Scholars in the Arts
"I am fascinated by the breadth of Art History and by how painting teaches a culture about itself."
Scholar Films
Harun's most recent film, In the Name of the Son, is based on his experiences growing up in wartime Bosnia
Noah Smith
"I want to expand my advocacy efforts to represent all people with disabilities, be it in a career as a politician, representing the disadvantaged in court, or defending the intellectual property rights of a promising therapy."
- Program: 2007 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Berkeley, CA
- Hometown: Hood River, OR
- Age: 31
- Four-year College or University: University of Oregon
- Graduate School: University of California, Berkeley
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Literature, Media / Communications / Marketing, Sports
- Other Interests: Politics and Diplomacy, Writing / Journalism
Biography
In the midst of his undergraduate program, Noah Smith became paralyzed in an automobile accident. He raised money to fund his specialized rehabilitation therapy, resumed his education, and graduated summa cum laude. He intends to pursue a law career. "I am currently involved in paralysis-related advocacy efforts at the state and national levels. I want to combine the necessity and urgency I feel as a patient-advocate with the knowledge of a legal education."
In high school, Noah lettered in soccer and ski racing, and golfed. He quit sports to pursue acting during his senior year. He remains interested in the arts, in which he excelled before his accident.
Before becoming paralyzed, Noah's zeal for service involved leading disadvantaged youth groups in wilderness conservation expeditions, performing community service at a music and drama school in South Africa, and working for a Somalian food agency in Kenya. He now lobbies in Washington for paralysis legislation and advises disabled youth.
"As a volunteer and advocate before my injury, I'd taken pleasure in helping those less fortunate. Thrust into the role of dependent, I felt angry and confused. With time, I developed humility and patience." Noah dedicated himself to understanding and addressing his individual condition, and working on behalf of research to aid people with spinal injuries. He hopes to drive progress toward promising therapies that await legal ruling.
A professional degree offers practical advantages as well. An attorney's income will help Noah get the care and medical supplies that are difficult to obtain through social services. This scholarship will make possible the legal education in which Noah places his hopes.
Other Scholars Like Noah
Lalita Booth
Graduate Scholar
Harvard University
Michelle McLeod
Graduate Scholar
Georgetown University
Warren Van Nus
College Scholar
Georgia Institute of Technology
Summer Dunsmore
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
University of California, Berkeley