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Jonathan Vidal

415

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Education

Benjamin School

High School
2020 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Business/Managerial Economics
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Test scores:

    • 1520
      SAT

    Career

    • Dream career field:

      Investment Banking

    • Dream career goals:

      Redefining Victory Scholarship
      Success, in my eyes, is a multidimensional achievement that extends beyond personal accolades and material gains; it is about making a meaningful impact on society and continuously growing in knowledge and character. This holistic view of success drives my academic, professional, and personal pursuits. I envision a future where I not only excel in my field but also contribute positively to the world around me, particularly in the realms of education, technology, and community service. Success for me is not merely about achieving personal milestones but making a substantial impact on the world around me. My vision of success encompasses excelling academically, innovating beneficial technologies, and actively contributing to my community. It involves living a life where continuous learning fuels my efforts to solve real-world problems, and where leadership translates into tangible improvements in people’s lives. First and foremost, I see academic excellence as a foundation for success. The opportunity to attend a prestigious university represents more than just a stepping stone in my educational journey; it's a chance to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pioneer solutions in technology and sustainability. This scholarship is a vital part of this vision, as it would alleviate financial pressures, allowing me to devote more time and resources to my studies. It would also enable participation in extracurricular programs that enhance practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Beyond the classroom, I aim to expand my entrepreneurial ventures, such as Johnny’s Pantry and JCrunch.com, which were initiated to address significant societal issues like food insecurity and workplace discrimination. Success in these endeavors means scaling these platforms to reach and support wider communities. The resources and networking opportunities provided by this scholarship would be instrumental in connecting with like-minded peers and mentors who can provide guidance and partnership opportunities, furthering the scope and impact of my projects. Success also looks like resilience in the face of challenges. Throughout my life, I have learned that setbacks are opportunities for growth. Whether it’s refining a business model or overcoming academic hurdles, the ability to persevere and adapt is crucial. This scholarship would provide a security net that allows me to take calculated risks—pursuing innovative research projects, leading new campus organizations, and experimenting with creative solutions to pressing problems without the looming worry of financial fallout. Moreover, I envision success as sharing my gains—knowledge, resources, and time—with the community. This means leading volunteer initiatives, organizing community events, and mentoring younger students to foster a culture of giving back. The support from this scholarship would free up time currently spent on financial planning for college, which I could instead invest in community service and mentorship programs, multiplying the effects of the scholarship beyond my personal benefits. In conclusion, success for me is a multifaceted achievement characterized by academic excellence, entrepreneurial impact, resilience, and community leadership. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it is a gateway to enhancing my educational and extracurricular engagement, expanding my entrepreneurial impact, embracing resilience, and fulfilling my commitment to community service. With this support, I am prepared to not only achieve my goals but also set new standards of success for myself and others.
      Rebecca Hunter Memorial Scholarship
      In my journey through adolescence to young adulthood, the importance of modeling resilience and personal growth has been central, not only for my self-development but as a beacon for the younger eyes that follow my lead. As an older brother and a mentor, I understand that children do not merely listen to advice—they emulate the behaviors they observe. This understanding has driven me to live a life marked by determination and continuous self-improvement, striving to be a living example of the values I wish to instill in them. Dedication to Education and Lifelong Learning: My academic journey is a testament to my commitment to education. From achieving Honor Roll status throughout high school to engaging deeply in scientific research projects like "AirAware," which studies indoor air quality, I have consistently demonstrated the importance of rigorous study and curiosity. This dedication extends beyond personal accolades; it serves as a daily lesson to my siblings and peers that education is a continual process of growth and discovery. I share my learning experiences, the challenges I overcome, and the knowledge I gain, hoping to ignite a similar passion for learning in them. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Founding two initiatives—Johnny’s Pantry, a non-profit aimed at combating food insecurity, and JCrunch.com, a job portal for Jewish, Israeli, and Hebrew-speaking professionals—has allowed me to exemplify the values of innovation and community service. These ventures were born out of a desire to see change in the world and a belief in taking action. They serve as practical examples to the younger generation that they have the power to create positive change, using entrepreneurial skills to address societal issues. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Life’s path is seldom smooth, and it is in the face of challenges that true character is forged. Through personal and professional setbacks, including the initial struggles to find funding and support for my projects, I have remained steadfast. This resilience is something I consciously demonstrate to those around me, discussing not just successes but also the setbacks and the perseverance needed to overcome them. It’s important for children to understand that setbacks are not the end of the road but rather stepping stones to greater achievements. Community Engagement and Leadership: As a mentor and volunteer, I have consistently engaged in community service and leadership roles, from organizing beach cleanups to leading initiatives like Project Connect for children with special needs. These activities are not just about providing service; they are opportunities to teach by doing. By involving my siblings and mentees in these efforts, I show them the joy and fulfillment that come from helping others, hoping to cultivate a lifelong commitment to community service in them. In conclusion, the impact of leading by example cannot be overstated. Each day, through my actions and decisions, I strive to demonstrate qualities of determination, continuous improvement, and resilience. This scholarship would not only support my educational aspirations but also strengthen my ability to continue being a positive role model. I am committed to living a life that inspires and encourages the next generation to pursue their dreams with courage and unwavering determination. With each step forward, I aim to pave a way for them, showing that through perseverance and personal growth, no obstacle is insurmountable.
      El Jefe Entrepreneurial Scholarship
      Navigating through the intricate intersections of culture, innovation, and community service, my journey has been profoundly shaped by the values embedded in my Jewish heritage—Tzedakah (justice through charity), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and Chesed (kindness). These principles form the foundation of my entrepreneurial ventures, each crafted to bridge tradition with transformative impact. Johnny’s Pantry, the non-profit I founded, exemplifies this mission. Beyond distributing food, we engage in systemic advocacy to promote sustainable food systems and collaborate with local stakeholders to foster long-term policy reforms. This initiative reflects my commitment not just to feed the hungry but to reshape community approaches to food scarcity, creating a scalable model that I plan to expand in college through partnerships with student organizations and local businesses. Similarly, another project of mine, JCrunch.com, which I co-founded, serves as a protective and empowering platform for Jewish, Israeli, and Hebrew-speaking professionals in an era marked by rising anti-Semitism. In college, I aim to extend JCrunch.com’s network, linking it with career centers and alumni networks to promote diversity and inclusion more broadly across campuses and professional sectors. My innovative drive also comes to life in my work with technology and patents, such as the augmented reality systems and the revolutionary flying ambulance I developed. These inventions showcase my approach to entrepreneurship: leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve pressing societal issues. In college, I plan to utilize and expand my technical expertise by engaging in research opportunities and collaborative projects that focus on technology-driven solutions for educational and healthcare challenges. Looking toward the future, my entrepreneurial endeavors will continue to intertwine with my academic and career objectives. I am determined to use the platform of higher education to test, refine, and launch ventures that can significantly impact society. My ambition is to create businesses that not only prosper economically but also contribute positively to society by addressing crucial issues such as environmental sustainability, healthcare accessibility, and educational equity. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance; it is an enabler that will help me pursue a rigorous academic program while nurturing my entrepreneurial initiatives. With this support, I can further develop my skills, broaden my network, and increase the scope of my impact. My commitment is to enter college with a vision and leave with a legacy—a series of impactful enterprises that stem from the core values of my upbringing and a deep-rooted desire to serve and uplift communities around the globe.