Help Ariel Attend His Dream School

Hello!

My name is Ariel Nurieli, a twenty-three year old former IDF lone soldier from Hallandale Beach, FL. I am reaching out to everyone and everywhere I can with the hopes of receiving a sponsor(s)/donor(s) that will enable me to pursue the opportunity of a lifetime: a degree from Columbia University. As a sophomore in high school, I stood at the gates of Columbia and told myself that this is the only place that I see myself attending. Everything about the school spoke to me, and I was drawn to it ever since. But after I graduated highschool, I decided to put college on hold, and with that the dream of Columbia. So over the past four years, I served in the Israeli Army, which connects me with plenty of organizations that provide scholarship money and grants for post-army studies…but only in Israel. There are no organization/programs that help people in my case: Lone Soldier, combat officer, and Ivy League bound. Anyone who sponsors me, sponsors my goal: Get a degree from one of the best schools in the world, combine that with my leadership abilities, and use it to do as much good as in this world as I possibly can. I am a man of my word, as my history shows it to be true. Last year, I was committed to a career in the army, as I thought that was the best I can do for the Jewish people and for the people who served with me. However, I realized I am a man of intellect more than one of war. Staying in the army protects the country, but it does not help me promote it... and my dreams go beyond one little country. So, with hope, persistence, and hard work, I got accepted into Columbia University...…eight years after the dream came to fruition. Now, I come from the most loving family this world has to offer, but one that definitely can not conceive paying for a school like this, and the salary I was paid in the army was enough to cover living expenses. I am left with a very big number after the few scholarships I received, and its big enough to kill the biggest opportunity of my life. Money has become my only barrier… the first one ever that has successfully stopped me in my tracks. So here I am, asking for help from those who have been seeking for a specialty cause like mine, to allow me to focus on what really matters, and not the money.

Now, before I take your money, let me explain who I am. Who is the person you’re investing in.

As a high school student I was a long standing member of the Israeli Scouts program. I was a counselor for two years and then a coordinator for the Broward chapter. Whether it was connecting Jewish-Israeli youth to their roots, or instilling in them leadership qualities, I dedicated every spare minute I had to the program and to my people. All voluntary, all with purpose.

Upon Graduation, I moved to Israel and drafted into the Israeli Army. I drafted into and infantry brigade as a combat soldier. Within a year, I became a commander. After two years, and two attempts, I successfully became an officer. All of this was done voluntarily. I did it because somebody had to… and never is that more evident than in times like these. My final year as an officer I was awarded with the Presidential Award for Excellence, for the path I chose to take, and my actions along the way. I was lucky to lead over one hundred soldiers through their best and worst times. My decision to join the IDF was my best, and has taught me a great deal about the world and helped me gain a greater understanding of the impact I have on those around me. Above all, my service provided me with a deep rooted love for the land of my people, and has instilled in me the drive to become a leader in every community in which I am a part of... and those I am not; because the world needs good leaders. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am more that eager to share my experience and passion wherever I can…and man do I have a lot to say.

I am excited to see how far I can take myself, as my sights are set past the stars. I really am aiming to change the world for the better; beyond just my people. I am an American, I am Jewish, and I have my roots in Israel. However, today we live in a world without borders. A world in which people from the four corners of the world, with countless differences in beliefs, can come together and create greatness. All that needed are passionate leaders, and worldly ideas. Leaders with broad visions, and the bravery to go after them with full force. Leaders that believe in those around them. I can confidently say that I have the necessary leadership capabilities to create the unity this world needs. All I need now are resources, network, and guidance to go along with those capabilities. I am grateful to be have been able to have taken this personal journey for the past four years, and now at twenty-three to be accepted into a school of Ivy League Stature. I do not want to give it up due to monetary reasons. My overall goal is to succeed in every way I can so that I can continue giving back to the the communities that have forged me into who I am today; both American and Jewish; It is what I live for. My life revolves around giving back, but this time around, I am the one who needs the help, and I am not afraid to ask for it.

My goal is to raise enough to get me at least through the first year: tuition, living expenses, and educational necessities. Everything past that will be put in an account designated for the remainder of the years. Any assistance I can receive, from any avenue, is greatly appreciated. … even if its just sharing my message with the right people. I am willing and able to provide more information, as well as volunteer services to help see my case through.

Thank you for the consideration,

-Ariel