Grade: Grade 6

Started with SA: Grade 1

Future Plans: “As far as cubing, I’d like to expand the cubing community across Pittsburgh and into other cities. I’d like to pursue a career in engineering and working with technology someday.”

Role Model: “My role model is my dad. He helps me with math and the sports I play and always supports me.”

Spotlight: In the summer of 2022, Arjun discovered the world of cubing when the sight of kids effortlessly solving Rubik's Cubes at a summer camp he attended sparked his interest. He then went on YouTube to explore this hobby and watched others speedcubing. Intrigued, Arjun decided to try solving a cube himself, delving into the realm of algorithms through a PDF guide his dad found on the internet. 

The joy found in cubing quickly became something Arjun turned into his passion. Fueled by the pursuit of speed improvement and the thrill of competition, Arjun finds comfort in the supportive community surrounding cubing, where everyone celebrates each other's successes.

Over time, he has tremendously improved his skills, achieving an average solving time of 17-18 seconds after dedicated practice. His aspiration now is to break the 12-second mark.Arjun showcases his skills at various competitions, including a recent one in Canada. While local events are something he enjoys, his eyes are set on the 2025 World Championships in Seattle, Washington. “I would love to go there and compete. It would be an incredible experience”, he said.

Pressure during competitions doesn't phase Arjun, who remains calm and focused, seamlessly navigating through algorithms. Arjun’s favorite cube is the 3x3 Cube as it is great for speed cubing and the first one he ever tried to solve. On the weekends, he enjoys practicing and improving his cubing skills, using online platforms for scrambles and self-timing.

Beyond cubing, Arjun is an avid tennis player, representing Sewickley Academy in tournaments and participating in the local Oxford Athletics Club tennis program. Somehow he finds time in his busy schedule for other hobbies, including video games, quality moments with friends and family, and has recently started playing chess.

In the Spring of 2023, Arjun established the Sewickley Cubing Club. His inspiration came from seeing others at a competition who had apparel with their school’s club and thinking of how he could incorporate that into the Sewickley community. He envisioned a space that would bring cubing enthusiasts together and knew this was a great way to make it happen. The club has since become a place for local Pittsburgh Cubers to share their passion and come together for friendly competition.

Arjun emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance. His advice to anyone with an interest in cubing is “Be patient. When something goes wrong, just keep going. It will work out.” With goals for 2024 of faster cubing times, tennis improvement, and academic excellence, he still manages time efficiently, prioritizing school while keeping an eye out for upcoming competitions. The journey continues, with the Rubik's Cube serving as a colorful centerpiece in Arjun's multifaceted life.