Life is a banquet and most people are starving to death. by Elias

Life is a banquet and most people are starving to death. by Elias - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

“Life is a banquet, but most people are starving to death.” – Auntie Mame. In the movie Auntie Mame, this quote is said to her nephew, Patrick, as she introduces him to a host of new experiences and people he might never have otherwise encountered. I am proud to say that not only have I taken full advantage of the opportunities laid before me, but I have also worked to ensure that others can do the same.

I grew up in a place called Hunts Point, a food desert in the Bronx, where violence and drug abuse seem constant and even normalized across generations. Coming home from grueling 8-hour school days and 2-hour basketball practices only to find the fridge empty except for beer cans and cigarette butts, I would often check again, hoping for a different outcome, only to face the same disappointment. Then, I would slowly pace back to my bed, which was little more than a mattress on the floor. Being a follower was never an option for me. The negative examples set by those around me weren’t solutions—they were traps. I knew I had to forge my own path, even if it meant being misunderstood by peers and teachers alike.

My journey changed when I met a man who, while standing at 5’11”, carried the stature of a giant in character and inspiration. His influence motivated me to pursue excellence in business, school, and personal finance. One day in his class, two animated presenters introduced their program with an icebreaker: a volunteer had to stand in the center of a group and pretend to be a chicken laying an egg. Despite my initial nerves, I accepted the challenge, and in that moment, I signed up for the program on the spot.

The eight-week unpaid internship was rigorous, requiring punctuality, professional attire, and adaptability to various tasks in a business setting. Through this experience, I learned invaluable lessons and skills that led to internships at Havas, an advertising and marketing agency, and Brookfield Asset Management. I gained hands-on experience in resume writing, financial literacy, and professional etiquette. The program also helped me discover my passion for business and personal growth. Inspired, I started my own snack retail business, Sweet Hoops, at school. Over two years, I created balance sheets, developed a sales pitch, and managed partnerships with other students. My entrepreneurial spirit was no surprise, considering I’d been selling lemonade with my older brother since the age of six. Choosing a business-focused high school felt natural, and my next step is a college with a strong business program and a dynamic learning environment.

During this time, Mr. Smalls introduced me and a few peers to “Pencil,” a program that allowed us to visit the New York Stock Exchange and celebrate a company’s listing on the stock market. All the while, I remained committed to varsity basketball, with practices starting at 6:45 a.m. every day before school.

My Brookfield internship brought new excitement, and I eagerly shared my experiences with friends and family. As I prepared for a seven-hour flight and a week-long stay in Paris, I felt both privileged and guilty for having such an opportunity. Traveling at such a pivotal age felt like a blessing, but I couldn’t help thinking about those who might never have the same chance. On the flight, I sat next to someone whose habits tested my patience for seven long hours, but the discomfort was worth it. In Paris, I immersed myself in a foreign culture, tasted new foods, and visited iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and museums like the Louvre. Despite the language barrier, I felt a surprising sense of contentment—reminiscent of how I navigated life in New York City without my father.

Sharing this experience with my younger siblings and close friends made Paris even more meaningful. Every day offered something new: a restaurant, an activity, or an unforgettable memory. The trip touched my heart in ways I didn’t expect, reaffirming my drive to embrace life’s opportunities and give back to others.

Thanks to Love Your Journey, Dr. Juan, Mr. Smalls, and many other “Auntie Mames” in my life, I am ready to commit to a college where I can pursue a strong business degree and continue my journey of growth and success.