Hobbies and interests
Soccer
Drawing And Illustration
Painting and Studio Art
Snowboarding
Travel And Tourism
Cooking
Baking
Animals
Reading
Academic
Economics
Health
Romance
Historical
Young Adult
I read books daily
Riley Borenstein
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WinnerRiley Borenstein
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WinnerBio
Hi!!!
My name is Riley and I am a driven Economics and Studio Art student at Williams College. With my interesting prospective majors, I hope to show that I have a dynamic blend of both analytical prowess as well as a creative flair. I want to show people that you can do the things you love most in life and also manage to make a life out of it.
When I am not immersed in academics or athletics, I am an avid snowboarder in the winter -- you can't pull me off the slopes! Additionally, I find solace and relaxation through sketching, and indulge in my cooking and baking passions in our college dorm kitchens.
Lastly, I am deeply involved in a foundation -- The Fighting H.A.R.D Foundation -- dedicated to helping children with rare diseases and chronic illnesses to know that they are not alone. My future goals extend beyond personal success to encompass a broader mission of serving and uplifting those that need help when they are at their lowest. I inspire to empower others to reach their full potential and live their lives to the fullest.
Education
Williams College
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Economics
- Fine and Studio Arts
Career
Dream career field:
Investment Banking
Dream career goals:
Server
Colts Neck Golf Course2024 – Present10 monthsHostess
Rod's2022 – 20231 year
Sports
Soccer
Varsity2010 – Present14 years
Awards
- Most valuable player
- Scholar athlete
- Rookie of the Year
Arts
Small projects and enjoyment (no organization)
DrawingSmall commissions, Tattoo designs2022 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
E.S.S.A. Sports — I was a volunteer trainer and I coached kids on weight-lifting techniques and helped increase their agility.2019 – 2021Volunteering
Fighting H.A.R.D Foundation — Board member2018 – Present
Future Interests
Volunteering
Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship
WinnerNo matter if I miss-kicked the ball, lost a game, or was recovering from injury, the proclamation “Keep your head up” has been a staple in my life, a motto I live by. Because life is too short to let anything hold you back from potential success.
Aside from soccer, one of my deep passions is art. I have found that art is subjective; everyone experiences it differently. After immersing myself in college-level art lectures and studios, I learned that, no matter the medium or image, it is the purposeful application of the charcoal, pen, or brushstroke that evokes meaningful emotion. I am now able to channel my hardships, goals, and everyday experiences into my art, furthering my creative outreach to others.
I have always valued creativity in my life–whether that be in my eagerness to make the best reading journal in first grade or to spend hours brainstorming for a computer science drawing project. This quality makes it impossible for me to settle for mediocrity in both assignments and in life aspirations. At 10 years old, I learned how important it was to take pleasure in every moment–no matter if one has 70 years or months left to live. When the father of my best friend practically dropped dead during our championship soccer game, suffering from cardiac arrest, my 10 year-old-self, scared and distraught, tried to console his family. But this experience opened my eyes to the fact that every day could be the last, and thus every day matters. Because you never know when your time will be up. This man, who was like my second father, always said “Keep your head up”…because you choose how you feel about life events, and should never let something destroy your spirit or ruin your day. His physical heart may have failed, but he lives today because he chose to have heart, to be strong and retain positivity throughout his heart transplant and subsequent recovery program, something I strove to emulate through tutoring, volunteer coaching, and community outreach.
About a year later, one of my close friends was diagnosed with a rare disease and started a charity–Fighting H.A.R.D.–for kids like her, to create a community for kids enduring stressful and life-altering procedures. Instead of remaining alone to deal with maladies and trepidation for the future, these kids are surrounded with comfort, reassurance, support. I joined her, raising money to support these families and befriending sick children in need of levity, often through artwork and outings. Through these experiences, I developed the ability to create connections among disparate individuals and thrive in uncomfortability.
Months later, I was diagnosed with a heart condition. The aforementioned individuals became my role models: if they could endure heart transplants, surgeries, and dangerous procedures without complaint, and still put others first, then I could too. Navigating the world of medicine as a patient is scary, but I realized my condition was manageable compared to others’, which provided perspective. I was high school valedictorian, in part because of my drive to work hard and excel academically, but also because of my athletic competitive drive and passion for service. I strive to achieve financial independence and a prosperous career where I can give back to others. This scholarship would help me cover educational expenses whilst continuing community work. With my future in economics and art studio, I will effectively assess resource allocation for the foundation, fundraise creatively, as well as develop policy development initiatives with lasting impacts on community health and vivacity.
Everyone should “pay it forward” to promote a tight-knit, supportive, lasting community.