I bond over how much we love Italian food, and he always tells me about the trip he’s taken there! I think it’d be so cool to go with him someday! I’ve also dreamed about going to the Maldives. It is so beautiful and I love anything to do with being on the water!

5) What is your favorite childhood memory? My favorite childhood memory would have to be trying to do every little thing my brother did! He and I would always play video games together and he would make me watch WWE with him. I was such a tomboy because of him!

6) It’s the New Year! Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions? The only resolution I made was to do one devotional every single day. I recently was given a great book of 365 devotionals, and I’m determined to spend more time with God everyday!

7) When did you start going to Rocky Mount Academy? What has been your favorite class over the years? I came to RMA for kindergarten in 2005! I’ve enjoyed a lot of classes, but my favorite would have to be Honors English 11 with Dr. O’Brien. Dr. O’Brien has the best sense of humor, she’s very understanding, and she really taught us some great life lessons.

8) What’s your favorite song? It honestly depends on what mood I’m in. My favorite music consists of everything from Taylor Swift to Drake to Hillsong United!

9) Do you have any advice for underclassmen (and some seniors I’m sure as well) for time management, as you have much experience in managing a very busy schedule? I’m not going to say “don’t procrastinate,” because I’ll be the first to admit that I am guilty of this too! All I can say is you should know by now when and where you do your best work. For example, I like to do all of my Calculus homework at school and save English homework or studying for when I’m home. It all really comes down to how much you care!

10) Graduations is quickly approaching! Do you have any RMA “Bucket List” items of things you want to do, either at the school or in Rocky Mount in general, before you graduate and head off to college? A personal goal of mine for my ARF Club at school would be to raise at least $1000 this year for Odin’s Orphans dog rescue. Odin’s holds a very special place in my heart, and we’re already halfway to my goal!