Tara Udit
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2004 Scholarship Winner
Herbert H. Lehman High School
Lehman College
"As a freshman, [Tara] joined the student organization, Building with Books (BwB). BwB is an organization whose mission is to help build schools in third world countries where there may not be education available. From the start, she has consistently volunteered in the community, doing approximately three hours of community service per week. While serving her community, Tara also became a leader within BwB and at Lehman, and she has also mentored and tutored children on her own personal time. With all of this, it is plain to see that Tara has been fully committed to herself, her school, and her community. She is reliable, responsible and dependable. She is caring, devoted and passionate."
—Christina Hadley, Coordinator of Student Activities
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Building with Books Club
- Meals on Wheels
- Participated in park beautification
- Visiting the elderly at a senior care center
Excerpts from Tara's Essay
America is a great country and the opportunities for growth and development are endless. Many people who were born in this country take their rights and privileges for granted. Yet many others come to this country in search of a better life, go through many struggles to attain freedom, liberty, and justice. These things are not materialistic but are cherished by many. These streets are not paved with gold, as I was told. In seeing the true life of an American, I was motivated when I first came to this country to be the best that I can be, and do whatever it takes to make my life and the lives of others better. In hopes that the road that we all travel on will be a little smoother, I decided to become involved in the little things that make a big difference. I started to lend a helping hand to children in need because I know that many kids do not have anyone to go to, and if I could make their lives a little easier I was more than willing to. I began to do little favors for the elderly because I knew they were unable to do it for themselves.
Visiting the seniors helped me to envision what my life could possibly be like many years from now. For the seniors who had no family or close friends to visit them, seeing young children was like giving them a breath of fresh air. I was very happy to do so because it broke them out of doing the same monotony every day. I know that one day my day would come when I would need help. Instead of waiting for that day to arrive, I do my best to help those who are in need today. Children I believe appreciate whole-heartedly the things you do for them, though they might not even realize it. They may not verbally express it in words, but the hugs, smiles, and thank-yous that I receive are very rewarding. I hope that in helping young children I am able to help them build stronger and brighter futures for themselves. Helping anyone gives me a sense of achievement and pride. I am happy knowing that I did something right. As little as it may seem to someone else, to me I see it as my little way of making the world a better place. That is why for as long as I am able to do so I will continue to lend a helping hand wherever it may be needed.
