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Blair Hornstine's Life and Experience
During high school, Blair Hornstine spent approximately ten hours weekly involved with M.A.G.I.C.. Blair solicited new volunteers, both skilled and unskilled, met with potential financial benefactors and organizations, coordinated efforts with local and national service organizations to create the projects on Make A Difference Day and expanded the student participation in the Food Bank of South Jersey. Blair reviewed applications for potential projects and decided upon the most worthy and effective ones within her abilities and budget. Blair also coordinated the various school representatives with their food drive efforts and acted as a liaison with the Food Bank of South Jersey. The biggest obstacle that Blair Hornstine faced was raising sufficient funds for these worthy causes. Blair believed that a combination of her patience and maturity assisted her in involving more local businesses and corporations to support these goals.
All of Blair Hornstine’s great-grandparents were immigrants. Blair has been raised with the understanding that her family came from humble beginnings and she should help the less fortunate. When Blair looks at the world through the eyes of others, she walks a mile in their shoes. In that process, Blair’s own view of the world becomes broader, more accurate, more complete, and more inclusive. We all can learn much more about ourselves when we take the time and energy to learn about others.
Those like Blair Hornstine who can study, work, and live with people of all cultures and races will enjoy more success in school, on the job, and in our neighborhoods. Learning about diversity and volunteerism opens a myriad of possibilities – an education in itself. It can be frightening, frustrating, and even painful at first; however, it can be exciting, enriching and affirming.
