Olena Pavlyuk
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2006 Scholarship Winner
James Madison High School
Kingsborough Community College
"While [Olena] was an excellent pupil, it was her kind assistance outside of the classroom that showed her special quality. Ms Pavlyuk volunteered to be my monitor of her own volition, seeing my workload and wishing to aid me. … In return, she asked for naught, it was enough to be of help to a teacher that had taken part in her education. Such altruism is rare in one so young."
—T.A. Ewart, English Instructor
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Volunteer, Brooklyn Public Library
- Volunteer, James Madison H.S. Library
- Volunteer, NYC Council Member Simcha Felder's District Office
Excerpts from Olena's Essay
The events of September 11th educated me to need to help others. While watching the heartbreaking scenes of the terrorist attack, I was astounded to see so many people going towards the danger to help the victims of this cowardly attack. It made me reflect upon my role in our society and the responsibilities I should undertake to be useful to my city. I also realized the freedom and opportunities that our country has to offer are only as strong as the people who support them. I wanted to become involved, but what could I do? School and work limited my time, so I decided to volunteer at my local library. I was happy that I could contribute, but disappointed at the amount I was contributing. In comparison to the sacrifices so many made on September 11th, helping someone find a book seemed meager. Very meager.
My wish to help others had the right motivation, but I was lost in thinking that the act had to be spectacular. Through [my experience at the library], I learned that every contribution, even the smallest, builds into something invaluable for our country, as well as yourself…All of us contribute to America?s prosperity by our actions, and it is integral to our freedoms and way of life that we be active, not just in times of tragedy, but everyday; on the bus, at the grocery store, and yes, even at the library.
America is a country of the independent people, and so it is dependent on all of us, and it welcomes any act of kindness, no matter how big or small.
