From the moment Amir Smith joined ILTexas halfway through his seventh-grade year, he was already on a trajectory toward greatness. Now, as a graduating senior from ILTexas Keller Saginaw High School, Amir is not only leaving a legacy of leadership and service but also stepping confidently into a future in public service.

“I want to be the change that I want to see.

Finding Opportunity Through Language

Amir’s family chose ILTexas primarily for its unique language programs, recognizing that fluency in Spanish and Chinese could open countless doors for him in the future. By the end of eighth grade, Amir had tested out of his freshman year, allowing him to start high school as a sophomore. Now, at just 16 years old, he is graduating a year early.

A Passion for Politics and Public Service

 

From early on, Amir immersed himself in extracurricular activities that aligned with his interests. He joined Texas Model United Nations in eighth grade and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest elected state officer for Texas Model UN. His leadership continued into high school, where he took on officer roles in Model UN and became deeply involved in student government. Over the past two years, Amir served as his grade’s representative, and this year, he proudly holds the title of Student Body President.

“Take advantage of every opportunity you get. And don’t be afraid to reach out to people that have done it before you.”
 

Amir’s passion for advocacy led him to co-found the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Student Association at ILTexas Keller Saginaw HS. Through this initiative, he and his peers successfully lobbied for the addition of an AAPI Heritage Month assembly, ensuring that diverse cultures were celebrated and recognized within the school community.

"One of the things I really love about ILTexas is that our assemblies and many of our initiatives are truly student-led."

 

 

ILTexas: A Launchpad for Success

Reflecting on his time at ILTexas, Amir credits the ILTexas's supportive environment for much of his success. He highlights the value of small class sizes, individualized attention, and student-led initiatives, which allowed him to grow as a leader and thinker. Programs like the Distinguished Student Ambassadors Program (DSAP) further fueled his aspirations, providing him with life-changing experiences such as meeting with the Department of Defense and other key policymakers in Washington, D.C.

“Going on that trip (DSAP) solidified the fact that I do want to go into public service, and I feel like that's also something that ILTexas really provides, like the idea of having and needing public service.

The Road Ahead

Amir has yet to announce his final college decision as he awaits responses from several prestigious universities, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Columbia. Regardless of where he chooses to attend, one thing is certain: his future in public service is bright. 

Congratulations, Amir! Your ILTexas family is incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.