Hi everyone! I’m Ryan Shindler, an Atlanta, GA native and a member of the 2017 Periclean Scholars program. Here’s a brief introduction of who I am and why I’m in this program.
For most of my life, I grew up lacking the social skills that most of my peers took for granted. I had trouble adjusting to social norms, making more than a friend or two, and, up until high school, maintaining eye contact while having a conversation. While I felt very frustrated, these obstacles taught me how to relate to the struggles of others, how to overcome strife, and, from those who worked hard to help me face said challenges and shaped me into the man I am today, how important it is to leave places and people better than you found them.
So far, my efforts in community service have involved volunteering at centers for children with mental disabilities and tutoring students in my synagogues Religious School program. I would like to continue to volunteer during my time at Elon, perhaps with kids, but I feel that my leadership skills should also be developed. To be honest, I originally signed up for the Periclean Scholars program for the travel aspect and the process of learning about another country and culture, but then I realized how wonderful of an opportunity this is to learn how to become and better team player and leader in a worthwhile cause. I truly believe that I will learn so much from all of you as we work together for the next three years.
Although I have a lot to learn, I believe I can make meaningful contributions to this group. For starters, I am quite empathetic, so I am able to see life through the perspectives of others, especially the people we will try to help. Also, I have a knack for analyzing situations for good potential outcomes. Finally, I have a futuristic outlook, so that I can look beyond the petty issues of short-term problems and help this group for success in the long haul.
I look forward to working with you all.
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