Nellya Akilova
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2005 Scholarship Winner
Forest Hills High School
LaGuardia Community College
"Nellya expects a lot from the people she leads but only because she expects a lot from herself. She is the type of young lady who will take an active role in improving any organization she belongs to. She has been an outstanding addition to the American Red Cross, and it is my heartfelt position that she will be an outstanding addition to any institution that is lucky enough to have her."
—Derek Ivery, Youth Volunteer Coordinator, American Red Cross
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Youth Volunteer, American Red Cross
- Volunteer, North Shore Hospital
- Member, Science Honor Society
- Member, Varsity Volleyball Team
Excerpts from Nellya's Essay
While living in America, I have seen people help out one another, even if they don?t know each other. This bond between American people was only strengthened after the September 11 attacks. After witnessing how these people are ready and willing to help anyone that needed their assistance, I was motivated to help out in my own way. I decided to become a member of the American Red Cross, and it was one of the wisest decisions I ever made.
Red Cross helped me overcome my fear of public speaking because its events involve associating with new people all the time. Fire and Burn Safety and Basic Aid Training are courses that we teach to elementary school children. What I love most about these classes is that we get to interact with children of different ages. I really love children, and one day I hope to fulfill my dream of becoming a pediatrician.
In fulfilling the Red Cross mission and in order to help our community, we remove graffiti and clean up parks and beaches. We also conduct fundraising events. . . . I get a feeling of satisfaction when I partake in these activities because I know I helped someone in one way or another. It is amazing to know that you made a positive difference in someone?s life; it is a feeling that cannot be described. These experiences have opened up many new doors for me and have made me a better person, and I owe it all to the American Red Cross.
