Ben Franklin

_ It’s hard to explain why I admire Benjamin Franklin without writing a short essay.  He was endlessly curious, incredibly reasonable, and self critical.  He observed and evaluated everything around him, from conversations with managers to how friends spent their money.  Because of honest evaluation methods and a deep interest in the world around him, he was able to better himself and the society he lived in.  It was not solely from luck or talent that Ben Franklin became famous and influential, but because of his constant desire to improve things. 

Charles Eames

The Eames had a playful design sense rooted in functional aspirations.  They emerged in a time when design was a new concept, and they established it as a respected profession.  Charles Eames was not distracted by official titles, but worked through several mediums.  To him, designing was creative problem solving, and could be done using everything from furniture, to print, video, and public spaces.    Eames' work for the 1964 Worlds Fair also piqued my interest in exhibition design and other cross disciplines. 

Must watch movie for fans: Eames:  Architect and Painter 

Earnes Shackleton

Shackleton led a brave expedition to cross the Antarctic in 1914.  Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, face deadly challenges from the outset.  The first blow came when the Endurance became trapped in ice overnight.  Shackleton and his crew stayed on board until the ice crushed the ship to pieces.  Though there were several chances for mutiny or sudden death, Shackleton kept his crew from harm by his bravery and excellent leadership techniques.  Shackleton stayed positive and strong throughout the trials of the Antarctic, allowing his entire crew to return home alive and well.

Must watch movie for fans: The Endurance

Animus

_ I first saw Animus’ Honey Trap at an NYC party, where I was impressed by its ability to bring people together and allow them to explore in a relatively small amount of space.  I love to climb, which is something this piece of art fully encourages!  (The Octopolis, a later variation on the Honeytrap, is pictured above.)  I also had the opportunity to help with their Astor Place Flaming Cactus project by wrapping street poles in zip ties.  Volunteering with art projects has given me many unique experiences, and provided countless chances to meet new and interesting friends.         www.animusart.com/   




                                   

Mrs. Ronkin

_ One of my most influential teachers was Mrs. Ronkin, who taught me piano from age 12-18.  It's easy for a distracted teenager to give up on something difficult without devoting a true effort, but Mrs. Ronkin would not allow me to settle for average playing.  By encouraging me to work very hard to achieve my best piano playing, she taught me that anything worth doing is worth doing well.  As a result, when I put effort into doing something, it is something that I can be proud of.