Marin County, CA — Mira Sridharan, a high school student and Marin County’s first youth poet laureate, is making waves in the literary community. Unlike most teenagers, Sridharan has already achieved notable success while balancing her studies.
What is your role?
“I am a student at the Branson School and serve as the youth poet laureate for Marin County. My goal is to make poetry more accessible to young people in the area and to break down any barriers that make it seem exclusive. I also co-edit an online literary journal called Tiger Leaping Review.”
What are your hobbies outside of work?
“When I’m not working, you can usually find me walking my dog or at home knitting and crocheting.”
Where do you live?
“I live in Kentfield with my parents, three siblings, and our dog.”
How long have you lived in Marin?
“I’ve lived in Marin for 14 years.”
What makes Marin special to you?
“If I had to show someone why Marin is great, I’d take them on a sunset drive to West Marin. We’d then have dinner at Sorella in Fairfax and finish with dessert at Mag’s Local Yogurt in Larkspur.”
What do you think Marin needs?
“Marin could really use better public transportation.”
What advice would you give to others in Marin?
“Explore as many different places in Marin as you can, especially the lesser-known spots. West Marin towns like Point Reyes Station and Inverness have a great atmosphere and are close to the ocean. Lake Lagunitas in Fairfax is also a fantastic hiking trail for families and pets.”
If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be?
“I’d invite Amanda Gorman, Kobe Bryant, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.”
What advice do you wish you had received 20 years ago?
“I’ll have to get back to you on that when I’m 20.”
What might seem cringeworthy in 20 years?
“I’m not sure yet; I haven’t figured that out.”
How would you change the world?
“I would revamp the last two years of high school to focus on life skills and pursuing personal passions. I’d also ease the pressure of college applications so students have the time to explore how they can make a positive impact in the world.”