In my past, I remember Russia- fear, poverty, and discrimination. In my present I see pride, love, and determination. In my future, I see the stars. Ever since I moved to the United States of America, in 1989, I have been proud to have been accepted into this great community. Like the Clinton campaign speech, "it is a village", and I am now part of it. I have been granted the right to dream, to hope, and to desire. I have been taught to fight to be better and stronger, because of my past. I have learned to love life, and everything that it gives me. Striving for the stars is what I am doing now.

I am striving to be successful and happy. I believe that I can reach my dream by following a career in computer programming. I have taken numerous classes in school and have learned to love this field of study. I have spoken to people who are currently in this line of work, and along with my experience, have decided that this would be a good fit for my likes, abilities, and interests. The best universities in my field, are the ones that I have already applied to. I have based my choices on the faculty, resources, and overall quality of education. I would very much like to go to one of these schools, but I know that I am unable to afford them. In order for me to attend my current high school (by living within the school limits), my parents had to move to a more expensive townhouse. My parents cannot afford four years at a private university and make mortgage payments at the same time, without taking out multiple loans. I do not want to burden my parents any more than I have to. To alleviate the load, I have held a part-time job since the summer of my sophomore year. Unfortunately, I am unable to make a significant sum at minimum wage.

I am now and always have been on the Honor Roll. I am a good student at a very competitive high school. In this school I have found the opportunity to be a part of a great student body. I have joined numerous clubs and have gotten leadership opportunities such as being the Vice President of my school's French Club, being a peer mediator , and a part of the National Honor Society. My love of the arts has incited me to join the art club, literary magazine, and stage and crew design. For my religious beliefs, I have had the opportunity to join Wootton Jewish Fellowship and meet peers who hold the same convictions.

Out of school, I have tried to contribute to my community. During my freshman year of high school, I was a volunteer at my local Public Library and at a nearby hospital. The following summer, I continued my work at the hospital by helping out in the human resources department. This year, I have had the wonderful opportunity to tutor a younger student who has recently come from another country. I have worked with him to improve his language and to sharpen his skills in mathematics and in his other classes. It has been a wonderful experience seeing his enthusiasm grow for school and study. The improvement in his grades and outlook on life is remarkable. My only desire is that when he grows up, he appreciates everything that he has been given, and takes every opportunity to become what he wants to be. I also hope that he remembers our immigrant pasts, and makes an effort to help others in similar situations.