Sri Laxmi Ramsammy
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2004 Scholarship Winner
Richmond Hill High School
York College
"In my junior English humanities class last year, Sri Laxmi stood out for her assiduousness, her determination, and her sincerity. She is on a quest for perfection and works diligently, seeking that all-elusive goal. Sri's work was consistently of the highest caliber. She is incredibly focused, poised, and responsible, enhancing everything she does with a maturity far beyond her years. Furthermore, Sri Laxmi is vital to so many of the Herculean tasks the more altruistic school organizations take on. She does all of these things with great aplomb."
—Eileen Hudson, English Department, Senior Advisor
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Art/Portfolio Club
- Student Government
- Key Club
- Yearbook Committee
Excerpts from Sri Laxmi's Essay
"It takes one rotten potato to spoil the rest" is the chastisement I received when being reprimanded about my company of peers. However, the root of this saying is the basis of our democracy. It takes just one to voice an opinion or a statement, or to break all barriers, and the rest will follow. This cornerstone of America is not rotten but nourishing to one's existence. It took a few courageous women to relinquish their ?honor' (as it would have been during that time), to step out of their homes and fight for the rights which I now flourish on. How little did I know before the beginning of my jaunt in high school that this tiring quotation would be the core of my motivation to execute the very duties which define an American: the act of going the extra mile to improve lives by lending a hand in building our community.
I was blessed with a talent to draw and paint. I felt that the events of 9/11 should never be forgotten. It was truly astounding how quickly thousands of people of different color and cultures flocked to the aid of those in need during the aftermath of that debacle. These acts are what characterize an American. It is true that the pain inflicted was caused by menaces to the human race, and to create something immortal might be a reminder of them, but the lives lost were innocent victims. To preserve the period which should never be erased, I decided to give up a part of myself. I began to paint a mural of sadness, of happiness, of togetherness, of tolerance, because I believe that these traits are what define an American at all times, not only during the times of turmoil and distress. With every brushstroke I made, the images of the firefighters, our nation's defenders, our fallen heroes, and others who selflessly gave up their lives are part of the great movement which I strive to be in, began taking form on the wooden panels. This piece, which I contributed to, graces the walls of Richmond Hill High School, where it serves as a reminder amidst the color of my school that diversity is our greatest strength, especially during times of misery.
In adulthood, I plan to fulfill my aspirations as an American. I look towards the future for not what it can give to me, but for what and how I can give to it.
