What aspect of the Columbia community, outside of the classroom, would you most want to impact and why? (150 words or less)

The Syrian baby’s rib cage was showing, tears flowing from his grandmother’s face, while his mother lay sick on the couch in what was left of their rubbled house. The C-section was done, the seemingly hard part over, but now the real challenge began: finding food. This is my hometown. This is the Istanbul of today.

At Columbia, my goal is to close the gap between Syrian refugees and Columbia students by promoting an understanding of and a desire to improve refugees' situations. My organization, Give A Hand, and my participation in already-established organizations like the Student Organization for Syria, provide leadership experience to encourage students to become involved. Ideally, we need to insert refugees back into the economy and provide educational opportunities. I’d be humbled to be a part of Columbia’s efforts through research or volunteer work because the key is to take direct action, a challenge I embrace. 

Please tell us what you value most about Columbia and why. (300 words or less)

It’d been almost 70 minutes of heated rhetoric. Achilles or Paris? Paris or Achilles? As I looked at my classmate’s sharp eyes, I knew we both were aware of each other's reasoning of who was the greater hero, but nevertheless, we both refused to budge.

I dread leaving behind these passionate discussions in my Humanities class. However, Columbia’s Core Curriculum creates an intimate environment between students and professors, whether about Homer’s Iliad or Beethoven’s symphonies, that would let me thrive in a college environment.

In addition, I’ve been fascinated with Classics and Philosophy since I was a freshman. From reading Caesar’s de Bello Gallico to pondering Bentham’s Utilitarianism (although, I have to say I’ve always been a Kant person), these two subjects have always made me reflect more deeply on human nature. Columbia makes me a well-rounded citizen while giving me a chance to pursue my main interests, Political Science and Economics.

Through Hill’s Philanthropy and Economics Councils, I saw the impact a school could have on the surrounding community. As someone who would like to integrate social impact into my education, I’d like to take advantage of Columbia’s programs in civic engagement, whether through direct service or opportunities such as Davis Projects for Peace, that would let me continue creating social impact projects over the summer.

New York City acts as the hub for many important nonprofits and as someone interested in working in the nonprofit sector in the future, the Kenneth Cole Community Action Program is invaluable as a method of experiential learning and a way to make a difference while still a student. We all know Achilles is the greater fighter because of his determination and his sense of duty; I, too, strive to use my inner Achilles to make a difference.