Meet Anjali!

Anjali Anagol-Subbarao

Current Junior Verbal Instructor & member of the Volunteer Recruiting Team

“MMBay has given me a community of lifelong friendships.”

Meet our amazing volunteer with Minds Matter Bay Area (MMBay), Anjali Anagol-Subbarao! Anjali is in her 2nd year as a junior verbal instructor, and is also on the Volunteer Recruiting team where she helps attract the best candidates to continue our mission of helping low-income students in the Bay Area.

As an instructor, Anjali dedicates two hours every week to teaching students a skills-based curriculum that produces measurable improvement on SAT & ACT results. With an approximate 1:2 instructor-student ratio, these test prep sessions resulted in the average MMBay student in the Class of 2023 improving over 257 points on a 1600 SAT scale. Anjali and other MMBay volunteers work tirelessly to provide world-class support to underprivileged students.

What is your favorite part of Minds Matter Bay Area (MMBay)?

My favorite part is the interaction with the students, seeing how they are doing, understanding what classes they are taking, their hobbies, and what they want to do in the summer.

What is your favorite Minds Matter Bay Area memory?

When I had a 1:1 with the students, and they felt that my verbal instruction really helped them in their SATs.

What are your relationships like with the students you work with?

This year, I have been teaching 1:1 or 1:2 as a verbal instructor, and I have built a bond with my students. I can see them grow through the year academically. 

What goes on during the Saturday sessions with the students you work with?

In the fall, we teach the verbal curriculum for SAT test preparation. As the SAT transitioned to a digital format, we prepared the students and focused on doing drills of the verbal questions over the winter and spring.

How did you hear about MMBay?

A very close friend of mine has been involved in MMBay for nearly 7 years and she inspired me to apply and join!

What inspired you to become a volunteer?

I wanted to pay it forward by contributing my time and skills, and I love teaching and giving guidance to others.

How have you benefited personally from your experience at MMBay?

I look forward to Saturdays to interact with the students as well as with the volunteers. Minds Matter Bay Area is a great community to interact with!

What does MMBay mean to you?

I love teaching the mentees, but more than that I love the community, especially since I recently moved to SF and am making good friends at MMBay.

What has been your favorite social event or gathering?

Mentors Matter event - the venue is amazing! The event is fun, and I enjoyed talking to attendees about what I do at MMBay.

What is a fun fact about you?

I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.