Scholars in the Arts
Randy’s provocative works of metal, wood, and paint have earned considerable recognition.
Akiva Freidlin
“I am drawn to narrative non-fiction and journalism, because they set out to tell real truths about the world.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
- Four-year College or University: Hampshire College
- Graduate School: Columbia University
Biography
PROFILE: Akiva Freidlin has been in love with stories since he learned to read. “I love to listen to the stories of the people I meet, and to try and understand their motivations and challenges. The page is an arena where we grapple with the seemingly irreconcilable contradictions that complicate life.”
As the grandson of Holocaust survivors and the son of a rabbi, his interest in other people’s stories is also driven by a search for his own place in the world. His actions embody the question he once asked of a rabbi: “What is the Jew’s responsibility to social justice?” This fascination led him to pursue an array of cultural studies at school, focusing on American Studies and non-fiction writing. He has written about the complex history of Jewish assimilation in the U.S., and the ironies of the Native American tourism industry.
INSPIRATION: Akiva credits his parents with inspiring him with their positivity in the face of adversity. “My mother has taught me persistence in the pursuit of difficult goals, while my father has imparted an unshakeable optimism and good humor in the face of dire circumstances.”
ASPIRATION: Akiva plans to write, especially non-fiction, and to pursue a career in journalism. “I wish to be a writer propelled by a sense of empathy and concern for social justice.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Akiva helped restart Hampshire College’s Habitat for Humanity chapter, where he served as co-chair and organized student trips to build housing in Massachusetts and Virginia. He also received a grant to work in San Diego for the American Friends Service Committee US/Mexico Border Project, where he mentored local youth and assisted in research and activism. He also volunteers at 826NYC, a writing and tutoring center for youth.
ACCOLADES: Akiva has received project-support grants for his writing from the Jerome Foundation and the John Anson Kittredge Fund. In addition to the Community Partnerships for Social Change grant awarded for his work in San Diego, Akiva has received scholarships from the Columbia University School of the Arts, the Leopold Schepp Foundation, the Datatel Scholars Foundation, and the Rose Biller Endowment Fund.
INTERESTING FACT: Akiva worked for recording artist Matisyahu for two years managing the singer’s worldwide touring operations.
August 2008
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