Jack Riley is genuine, empathetic, and humble, traits we all ought to improve on. He sees life as a reflection of all past experiences, allowing him to understand the most complex topics. His application of his mirror-like mentality on comprehending history and culture combined with his kind relations and focus on interpersonal connections makes him one of the smartest peers I have ever known. In the following article, I will dive into what makes Jack, JACK!
I had the pleasure of being Jack’s friend last year, and he was the perfect candidate for the senior spotlight. In the IB Diploma program and as a leader in Climate Club, Jack always takes the “hardest road possible.” In our interview, Jack told me stories of perseverance his whole life. He has continuously seized every opportunity in sight, embracing challenges as purpose. Even in said challenges, he keeps calm and contained. His presence soothes stress as optimism radiates his soul.
Jack was born in Texas, raised in Mississippi, early teen hood in Colorado, and majority of highschool here in Washington. Him moving around the country has brought him life-changing authentic experiences that contribute to his mentality as a whole. In the interview, Jack explained how differing diversity has influenced his experiences. He recounted memories of neighborhood bike rides with friends and climbing trees, expressing deep nostalgia and his love for his “friends all over the country”. Jack loves people, getting to know them on deep levels and that is why he wants to work for the United Nations.
As of now, Jack is planning on attending the University of Washington (although waiting to hear back from NYU and UChicago- they would be stupid not to let him in – with full ride.) He is going to study Global Studies as he aspires to work in the international relations field. Jack wants to, and is going to, solve real problems. His big ambitions seem realistic to me as I know his perseverance mindset and interpersonal skills can take him anywhere. He is knowledgeable of niche global topics, as an insatiably curious learner.
Jack does everything with purpose. He took french classes to one day contribute to relations with Cameroon. He listens to music made during war time, to learn the social movements in a different lens. He watches Japanese films to better understand their culture and manifestation of history. History. Jack has an amazing relationship with history. Jack said that he sees “History is a reflection of where we are now”. Knowing this, he uses history as a tool to better relations with others. He aims to understand a culture, a community, or a person better by listening and learning. While he thinks his friends would describe himself as quiet, he explains that he is always listening and participating, but learning to better understand. I have witnessed this, as in a large group Jack chuckles as he is the only one who hears my joke. Jack is a listener.
Jack takes inspiration and motivation from his family, specifically his dad. He says he gets his composure, patience, and hard working attitude from his father. As Jack has grown up, he has grown to understand his father in a new way. Now, he appreciates the determination and focus his father has on personal connections and family.
Jack is fascinated by films and books and music. A diverse taste in each arena, he consistently strives to learn more about people. But, beyond learning about others, Jack is content and joyous about himself. He explained to me that he spends time doing introspection.“If you understand yourself you can understand others too” Once again, even in his approach in learning about himself, he is humble.
Jack Riley is an amazing human, and I am honored to be his friend. Luckily, we are (most likely) going to attend the same university next year. This is amazing because not only will I still get to see jack, but UW will have a smart, kind, thoughtful, and funny student, making it a better place. No matter where Jack goes, he raises the community. Thank you Jack for being a giver and a listener.
