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Scholar Films

Harun's most recent film, In the Name of the Son, is based on his experiences growing up in wartime Bosnia

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Scholars in the Arts

"I am fascinated by the breadth of Art History and by how painting teaches a culture about itself."

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Jasmine Y Miller

“My family has always encouraged me to pursue my passions, supporting me in all I do. They have encouraged me to take advantage of opportunities great and small, and held me to high standards of achievement and honor.”

• Program: 2009 College Scholarship Recipient

• Resides: Nashville, TN
• Hometown: Nashville, TN
• Age: 20

• Four-year College or University: Harvard University

• Academic/Career Pursuits: Design, Government, International Economic Development, Literature, Media / Communications / Marketing, Politics and Diplomacy, Public Policy, Public Services, Social Science / Anthropology, Writing / Journalism
• Other Interests: Church / Religious Organization, Model UN, Performing Arts / Theatre, Politics and Diplomacy, Social Science / Anthropology, Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work, Writing / Journalism, Reading, Music (Violin, Piano, Vocals, Songwriting), Debate

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience:  Jasmine pursued music training and writing courses with the help of the Foundation. Adept at both piano and violin, she attended the orchestral programs of the Aspen Music Festival and Tanglewood Institute. In 2007, she participated in the Advanced Mentorship Program in Literature and submitted the portfolio she produced to several competitions. She was chosen a 2008 Davidson Fellow and a National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts “youngARTS” program winner. Additionally, Jasmine’s friendships with other Young Scholars have played an important role in her JKCF experience.

Profile: Jasmine has a passion for music, literature and many other subjects, including language. That love of learning comes from her family. “We didn’t have much in the way of material goods, but we had a lot of education.”  As a little girl attending grammar school in Nashville for the first time, Jasmine felt like an outsider. “I was the only Asian in my school and because of this, I became defensive and introspective.” That changed with time and her love of language and music grew, thanks to her own abilities and also the Foundation’s support. She said that “words are the vehicles that elevate us . . . without communication, brains mean nothing. One man with one idea and one purpose can change the world, but only if the world can hear him . . . words are the foundation and the apex of human civilization.”

Inspiration:  In addition to her teachers at the Harpeth Hall School in Tennessee, Jasmine’s parents were her guiding light. It was tough love though, Jasmine said. “It was understood that I would work hard until I succeeded at whatever I put my mind to.”

Aspiration:  Jasmine is interested in studying the social sciences, specifically the effects of technology on human and societal behaviors. She hopes to attend graduate school and eventually work in the public sector or for a non-profit.

Making a Difference:  Jasmine’s proudest accomplishment was her writing portfolio, titled “The Digital Identity of Contradiction,” which she authored during her junior year in high school. Composed of three essays, a novel excerpt, and a one-act play, it deals with her generation’s relationship with technology. She was awarded a $25,000 scholarship from the Davidson Institute for Talent Development  which was presented at a ceremony at the Library of Congress.

Accolades:  In addition to the Davidson Fellowship, Jasmine was also selected as a National Merit Finalist.   During her junior year at Harpeth Hall, she was presented the Harvard Book Award, given to one student who exhibits extracurricular and academic excellence. She was also an AP Scholar, a member of her school’s Cum Laude Society, and president of the Youth in Government club

Interesting fact:  Punch up J.Y. Miller on MySpace Music and Jasmine’s homepage pops up. She’s an accomplished songwriter and lyricist.

Other Scholars Like Jasmine

Dustin Stanton
College Scholar
University of Southern California

Omar Gonzalez
College Scholar
Cornell University

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Adam Hamilton
College Scholar
University of Pennsylvania

Amarinh Kongmanivong
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
School of the Art Institute Chicago