Help me go to EMIS
Donation protected
My name is Leo Gilad. I’m 15 years old, and I need your help to go to the school of my dreams, so one day I can be part of the Middle-East peace process.
Four months ago, my family moved to Israel from Spain. I had a frustrating time in one of the local public schools, since I can’t read and write Hebrew very well. I told my parents that I didn’t want to have to learn yet another language just to keep up with the rest of the class, so we searched for schools that taught in English. Then someone told us about The Eastern Mediterranean International School. Check out this inspiring video about the school:
We scheduled a visit to EMIS, and as we made our way through the campus to the admissions office, I smiled at the greenery and animals roaming the grounds. Maya, the Director of Admissions, gave us a tour of the school, and explained how unique it is.
EMIS is a boarding school, and what makes it special is also what amazes me most about it: Palestinian kids and Israeli kids get to live and learn together. 20% of the students are from Israel, 20% are from Palestine and Arab countries, and 60% are from 40 other countries around the world.
The school’s mission is to make education a force for peace and sustainability in the Middle East. Kids from opposite sides of the conflict are given the opportunity to learn together, to learn about each other, and to respect one another in spite of their differences. I’ve never had an opportunity to learn with Arabic kids, much less study with kids from 40 other countries around the world, who also make their home in EMIS.
When we moved to Israel, I began digging into the history of the region, which led to a fascination with the Arab-Israeli conflict, which then led me to explore the Six-Day War. The whole conflict is so intense and brutal, so complicated and vicious, and so seemingly impossible to solve. I've always wanted to be a leader, but now, more specifically, I want to be a world leader or diplomat for Israel. Which makes this school perfect, since it’s here that I’ll live together with Arabs and kids from all over the world, and learn to create the bridge between the two cultures.
They also have an incredible extracurricular program called “CAS” — Creativity, Activity & Service — with a focus on “experiences that involve interaction with individuals or groups for the benefit of the community.” One that I’m very excited about is the “Model United Nations,” where students make attempt to tackle world problems, learn teamwork, problem solving, and leadership. (The Director also told me that she wants me on the Journalism Club since I was the editor of my previous school’s newspaper. They also have programs in animal welfare, a sustainability team, work with autistic adults, foster care centers, and an Eritrean women’s community center.)
I want to study at EMIS to be an active advocate for peace and hope. I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
I went through the application process, working my ass off writing and re-writing essays. (I've attached some excerpts below.) I successfully made it to the next stage of the process. I had two interviews, and then nervously awaited the final verdict. A couple of weeks ago, I popped open my e-mail and nearly fainted. I had gotten accepted to EMIS!
I was awarded a partial scholarship, but we still need $8,000 to cover the annual cost. Since my family just relocated, our financial situation is still unstable, and any little amount you can contribute will mean a great deal!
Thank you so much for your support, and I commit to doing my best to make you proud!
Here are some excerpts from my application. (Essay questions are at the end.)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you plan to study in university?
I’d like to focus on journalism and political science, because a couple of years ago I started writing articles and essays about global/political issues, and now I’ve even started my own podcast dedicated to investigating anything that fascinates me about the world, such as government corruption, war, and social issues. Informing people and writing about the hidden side of everything is satisfying. If journalism is the art of seeking the truth and informing people about it, then sign me up.
Aside from journalism, which tends to be focused through the lens of the modern world, I’d love to study history. Not only is it the lore of mankind, it can predict the future. By learning about past mistakes, you prevent yourself from repeating them.
What is your philosophy of life?
My philosophy is “avoid dreading the past, and refrain from worrying about the future, because in truth, neither exist anywhere but in our heads.” Worry and dread are a waste of time, especially when you consider the possibility that this is your one and only lifetime. It’s pointless to spend it wallowing in negative emotions.
What arts do you do regularly?
For years I have been interested in comic strips and comic books. I used to draw them, but over time I’ve lost my ability to draw well (lack of practice), though I’m working on regaining my old talent. Now I mostly write them, while my best friend, a brilliant illustrator, draws them. We started working on a comic book epic called ‘The Rift Saga’. It takes place in the far future, where humans have integrated themselves with technology to the point where almost all humans have at least one cybernetic modification. Humans have colonized the galaxy in its entirety. Then, a rift opens up in the galaxy, and, as it turns out, it’s a portal to another universe entirely.
I’m also an avid writer. I’ve worked on two novels so far. One of them I didn’t finish because the original story got so convoluted in the draft stage that I couldn’t summon the inspiration needed to continue it. It was called ‘The Lifesaver’, and it was about a boy named Jack who becomes so fed up with his life that he decides to run away from home. He travels throughout the city of Los Angeles, meeting all kinds of colorful and intriguing characters, like a busker who was kicked out of his house, or a tribe of kids living out in the wilderness. He ends up acting as an ear to their problems, becoming a listener to the outcasts of society. The idea sounded great on paper, but when I actually started writing it on paper, it fell apart.
The second novel, which I’m working on right now, is called ‘The Pizza Desert’, and it’s about a boy named Jonathan who’s moved from New York to Yeruham, and has just gotten fired from his delivery boy position at a local (and awful) pizzeria. The pizzeria has so far experienced nothing but growth, simply due to the fact that it’s the only one in town. So Jonathan decides to teach his former employer a lesson in pizza, and starts his own pizza business.
Aside from novels and comics, I love music. In my last school, I was the lead singer and songwriter for a band that I formed, and we wrote and performed three songs. The best songs I’ve written, the ones I’ve performed with my band, are written in an improvised fashion. My friend, the band’s melodist, plays a tune on the piano and I improvise along with it, then write down what I say. It’s worked well so far.
Here are links to two of my performances:
“Already There” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEulxSBc250&feature=youtu.be&t=11s
“Mesmerized” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SSCZLDmPJ4&feature=youtu.be&t=48s
I also write raps in my spare time, as well as songs that just happen to float through my head. Most of them are about love and despair, but there are some that have a more light-hearted tone.
I love music because there’s something very satisfying about performing a song on stage and making people move and smile. It’s especially great performing for a girl I like, because the song will most probably be about her. You can’t get that distinct thrill of performance from writing fiction.
Have you volunteered or been active with community involvement?
Three months ago, I became involved in a series of anti-gun rallies. Every week, the adults in charge organized a small protest, one of which caught the attention of a couple of Mallorcan news stations. At one point, in what might be the most exciting moment I’ve had in years, I volunteered to be interviewed on TV and was asked a few questions regarding the anti-gun movement’s presence in Mallorca.
But that wasn’t all. The best part was writing the speech that would later be read in the main march, which happened a few days before I left for Israel. Writing speeches was never something I thought I would do, but I loved it. Being involved in such an important movement was an incredible experience.
Check out the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/03/24/us/photos-march-for-lives.html
Detail offices/positions you have held in school organizations
In my last school, I had the position of editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, writing several articles for it as well. We published six issues. I organized who would write which articles, and which sections we’d have in the newspaper. I formatted the whole thing and coordinated nearly the entire project. When it came time to finally sell the finished product, I worried people wouldn’t want to buy an unknown newspaper. So I tried my damn hardest by approaching people walking by. Like the best salesmen, I was nice, but aggressive, and that got people buying. Believe it or not, the stack of twenty I had in my arms was gone in less than five minutes.
The time spent creating the newspaper was easily the busiest I’ve ever been, but when people stop and tell you afterwards how interesting they found it, it’s all worth it, and something to be proud of.
Describe activities/organizations you have been active in outside of school.
Aside from the anti-firearms organization, I took part in a Chess tournament, and, though I lost miserably, I still had fun. I entered the tournament extremely cocky, thinking that because I had practiced for three months I was suddenly a Chess genius. I was wrong, and got my ass handed to me by nearly everyone I went up against.
I’m also the host of my own podcast, ‘The Leo Greenfield Show’, where I discuss “Whatever the hell I want.” My goal in starting it was to boost my journalism career. I research everything I talk about in-depth, and currently I’m working on an episode all about gun control, and the history behind the American gun controversy and the Second Amendment.
My friend and I came up with an idea for a product called ‘The Box’. The idea is that you order a Box, which contains every basic necessity for school, such as pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, and other pencil case items. Instead of having to order everything individually, or having to go to a boring store where you have to wait in line for every other parent to finish their purchase, you can go to a website that specializes in school items and add whatever you want to your own Box. We designed an online shop using Wix.com, and also made a blog for our company. Then we calculated the costs to produce a single Box, and made a survey to determine what our potential customers wanted.
I’m very active politically. I write articles about politics, mostly focusing on the corruption plaguing the US government. I’ve also written a piece on a political ideology called Anarchism, which is in my opinion the fairest system, but only in a very specific environment. Anarchism requires a miniscule population to work at peak efficiency, and therefore isn’t very tenable in places like the United States or China or other organized states.
In terms of community and social justice, I am a large advocate for animal rights, ecological stability, and class equity.
I’ve also entered several short stories into online competitions, in hopes of winning cash prizes. So far, I haven’t won any, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying.
I love the outdoors, I’ve gone on lots of hikes, explorations, camping trips, underwater adventures, and plenty of travel (with parents like mine, you’re going to be travelling a lot).
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
E S S A Y Q U E S T I O N S
1. Why are you applying to EMIS and what do you expect to learn and experience from your time in EMIS?
I’ve long asked myself what the solution is to the chaos and anger that rages through the Middle-East. I never had the answer until I visited the school and realized that indeed, the best way to carve out peace is by putting children from across battle lines together. We kids inherit the future, so if you can foster a sense of community between children from all around the world, peace isn’t so far away anymore.
I’m applying to EMIS because I want to be an active advocate for prosperity and hope, and participate in the community services the school organizes. I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
My expectations are to be surrounded by worldly, intellectual people who care about the future of the planet. Being with them every day should improve me, both spiritually and personally. I expect to be extremely competitive in EMIS, and more independent. Without my parents, I’ll have to take care of myself and that sounds like an exciting prospect, as well as a challenge that I’m ready to conquer. I expect to learn a lot about cultures from around the world, which an exciting idea for an aspiring journalist.
2. Ask and answer one open free question
What book has changed you on a spiritual level?
Shogun, by James Clavell. On the surface, it’s just an eleven-hundred page book about an English sea pilot who gets shipwrecked in medieval Japan. But when I thought about each character, and read between the lines, I got something that changed the way I viewed the entire world, and the way I viewed myself.
The main character, John Blackthorne, is seen as a barbaric, animalistic man by the Japanese. Western society is disgusting and alien to them. The book details his struggle for survival in the brutally cold Japanese world that seemingly has no place for a ‘pirate’ like him. But with time, he begins to accept the culture, and really starts to love the Japanese way, or zen. He’s conflicted now, because he knows he needs to return home to his wife, and yet now views Western culture as dirty and disgusting. The whole conflict is an accurate depiction of how much people can try to cling onto their own cultures, but when you finally accept one that is thrust upon you, you can discover a whole world of concepts that improve your life.
But the character who changed me most was Lord Toranaga. A brilliant man, strategic, cunning, charismatic, but above all, patient. From Toranaga, I learned that patience means being able to control and lay aside your basic emotions, and using its zen-like powers over your mind can lead to a more fulfilling life. Manners do not maketh man, patience does. Toranaga is surgical in his dismantling of rival lord Ishido, and the main difference between them is Toranaga’s patience and wisdom. Ishido allows himself to get overconfident, which Toranaga, the brilliant player of human Chess, takes advantage of, and, using his mantis-like patience, defeats Ishido.
Not only is Toranaga patient, he is eternally humble. He never becomes overconfident, but he is never underconfident. He always maintains moderation. Unlike Ishido, who is arrogant and displays his anger and wealth to those around him, Toranaga is in constant control of himself. Another thing I like about him is that he is willing to hear advice from those much lower in class than him, and prefers honest advice. If someone believes his idea is terrible during a meeting, he wants to hear why.
I studied Toranaga closely as I read the book. Everything he does makes a lot of sense, and though I don’t want to adopt Toranaga’s entire character, his philosophies on patience and leadership made me want to discipline myself so that I could have his level of control over my desires and emotions.
3. Describe an experience in your life that changed the way you think.
About a year ago, I took a science test, which I had neglected to prepare for. I came to school that day confident, because I thought I’d done well. Then I got my test handed back, and the teacher gave me a seventy. The whole day afterwards, I was dreading showing the grade to my parents. I knew they’d be furious at me for getting such an abysmal score. Not only was I full of worry, I was boiling inside at a couple of other students, who consistently beat me in tests.
I went home, and eventually, over dinner, I brought up the test, and showed it to my parents. They were disappointed. I was, too. I told them that I wanted a high score with every fiber of my being, but my dad gave me a speech. Clearly I had not wanted it that badly, or else I would’ve studied more to get it. I would’ve done everything I could to get the best score. That if I had genuinely wanted a high score, I would’ve gotten it. My mom was especially drilling these points in, she’s always believed in the value of being hungry for success. ‘The only way you can succeed is if you’re truly hungry for it.’ You should always focus on the present, and give your hundred percent at every moment.
Always give a hundred percent. Those words have stuck with me ever since, because even though I don’t always get a hundred percent, I know that I give a hundred percent. This quote made me look at life and everything as a brand new opportunity to grow and improve, and most importantly, learn. These days I’m always looking forward to a chance to learn something new, and I constantly remind myself to give it my all, every moment of every day.
Four months ago, my family moved to Israel from Spain. I had a frustrating time in one of the local public schools, since I can’t read and write Hebrew very well. I told my parents that I didn’t want to have to learn yet another language just to keep up with the rest of the class, so we searched for schools that taught in English. Then someone told us about The Eastern Mediterranean International School. Check out this inspiring video about the school:
We scheduled a visit to EMIS, and as we made our way through the campus to the admissions office, I smiled at the greenery and animals roaming the grounds. Maya, the Director of Admissions, gave us a tour of the school, and explained how unique it is.
EMIS is a boarding school, and what makes it special is also what amazes me most about it: Palestinian kids and Israeli kids get to live and learn together. 20% of the students are from Israel, 20% are from Palestine and Arab countries, and 60% are from 40 other countries around the world.
The school’s mission is to make education a force for peace and sustainability in the Middle East. Kids from opposite sides of the conflict are given the opportunity to learn together, to learn about each other, and to respect one another in spite of their differences. I’ve never had an opportunity to learn with Arabic kids, much less study with kids from 40 other countries around the world, who also make their home in EMIS.
When we moved to Israel, I began digging into the history of the region, which led to a fascination with the Arab-Israeli conflict, which then led me to explore the Six-Day War. The whole conflict is so intense and brutal, so complicated and vicious, and so seemingly impossible to solve. I've always wanted to be a leader, but now, more specifically, I want to be a world leader or diplomat for Israel. Which makes this school perfect, since it’s here that I’ll live together with Arabs and kids from all over the world, and learn to create the bridge between the two cultures.
They also have an incredible extracurricular program called “CAS” — Creativity, Activity & Service — with a focus on “experiences that involve interaction with individuals or groups for the benefit of the community.” One that I’m very excited about is the “Model United Nations,” where students make attempt to tackle world problems, learn teamwork, problem solving, and leadership. (The Director also told me that she wants me on the Journalism Club since I was the editor of my previous school’s newspaper. They also have programs in animal welfare, a sustainability team, work with autistic adults, foster care centers, and an Eritrean women’s community center.)
I want to study at EMIS to be an active advocate for peace and hope. I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
I went through the application process, working my ass off writing and re-writing essays. (I've attached some excerpts below.) I successfully made it to the next stage of the process. I had two interviews, and then nervously awaited the final verdict. A couple of weeks ago, I popped open my e-mail and nearly fainted. I had gotten accepted to EMIS!
I was awarded a partial scholarship, but we still need $8,000 to cover the annual cost. Since my family just relocated, our financial situation is still unstable, and any little amount you can contribute will mean a great deal!
Thank you so much for your support, and I commit to doing my best to make you proud!
Here are some excerpts from my application. (Essay questions are at the end.)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you plan to study in university?
I’d like to focus on journalism and political science, because a couple of years ago I started writing articles and essays about global/political issues, and now I’ve even started my own podcast dedicated to investigating anything that fascinates me about the world, such as government corruption, war, and social issues. Informing people and writing about the hidden side of everything is satisfying. If journalism is the art of seeking the truth and informing people about it, then sign me up.
Aside from journalism, which tends to be focused through the lens of the modern world, I’d love to study history. Not only is it the lore of mankind, it can predict the future. By learning about past mistakes, you prevent yourself from repeating them.
What is your philosophy of life?
My philosophy is “avoid dreading the past, and refrain from worrying about the future, because in truth, neither exist anywhere but in our heads.” Worry and dread are a waste of time, especially when you consider the possibility that this is your one and only lifetime. It’s pointless to spend it wallowing in negative emotions.
What arts do you do regularly?
For years I have been interested in comic strips and comic books. I used to draw them, but over time I’ve lost my ability to draw well (lack of practice), though I’m working on regaining my old talent. Now I mostly write them, while my best friend, a brilliant illustrator, draws them. We started working on a comic book epic called ‘The Rift Saga’. It takes place in the far future, where humans have integrated themselves with technology to the point where almost all humans have at least one cybernetic modification. Humans have colonized the galaxy in its entirety. Then, a rift opens up in the galaxy, and, as it turns out, it’s a portal to another universe entirely.
I’m also an avid writer. I’ve worked on two novels so far. One of them I didn’t finish because the original story got so convoluted in the draft stage that I couldn’t summon the inspiration needed to continue it. It was called ‘The Lifesaver’, and it was about a boy named Jack who becomes so fed up with his life that he decides to run away from home. He travels throughout the city of Los Angeles, meeting all kinds of colorful and intriguing characters, like a busker who was kicked out of his house, or a tribe of kids living out in the wilderness. He ends up acting as an ear to their problems, becoming a listener to the outcasts of society. The idea sounded great on paper, but when I actually started writing it on paper, it fell apart.
The second novel, which I’m working on right now, is called ‘The Pizza Desert’, and it’s about a boy named Jonathan who’s moved from New York to Yeruham, and has just gotten fired from his delivery boy position at a local (and awful) pizzeria. The pizzeria has so far experienced nothing but growth, simply due to the fact that it’s the only one in town. So Jonathan decides to teach his former employer a lesson in pizza, and starts his own pizza business.
Aside from novels and comics, I love music. In my last school, I was the lead singer and songwriter for a band that I formed, and we wrote and performed three songs. The best songs I’ve written, the ones I’ve performed with my band, are written in an improvised fashion. My friend, the band’s melodist, plays a tune on the piano and I improvise along with it, then write down what I say. It’s worked well so far.
Here are links to two of my performances:
“Already There” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEulxSBc250&feature=youtu.be&t=11s
“Mesmerized” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SSCZLDmPJ4&feature=youtu.be&t=48s
I also write raps in my spare time, as well as songs that just happen to float through my head. Most of them are about love and despair, but there are some that have a more light-hearted tone.
I love music because there’s something very satisfying about performing a song on stage and making people move and smile. It’s especially great performing for a girl I like, because the song will most probably be about her. You can’t get that distinct thrill of performance from writing fiction.
Have you volunteered or been active with community involvement?
Three months ago, I became involved in a series of anti-gun rallies. Every week, the adults in charge organized a small protest, one of which caught the attention of a couple of Mallorcan news stations. At one point, in what might be the most exciting moment I’ve had in years, I volunteered to be interviewed on TV and was asked a few questions regarding the anti-gun movement’s presence in Mallorca.
But that wasn’t all. The best part was writing the speech that would later be read in the main march, which happened a few days before I left for Israel. Writing speeches was never something I thought I would do, but I loved it. Being involved in such an important movement was an incredible experience.
Check out the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/03/24/us/photos-march-for-lives.html
Detail offices/positions you have held in school organizations
In my last school, I had the position of editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, writing several articles for it as well. We published six issues. I organized who would write which articles, and which sections we’d have in the newspaper. I formatted the whole thing and coordinated nearly the entire project. When it came time to finally sell the finished product, I worried people wouldn’t want to buy an unknown newspaper. So I tried my damn hardest by approaching people walking by. Like the best salesmen, I was nice, but aggressive, and that got people buying. Believe it or not, the stack of twenty I had in my arms was gone in less than five minutes.
The time spent creating the newspaper was easily the busiest I’ve ever been, but when people stop and tell you afterwards how interesting they found it, it’s all worth it, and something to be proud of.
Describe activities/organizations you have been active in outside of school.
Aside from the anti-firearms organization, I took part in a Chess tournament, and, though I lost miserably, I still had fun. I entered the tournament extremely cocky, thinking that because I had practiced for three months I was suddenly a Chess genius. I was wrong, and got my ass handed to me by nearly everyone I went up against.
I’m also the host of my own podcast, ‘The Leo Greenfield Show’, where I discuss “Whatever the hell I want.” My goal in starting it was to boost my journalism career. I research everything I talk about in-depth, and currently I’m working on an episode all about gun control, and the history behind the American gun controversy and the Second Amendment.
My friend and I came up with an idea for a product called ‘The Box’. The idea is that you order a Box, which contains every basic necessity for school, such as pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, and other pencil case items. Instead of having to order everything individually, or having to go to a boring store where you have to wait in line for every other parent to finish their purchase, you can go to a website that specializes in school items and add whatever you want to your own Box. We designed an online shop using Wix.com, and also made a blog for our company. Then we calculated the costs to produce a single Box, and made a survey to determine what our potential customers wanted.
I’m very active politically. I write articles about politics, mostly focusing on the corruption plaguing the US government. I’ve also written a piece on a political ideology called Anarchism, which is in my opinion the fairest system, but only in a very specific environment. Anarchism requires a miniscule population to work at peak efficiency, and therefore isn’t very tenable in places like the United States or China or other organized states.
In terms of community and social justice, I am a large advocate for animal rights, ecological stability, and class equity.
I’ve also entered several short stories into online competitions, in hopes of winning cash prizes. So far, I haven’t won any, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying.
I love the outdoors, I’ve gone on lots of hikes, explorations, camping trips, underwater adventures, and plenty of travel (with parents like mine, you’re going to be travelling a lot).
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
E S S A Y Q U E S T I O N S
1. Why are you applying to EMIS and what do you expect to learn and experience from your time in EMIS?
I’ve long asked myself what the solution is to the chaos and anger that rages through the Middle-East. I never had the answer until I visited the school and realized that indeed, the best way to carve out peace is by putting children from across battle lines together. We kids inherit the future, so if you can foster a sense of community between children from all around the world, peace isn’t so far away anymore.
I’m applying to EMIS because I want to be an active advocate for prosperity and hope, and participate in the community services the school organizes. I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
My expectations are to be surrounded by worldly, intellectual people who care about the future of the planet. Being with them every day should improve me, both spiritually and personally. I expect to be extremely competitive in EMIS, and more independent. Without my parents, I’ll have to take care of myself and that sounds like an exciting prospect, as well as a challenge that I’m ready to conquer. I expect to learn a lot about cultures from around the world, which an exciting idea for an aspiring journalist.
2. Ask and answer one open free question
What book has changed you on a spiritual level?
Shogun, by James Clavell. On the surface, it’s just an eleven-hundred page book about an English sea pilot who gets shipwrecked in medieval Japan. But when I thought about each character, and read between the lines, I got something that changed the way I viewed the entire world, and the way I viewed myself.
The main character, John Blackthorne, is seen as a barbaric, animalistic man by the Japanese. Western society is disgusting and alien to them. The book details his struggle for survival in the brutally cold Japanese world that seemingly has no place for a ‘pirate’ like him. But with time, he begins to accept the culture, and really starts to love the Japanese way, or zen. He’s conflicted now, because he knows he needs to return home to his wife, and yet now views Western culture as dirty and disgusting. The whole conflict is an accurate depiction of how much people can try to cling onto their own cultures, but when you finally accept one that is thrust upon you, you can discover a whole world of concepts that improve your life.
But the character who changed me most was Lord Toranaga. A brilliant man, strategic, cunning, charismatic, but above all, patient. From Toranaga, I learned that patience means being able to control and lay aside your basic emotions, and using its zen-like powers over your mind can lead to a more fulfilling life. Manners do not maketh man, patience does. Toranaga is surgical in his dismantling of rival lord Ishido, and the main difference between them is Toranaga’s patience and wisdom. Ishido allows himself to get overconfident, which Toranaga, the brilliant player of human Chess, takes advantage of, and, using his mantis-like patience, defeats Ishido.
Not only is Toranaga patient, he is eternally humble. He never becomes overconfident, but he is never underconfident. He always maintains moderation. Unlike Ishido, who is arrogant and displays his anger and wealth to those around him, Toranaga is in constant control of himself. Another thing I like about him is that he is willing to hear advice from those much lower in class than him, and prefers honest advice. If someone believes his idea is terrible during a meeting, he wants to hear why.
I studied Toranaga closely as I read the book. Everything he does makes a lot of sense, and though I don’t want to adopt Toranaga’s entire character, his philosophies on patience and leadership made me want to discipline myself so that I could have his level of control over my desires and emotions.
3. Describe an experience in your life that changed the way you think.
About a year ago, I took a science test, which I had neglected to prepare for. I came to school that day confident, because I thought I’d done well. Then I got my test handed back, and the teacher gave me a seventy. The whole day afterwards, I was dreading showing the grade to my parents. I knew they’d be furious at me for getting such an abysmal score. Not only was I full of worry, I was boiling inside at a couple of other students, who consistently beat me in tests.
I went home, and eventually, over dinner, I brought up the test, and showed it to my parents. They were disappointed. I was, too. I told them that I wanted a high score with every fiber of my being, but my dad gave me a speech. Clearly I had not wanted it that badly, or else I would’ve studied more to get it. I would’ve done everything I could to get the best score. That if I had genuinely wanted a high score, I would’ve gotten it. My mom was especially drilling these points in, she’s always believed in the value of being hungry for success. ‘The only way you can succeed is if you’re truly hungry for it.’ You should always focus on the present, and give your hundred percent at every moment.
Always give a hundred percent. Those words have stuck with me ever since, because even though I don’t always get a hundred percent, I know that I give a hundred percent. This quote made me look at life and everything as a brand new opportunity to grow and improve, and most importantly, learn. These days I’m always looking forward to a chance to learn something new, and I constantly remind myself to give it my all, every moment of every day.
Organizer and beneficiary
Leo Gilad
Organizer
New York, NY
Zeev Gilad
Beneficiary