Samuel Parigela has accomplished more in his youth than most manage in a lifetime. In addition to carrying a dual course load at Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) and Irvine Valley College, the high school senior volunteers for numerous organizations around the county. His array of interests – from constitutional law to neuroscience – inspired Samuel to author four books in the past two years: “Bricks” (2023), “Art & Brain: Igniting Cognitive Brilliance in Children” (2023), “When Paint Dries” (2024) and “Seek Justice: Reforming a Broken System” (2024).
“If there’s a common theme in my work, it’s understanding people and their problems, and finding solutions to those problems,” Samuel says. “That’s at the core of my volunteering and writing.”
Samuel credits his second grade teacher, Linda Milani from Stone Creek Elementary, for instilling him with confidence as a writer. “She motivated me to join the creative writing conservatory at OCSA and become the writer I am today,” he says. “Back then, I enjoyed writing short stories and journals. She encouraged me and helped me find my footing as a writer.”
Even in first grade, Samuel’s teachers fostered a consistent writing routine. “Weekly journaling got me into the habit of writing. All of my teachers across all grades helped shape the person I’ve become.”
“We chose Irvine because of its educational system,” says Samuel’s father, Sudheer Parigela. “The competitiveness is not just in students, but the teachers, as well. You can see it in the way they encourage their students. Both my kids are National Merit Scholars. It gives students a platform to excel.”
Samuel’s accomplishments don’t end there. By age 12, he’d performed as an accompanist, alongside his sister, violinist Sarah, at both Carnegie Hall in New York and Royal Albert Hall in London.
Samuel’s father says the culture of Irvine itself has provided a platform for success. He points to the city’s emphasis on innovation, growth and diversity. “It’s a cosmopolitan city,” he says. “A melting pot of all cultures. That gives us beautiful opportunities.”
