Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship

Being part of a supportive community that gives back through service opportunities has greatly influenced me and has taught me the importance of making time to serve others. More importantly, committing to service projects and volunteer service has changed my life. Dedicating time each week to support others has helped me focus less on myself and the pressures of academics and more on the needs of others. I have had many opportunities to volunteer in various community service projects through Beta Club, National Honor Society Club, and Gwinnett Church, and have over 300 documented service hours. These include food drives for the North Gwinnett Co-Op, pajama drives for the JAMBOS organization, which serves foster children, book drives for local elementary schools, including two that I organized for a Title I school, packing Operation Christmas Child toy boxes, serving the elderly with various tasks, and making disposable protective gowns for hospital workers during Covid. Most recently, I was selected to intern at Gwinnett Church, where I volunteer several hours weekly to help prepare for upcoming church events and welcome first-time high school students. In addition to this leadership role, I served as a small group co-leader in the middle school ministry at Gwinnett Church. I led and mentored a group of middle school boys, weekly, for 2 years. As a small group leader, I was able to take a group of boys under my wing and help them prepare for high school, while also sharing my experiences with them to help them mature spiritually and as a person. My role was to facilitate discussions on spiritual matters as well as other life relevant issues. I also attended 2 retreats a year with the middle school students to participate in various church related activities, sports and games. While this was meant to benefit them, it also helped me realize the importance of mentoring my peers. I learned how dedicating time to others, in a consistent manner, could help change a life. Volunteering as a small group leader taught me how to lead discussions, but equally important, how to listen as well. In many cases, our small group was the one place where my boys could open up and share about their daily struggles at home and at school. Supporting them through hardships, a loss of a family member, anxiety, depression and peer pressure at school has taught me the importance of being a good listener, showing empathy, and giving encouragement. I created an environment where they could open up and talk about whatever issues were affecting them. It feels great to know that they value, and look up to me as a mentor and friend. I am proud to know that my time spent with them has been an investment in their lives that will hopefully motivate them to be the next generation of leaders and to serve their community. Over the last 4 years, I have made volunteer service a priority in my life and have tried to positively impact my community, especially my peers. Whether by donating resources or sacrificing my time, I feel like I have made a difference in the lives around me and will use what I have learned to continue to help make my surrounding community a better place. It would be an honor to be the recipient of the Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship. Thank you for your consideration. Conner Moniri

Embodying selflessness is a fundamental part of my life, shaped by my unwavering faith, dedication to affordable healthcare for all, advocacy for responsible gun control, and active involvement in my church community. I've always believed, as Michael Rudometkin did, that life is about nurturing relationships, pursuing personal happiness and fulfillment, and extending a helping hand to those on their own life journey. My faith in God has been a guiding light in my journey toward selflessness. Through my active participation in various church events and fundraisers, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of collective compassion. From organizing food drives to volunteering at local shelters, my faith inspires me to serve and support those in need within my community. These experiences, driven by my belief in God, have deepened my understanding of the importance of selflessness and the impact it can have on others. My professional path as a medical laboratory scientist has reinforced my commitment to the idea of affordable healthcare for all. I've witnessed the critical role diagnostics and accessible healthcare play in people's lives. Beyond my work, I have volunteered my time to provide free health screenings and testing in underserved communities. In doing so, I've been able to contribute to improving the health and well-being of individuals who might otherwise have limited access to healthcare. In addition to my professional and community commitments, I am currently pursuing a Master's in Healthcare Administration, which further fuels my passion for ensuring healthcare access for all. My academic journey is a testament to my dedication to making a tangible difference in the healthcare sector, and I believe that effective administration can significantly impact the accessibility and quality of healthcare services. This program has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for affordable healthcare and contribute to the broader healthcare ecosystem. Advocating for responsible gun control in my community is another facet of my commitment to selflessness. I believe that promoting safer gun regulations is an essential part of ensuring the well-being of our society. I've actively engaged in local campaigns and initiatives to foster constructive dialogue and raise awareness about the need for stricter gun control measures. This advocacy has often involved challenging conversations and the perseverance to work toward a safer community. One specific example of embodying selflessness that comes to mind is when I organized a community discussion on responsible gun ownership and safety measures. This event brought together people with differing perspectives on the issue. I facilitated the dialogue, creating a safe space for constructive conversations that led to a better understanding of each other's viewpoints. This experience exemplified my commitment to selflessness by actively working towards a safer community, even in the face of challenging discussions. In conclusion, my unwavering faith, dedication to affordable healthcare for all, advocacy for responsible gun control, and active involvement in my church community have all contributed to the way I embody selflessness in my life. These aspects have driven me to engage in numerous acts of kindness and service, such as organizing community discussions, volunteering for healthcare access, and participating in church events. Just as Michael Rudometkin believed in helping others along their life journey, I aspire to continue his legacy by making the world a better place through selfless actions and unwavering dedication to my beliefs and passions.