“During my first year at Phillips Academy Andover in 9th grade, I began working as a peer tutor in German and Russian. Drawing on my native-level proficiency in both languages, I supported students who needed extra help with grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural context. Through the Amara.orgcommunity, I also contributed subtitles in German and Russian, helping to make educational content more accessible to a broader audience. This experience strengthened my belief that language is a powerful tool for inclusion and empowerment.”

From May to September 2024, I dedicated a total of 25 hours to tutoring English for Ukrainian students who had recently arrived in Austria. My goal was to support their integration into a new school system by helping them improve their language skills in a safe and encouraging environment. These sessions allowed me to build meaningful connections and witness the power of education in fostering confidence and resilience. This experience deepened my understanding of how direct, personal support can contribute to greater educational equity.

In the summer of 2024, I participated in a two-week educational exchange in Montenegro, organized in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Nasher Aktie, based in Kotor. Together with ten fellow students from Phillips Academy Andover, I engaged in in-depth discussions and workshops with students and teachers from Tivat and Kotor. Our goal was to better understand the differences and common challenges in the Montenegrin and U.S. educational systems. This experience gave me valuable insight into how educational inequality manifests across countries—and how collaboration and open dialogue can spark innovative solutions.

As part of my ongoing commitment to educational equity, I will be organizing a charity event during the Vienna Children’s Reading Festival (Wiener Kinderlesefest), an initiative by the City of Vienna and Wiener Städtische Versicherung that promotes literacy among young people. I’ll be raising funds by selling snacks and drinks at the festival, and all proceeds will go directly to Teach For Austria. This event not only supports an organization I deeply believe in, but also aligns perfectly with the mission of empowering children through access to quality education and the joy of reading.

In summer 2025, I will complete a three-week internship with Teach For Austria, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing educational inequality by placing highly motivated university graduates in underprivileged schools and kindergartens. Teach For Austria believes that every child—regardless of their background—deserves access to quality education and inspiring teachers. As an intern, I will gain firsthand experience with the challenges and innovations of the Austrian school system, contribute to ongoing projects, and support the mission of creating equitable learning environments.