A Scout Against Scams: Let’s Talk to Tejasvi Manoj

Meet Eagle Scout Tejasvi Manoj, the 2025 TIME’s Kid of the Year. She turned one family experience into Shield Seniors, a project that helps older adults outsmart online scams. Scout the Eagle caught up with her to learn more about her project, Scouting and making a difference.

NAME: Tejasvi Manoj
AGE: 18
HOMETOWN: Frisco, Texas
SCOUT RANK: Eagle Scout
CLAIM TO FAME: 2025 TIME’s Kid of the Year and founder of Shield Seniors

SCOUT: Your grandfather’s close call with an online scam inspired you to create Shield Seniors. What gaps did you notice in scam prevention resources for older adults, and how does your platform address those challenges in a practical, easy-to-understand way?

Tejasvi Manoj: My grandfather was fortunate to have family members around who were familiar with technology and could recognize the scam before it became something much worse. That experience made me realize that many older adults may not always have someone available to help them in real time.

As I started researching, I noticed that many online cybersecurity resources were too technical, outdated or difficult for older adults to navigate independently. With new scams appearing every day, I felt we needed a solution that was simple, current and accessible.

That’s what inspired me to create Shield Seniors. The platform is designed specifically for older adults, using easy-to-understand language and real-time guidance to help them feel safer and more confident online. One of Shield Seniors’ biggest goals is to give seniors digital independence with dignity so they can navigate technology without feeling overwhelmed or dependent on others.

SCOUT: Building a platform like Shield Seniors likely came with obstacles along the way. What was the toughest challenge you faced during the process, and how did your Scouting skills help you overcome it?

TM: I would say the toughest challenge was figuring out how to make everything work together in the first place. Since I was using different AI models, tools and techniques that were all new to me, there were many moments when things failed or didn’t work the way I expected.

At times, it was frustrating because even after spending hours trying to solve a problem, it still felt like I wasn’t making progress. But during those moments, I kept reminding myself why I started Shield Seniors in the first place: to help people.

The values I learned through Scouting really helped me push through those challenges. The words from the Scout Oath and Scout Law, especially “a Scout is helpful” and “a Scout is kind,” stayed with me throughout the process. Scouts taught me perseverance, patience and leadership, and those lessons helped me continue working even when things became difficult.

Looking back, I’m grateful for those struggles because they taught me resilience and helped me grow as both a developer and a person.

SCOUT: Since launching Shield Seniors, what kind of response or impact have you seen so far? Are there any stories, feedback or metrics that stand out to you as especially meaningful?

TM: Since starting Shield Seniors, I’ve had the opportunity to visit retirement communities and speak with older adults about topics like online safety, scam awareness and creating strong passwords. Those experiences have been incredibly meaningful.

One thing that really stood out was how almost everyone I spoke to could personally relate to the issue. Whether it was a parent, grandparent, friend or loved one, nearly everyone knew someone who had experienced an online scam or cyber threat. That made me realize just how widespread this problem truly is.

What has meant the most to me is hearing older adults say they feel more confident using technology after our conversations. Even small moments like helping someone recognize a scam email or understand how to stay safer online feel incredibly rewarding.

I’m very grateful that Shield Seniors has allowed me to help others in a meaningful way.

SCOUT: Many families struggle to talk about online safety with older relatives. What are some simple but effective ways fellow Scouts can help grandparents and others recognize scams and stay safer online?

TM: I think one of the most important things people can do is be patient and supportive with their loved ones. Older adults should feel comfortable asking questions without worrying about being judged or embarrassed.

I also think it’s important to encourage people to be cautious online. If something feels suspicious, it probably is. If they don’t recognize a phone number, email address or message, it’s usually best not to interact with it until they verify it.

One idea I think is especially helpful is creating a family “safe word.” Having a word or phrase that only trusted family members know can help prevent social engineering scams or fake emergency messages pretending to come from loved ones.

Even taking a few minutes to teach a grandparent how to spot scams or avoid suspicious links can make a huge difference in protecting them.

SCOUT: Beyond Shield Seniors, you’ve dedicated time to volunteering at food banks, packing meals and tutoring refugees. What motivates your commitment to service, and what have those experiences taught you about helping others?

TM: Helping others gives me a sense of fulfillment that I honestly haven’t found anywhere else. Being able to make even a small positive impact in someone’s life means a lot to me.

Through volunteering at food banks, packing meals and tutoring refugees, I’ve learned the importance of empathy, patience and human connection. I’ve also learned that meaningful change often comes from consistency and small acts of kindness repeated over time.

I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to serve others because each experience has taught me valuable lessons and helped me grow as a person.

SCOUT: You’re balancing Scouting, community service, academics and music as a violinist in your school orchestra. How have your experiences in Scouting helped you manage your time and stay focused across so many commitments?

TM: The Scout motto, “Be Prepared,” has helped me a lot in managing my responsibilities. Scouting taught me the importance of planning, staying organized and managing my time carefully.

Creating schedules and setting priorities became really important for balancing school, orchestra, community service and projects like Shield Seniors. At the same time, Scouts also taught me how to adapt when things don’t go according to plan.

During campouts and other Scout activities, unexpected situations happen all the time, and you learn how to stay calm and work through challenges. I think those experiences helped me become more flexible and better at handling pressure in everyday life.

I’m grateful that Scouting gave me skills that go far beyond outdoor activities. It helped prepare me for leadership, responsibility and balancing multiple commitments.

SCOUT: Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a major achievement. Can you tell us about your Eagle Scout project?

TM: For my Eagle Scout project, I built a bench for a local temple in my community. I noticed that many of the existing benches were worn out and damaged, especially after recent storms in the area, so I wanted to create a space where people could sit, relax and spend time together.

The project took a lot of planning, teamwork and effort, but seeing the final result made it all worthwhile. One of the most rewarding parts is that I still visit the temple and see people using the bench today.

I think that’s what makes the Eagle Scout project so meaningful — it’s about creating something that continues helping people even after the project is complete.

I’m very grateful for everyone who supported me throughout the process and helped make the project possible.

SCOUT: A lot of young people want to make a difference but don’t know where to start. What advice would you give to other Scouts who want to create projects that leave a lasting and meaningful impact?

TM: I would say the most important thing is to choose something you genuinely care about. When you are passionate about an issue or a cause, you naturally become more motivated to put time and effort into making a difference.

I also think it’s important to remember that even small acts of service can have a big impact. Sometimes people feel like they need to create something huge to make a difference, but simply volunteering your time, helping someone in need or supporting your community can change lives more than you realize.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take the first step. Even small efforts can grow into something meaningful over time.

SCOUT: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future — both for Shield Seniors and for yourself? Are there any colleges, careers or fields you’re looking forward to pursuing?

TM: I recently graduated from high school and will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study computer science and neuroscience. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to keep learning in both fields.

For Shield Seniors, my goal is to officially launch the platform this year and continue working directly with older adults in retirement communities to educate them about cybersecurity and online safety. I also hope to continue improving the technology so it remains simple, accessible and helpful for seniors.

In the future, I want to continue exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, technology and helping people. Whether through cybersecurity, healthcare or accessibility-focused technology, I hope to create tools that positively impact people’s lives.

Photographs by Zerb Mellish for Time; Time/Time Kid of the Year