Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

For Saloni Singh, high school at Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS) has been more than just a path to graduation — it’s been a journey of growth, resilience and finding her voice.

“High school has been a roller coaster ride — full of ups and downs, challenges and discoveries,” Saloni said. “The IB program especially pushed me to realize how capable I am when I commit to something. It taught me what it really means to rise to the occasion.”

Through it all, Saloni found a sense of belonging and inspiration in WAIS’s advanced choir and theater company — two programs that became her creative outlet and emotional anchor.

“Those were the highlights of my high school years,” she said. “The community, the people and the support — especially from Mrs. Faleiro — made all the difference. These spaces helped me manage the stress of rigorous academics and gave me the freedom to be myself.”

Rising to the Moment

Saloni’s growth wasn’t just personal — it was transformational. One moment in particular, during her sophomore year, tested her leadership in a big way. When the school’s theater director had to step away just before tech week, she suddenly found herself managing 50 students and five performances.

“I was overwhelmed at first,” she recalled. “But I realized people were counting on me. That experience taught me how to lead under pressure, how to trust myself and how to bring people together when it matters most.”

That mindset stayed with her through every challenge. “I’ve learned to believe in myself, stay open to growth and always try to understand others before making assumptions.”

Mentors Who Made a Difference

Among the many people who helped shape her journey, Mrs. Faleiro — Saloni’s choir teacher and theater director — stands out as a powerful guiding force.

“She’s so much more than a teacher,” Saloni said. “She’s a mentor, a mother figure and a friend. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She gave me a voice — not just as a singer, but as a leader.”

Whether it was her conducting cues or quiet pre-performance encouragement, Saloni said, “She turned a classroom into a home and strangers into family. She changed my life.”

Another teacher who left a lasting impact was Ms. Heil, whose confidence in Saloni’s writing helped her grow as a communicator.

“She pushed me to take pride in my voice and challenged me to use it boldly — even when I wasn’t sure of myself.”

Building Toward the Future

Inspired by her own home’s rebuilding process after Hurricane Harvey, Saloni discovered a passion for architecture. Watching home renovation shows with her mom sparked her interest, and hands-on experiences at the Guthrie Center and in the ACE Mentors program helped her fall in love with the AEC industry.

This fall, she plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture — with hopes of one day opening her own firm in Houston with her twin sister, Suhani.

“My time in the IB program didn’t just prepare me academically,” she said. “It helped me become someone who can work in teams, solve problems and communicate ideas effectively — all of which I’ll carry into college and my future career.”

Leading With Heart

From theater and choir to broadcasting for WAIS-TV, Saloni found her voice — and her leadership style.

“I learned to lead with both my head and my heart,” she said. “Thinking through technical challenges is important, but connecting with others and building relationships — that’s what truly makes a difference.”

She also credits high school with helping her develop patience, empathy and the ability to really listen — qualities she considers vital for both life and leadership.

Looking Back With Gratitude

“If I could give any advice to younger students, it would be: it’s not the end of the world if things don’t work out,” Saloni said. “High school can be intense, but your true strength shows when you keep going. That’s when you discover what you’re capable of.”

She wouldn’t change anything about her high school experience — even the hard parts.

“There were definitely challenges, but they helped me see my own strength.”

Saloni’s biggest thank-you goes to her teachers, friends and family — especially her twin sister.

“Suhani has been with me through it all. She pushed me to be better and made this journey something I’ll always treasure. I don’t know how I could’ve done high school without her.”

A Legacy of Strength and Self-Belief

As she prepares to take her next steps, Saloni hopes her classmates and teachers remember her as someone who led with heart, gave her all and helped others feel seen.

And if she had to sum it all up?

“Don’t stop believin’,” she said with a smile. “It’s more than a song lyric — it’s a reminder that even when dreams feel impossible, they’re worth chasing.”

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