Aarit Koul, 2025 National Civics Bee Winner, on Preparation and Future Aspirations

Winning the National Civics Bee

• 🏆 Aarit Koul, a 14-year-old, shares his excitement and disbelief at winning the 2025 National Civics Bee.
• 💡 He attributes his victory to perseverance and effort in preparation, learning from previous attempts.

The Value of Civics Education

• 🧠 Koul believes studying civics empowers citizens to believe they can make a difference in the republic.
• 🤝 It has enabled him to engage in the community and foster positive change.

Future Aspirations and Education

• ⚖️ He aspires to become an attorney, with the $100,000 prize money significantly aiding his path.
• 🎓 His dream school is Yale University, and he is dedicated to working hard to achieve this goal.

Influences and Inspiration

• 👩‍🏫 Mrs. Ael, his sixth-grade social studies teacher, was a key encourager who motivated him to participate in the Civics Bee.
• 🏛️ When asked about historical figures, he would choose George Washington to understand his precedent-setting inspiration.

Impact on Peers and Community Initiatives

• 💬 Initially, friends questioned his involvement, but they now appreciate his engagement and participate in discussions.
• 🏥 Koul plans to focus on improving the U.S. healthcare system, aiming to talk to representatives and start community initiatives.
• 💸 He highlights that the U.S. spends a large portion of its GDP on healthcare with suboptimal results, inspired by a personal medical bill experience.

Message to Young Learners

• ✨ Koul encourages younger students to participate in the Civics Bee, emphasizing the learning experience and essential knowledge for preserving the republic, regardless of winning.