Gianna Sen is a senior at Carmel. She is well known among our community for her witty remarks and outgoing nature. Sen grew up in New York for the first eight years of her life, moving to Charlotte when she was in third grade. The Sen family moved to be closer to her mother’s family and the change of weather. 

Sen enjoyed her time in New York as she got to spend time with her other side of the family. Sen said, “I liked it because I have a super big family, and it was nice to be around them all.” She also spoke about spending time with her brother building snow forts and other outdoor activities. “I lived in an area called Clinton and it gave off the cutest little Gilmore Girls town vibe,” Sen stated.

Sen enjoyed moving to Charlotte because she loved the South. She was always raised around farms and agricultural sections of New York which makes her feel like more of a southern girl than a northern one. Sen stated, “I love the fact that I can go to church in boots in a sundress.”

Sen has a 20-year-old brother, David Sen, as well as sixteen aunts, uncles and cousins. She also has a dog named Layla who Sen states, “is the most perfect thing.” 

Sen has riding horses since the third grade. She started her journey after she moved to Charlotte. Her mother signed her up for horse riding lessons at Chestnut Lane Stables where she rode her first horse, Sandler. Sen said she “absolutely fell in love” with the sport. Recently Sen has taken a break from competitive riding as she has been doing more recreationally since her lease horse, Elvis, is on the older side. “I’ve always loved horses. When I’m on a horse it’s complete serenity and there’s nothing quite like it. It’s the best form of therapy,” Sen said. 

Sen is not only passionate about horseback riding but also about the medical missionary field. Sen said, “I went on my first mission trip two summers ago, the summer of 2022, and it completely changed my life. I have continued to go back to Freedom International School, which is where I served for a week, going back for a six-week internship. I’m excited to be able to go again in February for impact week.” The children there made Sen reflect on her own life and feel gratitude for how blessed she was. Sen stated, “I don’t deserve it, but it was graciously given by God.”

Another influence in Sen’s life is her grandmother. When reflecting over her life, sen stated ”[her grandmother] would give the shirt off her back if someone needed it. She was an immigrant who migrated from Belarus to find a better life for her 13 children. She had no idea what she was going to do, but she knew that God was leading her to move to the States and she was able to do it.” Sen’s grandmother passed away in January of 2021, yet Sen remembers and honors her legacy. Sen said, “I have my life to thank for her. I could’ve been born in Belarus. I get to live in a nice house and go to a private school, something my grandmother would have never dreamed of.”  

Most of Sen’s aspirations are inspired by her grandmother, including her pursuit of a medical career, which has led her to be the person she is today. Sen’s unique story inspires her and the people around her!