Tatyana Oliker
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2006 Scholarship Winner
Leon M. Goldstein High School
Baruch College, Brooklyn College, and Kingsborough Community College
"Tatyana is deeply devoted to her community. She gives her best to each and every organization she belongs to, and they in turn benefit from her immeasurable talents and gifts. Despite her academic workload, Tatyana has never compromised her extracurricular participation. In fact, Tatyana once remarked that her charitable involvements aid her academic career and vice versa."
—Luanne Thorpe, Biology Teacher
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Volunteer Aide, Maimonides Hospital
- Volunteer, Meals on Wheels
- Volunteer, Kingsbay Senior Center
- Volunteer, Children for Children
Excerpts from Tatyana's Essay
As a democracy, the United States places its faith in the individual, and in turn invests in that individual by giving him or her countless opportunities for growth and prosperity on that universal pursuit of happiness. Since the age of four when my mother and grandparents first arrived in New York, I remember the sense of appreciation and latent excitement they unconsciously instilled in me. As I entered high school, I enthusiastically embraced every opportunity New York City openhandedly offered its many students. My extensive involvement with College Now is a prime example of this city's generosity, and serves as a reminder as to how deeply grateful I am to be given a head start on my dreams.
The faith that the United States places in the individual warrants that one gives back to his or her community. However, an honest belief in civic responsibility and a sincere concern for other people are far more than an obligation or some conditional form of payback. Moreover, the charity and good will that the United States gratuitously offers awaken my own profound sense of duty and desire to help others who are less fortunate.
