Tina Shah
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2003 Scholarship Winner
William Cullen Bryant High School
LaGuardia Community College
"Tina is one of the finest students I have ever met in my entire teaching experience. It is indeed sheer pleasure reading her essays renowned for their lucidity and perceptive information. At crucial moments, I would ask her very difficult questions and just listen with awe as she gave a fluent response in a measured tone. As Vice-President of Arista, Tina stands most eminently in the vanguard of Bryant's student leaders as she discharges many serious, time-consuming responsibilities. One of the principal reasons the staff and students admire Tina so much is that she is suffused with seemingly inexhaustible energy and enthusiasm. In summation, it would by no means be inaccurate to characterize Tina as the prototype of the neo-renaissance student for the simple reason that she immerses herself in such a multiplicity of activities and performs each with such exuberance of spirit, grace, ease and thoroughness. Whether serving her school or community, she never fails to inspire us all with her refinement of character, sense of humor, leadership, irrepressible smile and gentle good nature."
—Paris Singh, English Teacher
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Volunteer, Children's Aid Society
- Peer Tutoring, W.C. Bryant High School
- Italian Club
- Student Leadership Team
- Summer job, Sports and Arts in School Foundation
Excerpts from Tina's Essay
Of all the reasons why I became interested in serving my community, the most influential have been the attitudes of my altruistic parents. I have been raised in a supportive and loving family that values education and sincere hard work, specifically giving back to the community. Furthermore, while being born and raised in America, I have never felt anything lacking in my life. I have had countless opportunities to show the world what I am capable of accomplishing due in part to my surroundings.
My environment has played an integral role in my life by encouraging me to excel without bounds. Growing up in America has made me realize the myriad of opportunities that I am fortunate enough to have. Realizing that it is now my turn to lend a hand in society has led me to take part in more community service activities.
Specifically, after joining the Italian Club at my high school, I understand what it means to concentrate on the needs of others with unwavering attention. My participation in tutoring local elementary students has helped me to see that the willingness to help others and empathize with them not only makes us good citizens but also humanizes us. In spite of what I may achieve academically, this community service has increased my awareness that it is my moral obligation to give back something to the community. I hope to imbue others with the same aspiration to work diligently and with the interest to understand the world and the people around me.
