Aivant Goyal

Look for senior Aivant Goyal, and you’ll probably find him at a club meeting. As an ESSO board member, co-head of Exeter Business Club, Exeter Computing Club and ESSO Robotics Club, Goyal has a full plate. Whether he’s fiercely debating in the Daniel Webster Debate Society or teaching children to code in Junior Computing Club, Goyal weaves a common thread of kindness and empathy for others in everything he does. His intellectual brilliance—exemplified by an extensive knowledge of math, computer science and history—is complemented by his desire to connect with others and to improve their lives.

While he arrived at Exeter as a new lower knowing that math was one of his strengths, Goyal made a conscious decision to expand his interests during his first year here. He signed up for several clubs at his first club night, but instead of “whittling down” that number over the year, he “just kind of stuck with them” because he loves everything that he does. It was during his first year at the Academy that he realized his love for social service, debate and business.

Goyal’s interest in computer science began in seventh grade. He was bored at math camp and began playing on his graphing calculator. That’s how he accidentally taught himself how to program and code. Among his various computer science related clubs at Exeter, Goyal has also helped run an annual hackathon called “HackExeter.” The hackathon is one of the only technology competitions in the area that is geared toward middle schoolers. Senior Eric Tang, a close friend who has worked with Goyal in both debate, HackExeter and ESSO Junior Computing Club, said that he admires everything about him. “He’s always just incredibly funny, curious and insightful,” Tang said. “He’s always there to talk to whenever I’m going through a rough patch or just want someone to talk to.”While he arrived at Exeter as a new lower knowing that math was one of his strengths, Goyal made a conscious decision to expand his interests during his first year here. He signed up for several clubs at his first club night, but instead of “whittling down” that number over the year, he “just kind of stuck with them” because he loves everything that he does. It was during his first year at the Academy that he realized his love for social service, debate and business.

“He’s always there to talk to whenever I’m going through a rough patch or just want someone to talk to.”

Tang also praised Goyal for his leadership skills, saying he’s an organized and charismatic coach to anyone who is learning to code. He also described him as “exceptionally curious,” and said when he discovers something new he will pour in tremendous amounts of time and energy to learn about it. “I’m always telling him to go to sleep when he’s coding some brilliant project at 3 a.m.,” Tang said. He added that Goyal brings those same qualities to HackExeter and ESSO.

As the off-campus coordinator of ESSO, Goyal has embraced not only helping the Exeter community, but also the local community. He said that the ESSO board is the group of people who helps Exonians meet, structure and organize events with the community. They do this to help Exonians get involved in and out of the Exeter bubble. For him, ESSO is “fellowship with the community and with more than just Exonians.”

Senior Connie Cai, a co-president of ESSO, described Goyal as one of the most genuine people she has ever met. She recalled times when he would go out of his way to make her day better—whether it be through surprising her with chocolate or sending her a postcard over the summer. As a leader, she said he is dedicated, passionate and never accepts the status quo or anything as “good enough.” She added that he is always looking for a new and creative solution. “I really admire how much he puts into his work, and how genuinely dedicated and passionate he is about his favorite things,” she said.

In addition to all his clubs, Goyal is also an active resident of Soule Hall as a proctor and Student Listener. Health instructor and dorm faculty Elizabeth Hurley said that Goyal understands at a deep level all his fellow dormmates, helping younger students adjust to Exeter and older students cope with stress.

“He has kind of been a proctor in my eyes for the last two years,” she said. “Now as an official proctor, [he is] that link between faculty and the students in the dorm: letting faculty know if we should be aware of something.”

The lowerclassmen in Soule agreed that Goyal is an essential asset in the dorm. Lower Adrian Venzon said he talks to him about anything. “His room is always open and I always feel welcome,” he said. “I will definitely miss him after graduation, and I will miss his hugs the most.”

Lower Charlie Neuhaus added that Goyal is a consistent source of advice. “You can tell that he really cares about everyone in the dorm, and that makes him a really good proctor,” he said.

The broader Exeter community also finds solace in Goyal’s presence. Upper Alexis Gorfine admired him for his ability to remain optimistic despite all the stresses of senior year. “And not only is he a happy person himself, but he is also always encouraging and cheering up others,” she said. Senior Kaitlyn Kang agreed that Goyal can brighten anyone’s day.

“I remember once I had mentioned briefly to him that I was going to pull an all-nighter, and the next morning he tracked me down and made me tea and gave me a nice big hug,” Kang said.

Senior Abigail Africa said that Goyal is exceptional because he is generous in giving of himself, from helping with homework to college essays—everything with him is personal. “He always takes the time to tell you his thoughts, and I love the way he thinks,” she said. “Something about it is so balanced. There’s no other way to put it. It’s logical and yet completely empathetic.”

Africa recalled a time when he bought her “post-traumatic burgers” after she took the ACT. “He’s an enduring friend who’s inclined to serving others before he asks for anything himself,” she said, and added that he rarely asks for things. “He’s just kind, and he’s good at thinking and talking and pretty much everything else, and he puts other people first consistently. I think all of this is why he fits in so well to the Exeter community,” Africa said.